Luckily I don't get them very often, but my husband has some sort of flu or virus that I think I'm now catching....the first symptom being a headache (he's got a fever, too, so I wonder if that's next for me).
I try never to take anything for my occasional headaches since I take enough drugs as it is and especially since NSAID's worsen our colitis. But yesterday afternoon I had to give in and take some Ibuprofen. Unfortunately a couple hours later I had severe, doubling-over stomach pains. (but the headache was gone.... quite the trade-off, huh?)
In the past the occasional Ibuprofen didn't really bother me, (probably because I was on Asacol?) but since I gave up Asacol on Tuesday I'm assuming that's why the Ibuprofen wreaked so much havoc.
I have the headache again today and need to attend a birthday party this afternoon so am torn between going with the headache or taking something for it and dealing with stomach pains.
Is there anything safe to take for a headache that won't annoy my gut?
Sue
What do you take for headaches?
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What do you take for headaches?
Sue
Diagnosed November 2004, Used Asacol and Lialda, sometimes worked, sometimes made it worse. Entocort always works but hate it. Remission only lasts 3-6 months and then back on Entocort. Enterolab test July 2017, now gluten free. Time will tell!
Diagnosed November 2004, Used Asacol and Lialda, sometimes worked, sometimes made it worse. Entocort always works but hate it. Remission only lasts 3-6 months and then back on Entocort. Enterolab test July 2017, now gluten free. Time will tell!
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humbird753
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Hi Sue,
The only pain med (over the counter) I have found that a person with MC can take is tylenol. I think others will agree with this. But if there is something different, I'd like to hear about it also. I hope you don't get the flu/virus your husband has.
Paula
The only pain med (over the counter) I have found that a person with MC can take is tylenol. I think others will agree with this. But if there is something different, I'd like to hear about it also. I hope you don't get the flu/virus your husband has.
Paula
Paula
"You'll never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have."
"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass... It's learning to dance in the rain."
"You'll never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have."
"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass... It's learning to dance in the rain."
Thanks, Paula..... I had no idea Tylenol was somewhat safe. What makes it safer, the fact that it is not a "non steroidal anti inflammatory drug"?
Wait.... I just confused myself. Wouldn't people with an inflamed colon WANT an anti-inflammatory drug?
Not enough coffee yet today.
Sue
Wait.... I just confused myself. Wouldn't people with an inflamed colon WANT an anti-inflammatory drug?
Not enough coffee yet today.
Sue
Sue
Diagnosed November 2004, Used Asacol and Lialda, sometimes worked, sometimes made it worse. Entocort always works but hate it. Remission only lasts 3-6 months and then back on Entocort. Enterolab test July 2017, now gluten free. Time will tell!
Diagnosed November 2004, Used Asacol and Lialda, sometimes worked, sometimes made it worse. Entocort always works but hate it. Remission only lasts 3-6 months and then back on Entocort. Enterolab test July 2017, now gluten free. Time will tell!
Hi Sue,
Paula is quite correct. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is the only non-narcotic analgesic that's safe for virtually everyone who has MC. It's not related to salicylates (NSAIDs). The reason why NSAIDs are contraindicated for us is because for most people who have an IBD, they stimulate the production of leukotrienes (which are inflammatory modulators). In fact, the production of leukotrienes is the reason why most of us who are sensitive to NSAIDS are also sensitive to Asacol (mesalamine).
You apparently have developed a sensitivity to NSAIDs, which is probably why the Asacol no longer works for you (IMO).
The Bottom line is that while NSAIDs are considered to be anti-inflammatory for most people in the general population, for many people who have an IBD, they promote inflammation, instead.
Tex
Paula is quite correct. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is the only non-narcotic analgesic that's safe for virtually everyone who has MC. It's not related to salicylates (NSAIDs). The reason why NSAIDs are contraindicated for us is because for most people who have an IBD, they stimulate the production of leukotrienes (which are inflammatory modulators). In fact, the production of leukotrienes is the reason why most of us who are sensitive to NSAIDS are also sensitive to Asacol (mesalamine).
You apparently have developed a sensitivity to NSAIDs, which is probably why the Asacol no longer works for you (IMO).
The Bottom line is that while NSAIDs are considered to be anti-inflammatory for most people in the general population, for many people who have an IBD, they promote inflammation, instead.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Very good question and idea! Fortunately I don't usually have headaches that I would consider severe (although I used to get migraines on occasion but haven't seen one of those in probably 5 years, thank God). But it is definitely something to remember if something SHOULD come up that requires the extra kick. I'm sure my GP (who I have known and loved for over 30 years) would have no problem calling me in a prescription for that... we've been together a very long time and he pretty much gives me whatever I ask for.desertrat wrote:I know that it is hard to get, but would Tylenol with codeine be a better route, when pain is severe? Or is codeine a no-no with MC?
