Friday, June 6, 2014

Sprained Ankle/Taking NSAID With Crohn's/Alieve Cramping With Crohns?



So Wednesday night (June 5, 2014) I was working out at the local apartment workout center and after I did my work out I was coming off the elliptical machine and came down the wrong way and ended up on the ground in pain. I knew right away I had sprained my ankle. I was on the ground and then got up and was a little light headed. So I found the closest bench I could find and just took a rest there. I was able to get out of the work out room (actually in not much pain). I went back to my apartment and put some ice on it and did some research and saw raising the sprained foot also helps. The pain the first night I had the sprained ankle wasn't too bad. Although, I did wake up around 2 A.M. Thursday morning and felt like someone had stabbed my foot. On Thursday morning I could barely get out of bed. I called my mother and said I probably should go to the doctor. I then called my internist and he was on vacation so I was able to go to an emergency care center in town.  The wait time was really quick as no one else was waiting. A nurse asked me what drugs I was taking, what hurt, and how it happened. A doctor came in and then said he would take x-rays. I was taken on a stretcher to get some x-rays done which didn't take long. The results were sent to a radiologist and the doctor came back with the results within a few minutes which was quite impressive.

This morning (June 6th, 2014) I woke up for work and actually felt pretty good. My ankle did have some pain and was bruised but was an improvement over yesterday. I am not back to normal and still have to walk slow but I should improve over the weekend.

The doctor wrapped up my foot and I was given crutches to take home (they a pain to use). I asked the doctor since I have Crohn's is it okay to take Tyenol and other NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammation drugs). So let me take you back to the fall of 2011 when I had Crohn's but actually didn't know I had it. I was in constant stomach pain all the time and must have taken multiple bottles of Tylenol Extra Strength which may perhaps made my condition worse. I still remember going to Walgreens to get some more Tylenol thinking how much of this stuff can I take? Growing up however I hardly ever used Tylenol or medications in general for pain. I called my gastroentrologist to ask if I could take Alieve. His office replied back within 15 minutes after asking him and he said it was okay to take. So I took Alieve and I did notice some cramping a little after. Tonight (June 6th, 2014-2 years to the day I started Humira) I did notice a loose bowel movement (however I did have chocolate ice cream which usually gives me the best chance of having a loose bowel movement). I take my Humira injection tomorrow night which should put me back on track.

This study from 1987 shows that 4 patients that had inflammatory bowel disease that were given nonsterodial anti-inflammatory drugs had prompt exacerbation of their disease. This meta analysis (a grouping of all the studies that have been done) showed in 2004 that some patients had a flare after taking NSAID drugs. I think there is no evidence one way or the other, however given I felt some cramping after taking Alieve I will try to stay away as much as I can from taking NSAIDs until I see data to prove otherwise.

1 comment:

  1. You've been through a lot. Crohn's disease is really hard to deal with. I'm glad you aren't letting it stop you from living your life to the fullest. Anyway, it's good that your sprain is getting better. It should take a few days, but keep on resting your ankle and the inflammation will go away with continuous intake of the medicine the doctor gave. Good luck and take care!

    Aubrey Holloway @ Primary Care Associates

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