The dangers of Nurofen - wife almost died

Pinch · 24-09-2009, 08:56 PM

Hey all

Have only just been able to put this together to post. Bear with me as it is a bit long winded, but it might just come in handy.

The full story. My wife has had chronic neck pain since 2001 from 2 car accidents where she was hit from behind. Among other treatments she has been taking anti inflammatories on an ongoing basis as directed by her Dr.

Fast forward to late 2008 and she developed a pain that seemed to be high in the chest. Her GP diagnosed this as Tietze Syndrome which is an inflamation of the rib cage following a chest infection. The treatment was anti inflammatories.

The pain went away, but returned in April this year. From then it never really went away. The Dr advised that Tietze can return and it must be the second wave. Again anti inflammatories were prescribed.

As it turns out my wife never had Tietze. It was a stomach ulcer caused by anti inflammatories. Being educationally and legally trained, my wife and I never questioned the Dr or the constant pain. Big mistake.

The ulcer kept wearing through the lining of her stomach until it reached the artery. It is likely it reached this stage while we were in Thailand (early July) as the pain increased markedly. At one stage we were on the Thai-Laos border in the middle of nowhere. We flew home as planned but my wife was in huge pain.

It was a few weeks later my wife had slept again all weekend as all she was managing to do was go to work, come home, then sleep. Again we didn't question it. On the Monday in early Aug she was sick still so I stayed home to take her to the Dr. I actually had a big court case that day, but for some seriously unfathomable reason I didn't remember when I called in absent. Had I of remembered, I would have gone in. Took my wife to Dr but still saying just a virus etc even though she had no colour, no energy and was dizzy. They didn't check her blood pressure, but did ask for a pathology test. Went to the place upstairs there but my wife couldn't get up the 15 stairs. Eventually managed it after 10 mins. Almost collapsed again up there and pathologist marked it urgent. I then got her home.

About 8 she collapsed unconscious in the bathroom after vomiting blood. Called an ambulance, but she came to before it connected. Said she was ok but couldn't get off the floor for 30 mins. Duty Dr at the medical centre then called saying they had bloods back and her haemoglobin was about 45 (should be 115), she was really anemic and had to get to hospital. Had come to that conclusion anyway but that confirmed it. My Dad came over but we Couldn't get my wife to walk, then collapsed again so just got the ambulance. Then taken to hospital and was pretty stable for a while.

Had 4 blood transfusions that night and I left at 2 am. Specialist came 4 pm next day. Said was stable and would do an internal exam via camera on Thurs (this was a Tues). Just then it all let go and the artery started bleeding out. Ended up being like a Grey's Anatomy scene or something people coming from everywhere and we were pushed out. Rushed to theatre then for an emergency op. They were still only going to do a check for the bleeding with a camera and maybe try and burn the bleed a bit to stop it.

Outside theatre my wife then almost lost all her blood so they just did the major op straight away and oversew the artery. There wasn't much in it. Minutes, seconds maybe, but they got it. When the surgeon came down he looked really unsure. Will never forget that look.

Anyway she made it then, and the rest is history.

If in constant pain - always question it regardless of what your Dr says. I can't ever recommend anyone taking Nurofen now - even if directed by a Dr. This stuff is seriously potent and should not be sold in supermarkets. I think this is actually under review.

Just about everything that could have gone right did though. If one little thing changed, or had of happened at any other time, then this story would have a much different ending. I owe someone, or some god/being/deity/whatever BIG time.

While its a long recovery - not back at work this year, it looks like a full recovery will be made.

I hope by posting this someome else might avoid such a near miss.

Life is precious and fickle people - treat it as such.

Pinch · 24-09-2009, 09:11 PM

One very important and integral part of this story is the quality of care given to my wife by both the private and public hospital systems, especially the latter. While my wife was originally taken to a private hospital, no such hospital had the intensive care facilities of the major public hospitals.

I have since been advised that where there is some sort of emergency situation you should generally always go to a public emergency dept - especially if going via ambulance. In serious life threatening cases the public hospitals actually are better equipped to deal with it.

The doctors, nurses, and ambo's saved my wife's life and nothing I could do could ever get close to expressing that gratitude. But they and everyone else from wardspersons, admin and canteen workers not only saved my wife's life, they helped my mother in law and I in ways that we will always remember. Everyone was just so dedicated and compassionate and always went way beyond what I would expect people to do. Especially people who are so overworked and underrecognised in many ways.

They were all angels.

And their dedication to their work has inspired me to be a better person in my own life.

For all the bagging public hospitals get, I honestly cound not have asked for any better care. I know this is not always the case though.

To all those that are involved with hospitals saving and caring for people, my most heart felt thank you. You guys are truly phenominal and deserve all the rewards you get - whatever form that may take.

rodderz · 24-09-2009, 09:18 PM

I have heard some bad stories of nurofen and other pain relievers of similar makeup. You shouldn't take them on an empty stomach for the reasons you mentioned about what happened to your wife. Especially the strong versions of them.

I never really take them anyway, I've never found them to do anything. If you're in pain, I find a tablet does nothing. Most times during a headache for example you sleep it off anyway.