Will be curious to see what others say about having codeine with our condition.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Sue
Diagnosed November 2004, Used Asacol and Lialda, sometimes worked, sometimes made it worse. Entocort always works but hate it. Remission only lasts 3-6 months and then back on Entocort. Enterolab test July 2017, now gluten free. Time will tell!
Diagnosed November 2004, Used Asacol and Lialda, sometimes worked, sometimes made it worse. Entocort always works but hate it. Remission only lasts 3-6 months and then back on Entocort. Enterolab test July 2017, now gluten free. Time will tell!
Gee, I think I have a bottle of that hanging around for one of my dogs! I'll bet it's the same stuff, but, don't worry, I won't get tempted to take it...... I'll just get my own.Joefnh wrote:Sue another good MC safe pain med that is not too sedating is Ultram (Tramadol). It is a prescription and works quite well for headaches. It is about as strong as Tylenol with codeine
Good thought - thanks!
Sue
Sue
Diagnosed November 2004, Used Asacol and Lialda, sometimes worked, sometimes made it worse. Entocort always works but hate it. Remission only lasts 3-6 months and then back on Entocort. Enterolab test July 2017, now gluten free. Time will tell!
Diagnosed November 2004, Used Asacol and Lialda, sometimes worked, sometimes made it worse. Entocort always works but hate it. Remission only lasts 3-6 months and then back on Entocort. Enterolab test July 2017, now gluten free. Time will tell!
Sue,
The narcotic-based painkillers work fine for most people who have MC. The only problems occur with long-term heavy use, where impaction can become a serious risk, due to the fact that narcotics slow down motility. Because of that effect on motility, some people have used narcotic painkillers to control their D, but that becomes very risky, in the long term. In the short term, it's usually not a problem.
Tex
The narcotic-based painkillers work fine for most people who have MC. The only problems occur with long-term heavy use, where impaction can become a serious risk, due to the fact that narcotics slow down motility. Because of that effect on motility, some people have used narcotic painkillers to control their D, but that becomes very risky, in the long term. In the short term, it's usually not a problem.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Hi Sue,
This would not work for your situation but when I had a 3.5 month stress headache the really killer types from those once in every 20 year extremely stressful family situations where the front of your forehead is a total ball from stress I had botox. I was at the dermatologist and flat out could not deal with the pain anymore and asked about it for headache relief. It cost $150.00 and took about 2-3 weeks to kick in but it worked and with no side effects. I didn't turn out looking like a housewife from Orange County either! I'm not going to do it again for cosmetic reasons as that is not my thing but I'd do it again for one of those killer non stop stress headaches. I've been meaning to report on this and thought everyone would get a chuckle. Brandy
This would not work for your situation but when I had a 3.5 month stress headache the really killer types from those once in every 20 year extremely stressful family situations where the front of your forehead is a total ball from stress I had botox. I was at the dermatologist and flat out could not deal with the pain anymore and asked about it for headache relief. It cost $150.00 and took about 2-3 weeks to kick in but it worked and with no side effects. I didn't turn out looking like a housewife from Orange County either! I'm not going to do it again for cosmetic reasons as that is not my thing but I'd do it again for one of those killer non stop stress headaches. I've been meaning to report on this and thought everyone would get a chuckle. Brandy
I think if one has consistent headaches or migraines, it wise to look to food as a potential culprit, Sulfites, aged foods, chocolate, caffeine etc are all know headache triggers, but sensitivities like corn can be a trigger. If this is the case I would suggest MRT. I have had very good luck in helping people rid themselves of headaches by changing diet.
I don't take any meds for headache. I had a horrible reaction to NSAIDS and when I was at my sickest with mast cell issues I even reacted to Tylenol. Because of that I started doing accupressure to hep relieve the pain. By applying pressure to the pressure points on the back of the neck and between the thumb and index finger I can notice a reduction in headache pain. It's not as effective as meds, but it does help for those with sensitivity to pain meds.
Mary Beth
I don't take any meds for headache. I had a horrible reaction to NSAIDS and when I was at my sickest with mast cell issues I even reacted to Tylenol. Because of that I started doing accupressure to hep relieve the pain. By applying pressure to the pressure points on the back of the neck and between the thumb and index finger I can notice a reduction in headache pain. It's not as effective as meds, but it does help for those with sensitivity to pain meds.
Mary Beth
"If you believe it will work out, you'll see opportunities. If you believe it won't you will see obstacles." - Dr. Wayne Dyer