**aussiblue** · 24-09-2009, 09:22 PM

All anti-inflammatories give me internal bleeding although I seem to be able to tolerate low occasional doses of disprin. It's actually a fairly common problem. See
http://www.examiner.com/x-11400-Clev...ly-health-risk

Quote:

Nearly 16,500 PEOPLE IN America dies in a single year from internal bleeding, a result of the use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). NSAIDS, also known as over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, are responsible for almost as many deaths as AIDS.

I have also once ended up in intensive care as a result of internal blood loss, although in my case the suspected cause was excessive hypertension caused by a pheochromocytoma. In any event I sympathise.

**aussiblue** · 24-09-2009, 09:27 PM

Also see: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7909103

Quote:

NSAIDs should be used only in patients who do not respond to other analgesics; the lowest possible doses should be used; and the least toxic NSAIDs should be selected.

**Captain Stubing** · 24-09-2009, 09:28 PM

I'm glad your wife is on the road to recovery. I wish you both well.

A lot of over the counter drugs are questionable as to their safety.

Iggypoppin' · 24-09-2009, 09:41 PM

Pinch, this is the only other case I have heard of similar to my ex gf's. We split up after she had to be flown to Sydney for treatment for internal bleeding, liver and kidney failure and stomach ulcers. I found out she was addicted to nurofen plus. She has not recovered and it will be a few years before she does. We still talk but she is in constant pain and never talks for long. I feel your pain mate I only hope your wife recovers..

Pinch · 24-09-2009, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 76txcoupe

Pinch, this is the only other case I have heard of similar to my ex gf's. We split up after she had to be flown to Sydney for treatment for internal bleeding, liver and kidney failure and stomach ulcers. I found out she was addicted to nurofen plus. She has not recovered and it will be a few years before she does. We still talk but she is in constant pain and never talks for long. I feel your pain mate I only hope your wife recovers..

Mate, that is not good at all. I really hope she can get though it as soon as possible. That is a huge amount to go through, knowing the pain my wife was (and is in due to recovery), I just can't imagine that.

I had no idea about any of this being so prevalent. Hence my post. There is info out there obviously as has been posted, but I had never come across it. Those stats comparing to AIDS are astounding.

Dangerous stuff indeed. Thanks for the well wishes too.

Iggypoppin' · 24-09-2009, 10:10 PM

Mmm it's shocking to think it is so easy to have happen to a person..I had no idea it was happening to tamara, the ex, until I learnt she was in Sydney. The addiction caused a psychological breakdown and her subsequent admission to a mental health ward. She has since been released but this is almost 3 years later, and she still suffers. Her body is crippled, but repairable. She is on the mend, so I'm thankful. My best to you.

BA Baracus · 24-09-2009, 10:52 PM

Sorry to hear and hope your wife recovers well and quickly.

Definitely good advice staying away from nurofen in general. I take around 4 or 5 different types of painkillers at once for severe sciatic nerve pain (nerve compression and a ruptured disc). GP's tend to recommend nurofen as part of the cocktail but specialist has told me to stay the hell away from it because of the stomach complications. Scary thing is he showed no concern with the other painkillers I take some of which are controlled drugs and serious as they come but he couldn't stress enough to avoid nurofen which you can go buy of the shelf at coles in packs of 96.

kyro_02 · 24-09-2009, 10:55 PM

i've been taking anti inflammatory/muscle pain relief for 4 months or so.... maybe its time to stop..

sad story, and with a narrow escape, hope everything is all good now

csv8 · 24-09-2009, 11:31 PM

I hope the missus is on the improve. Get well soon !! Studies show that Panadol is as good as anything for arthitis etc. Ibrufen, as you found out can have serious side effects.
Private hospitals are only good for elective surgery. No drs 24hr etc. ANYTHING major go public..drs, xray staff etc 24/7/52.
I use the Homedics Neck Massager,it has a heat setting and two levels of massage. $49.95 Hardly Normals, Retravision etc sell them.Plus Dencorub etc all help. I find it helps with my neck problem from years of nursing.

Work Horse · 24-09-2009, 11:56 PM

Wow, all the very best to you and your family Pinch. A speedily and complete recovery to your wife.

I thought I lost my wife last year,(she's fine now), it does tend to grab your attention and get you to focus on what is really important.

We should never stop trying to improve them but our public hospitals do fantastic work.

StookEB · 25-09-2009, 12:00 AM

I'm Sorry to here about your wife mate :(

I wasnt surprised to hear that Nurofen caused it, we have been talking about it in class (certificate 3 in aged Care), its not a innocent tablet.

Heres an interesting article I've just found, its a year old but still interesting reading:

SMH Link

daniel_rossy · 25-09-2009, 12:21 AM

I used to take Nurofen when i was young, had bad ankles and they rolled easy, but then I randomly stopped taking them because i heard on the tv they were bad for you and didn't really think much of it, or know the side effects of that medicine until now.

Now I avoid taking any pain killers in general and haven't taken one in 5 years.

Thanks for sharing your story buddy, it hopefully will influence someone elses choice on their use of painkillers.

Hope the wife makes a full and speedy recovery,

ltd · 25-09-2009, 11:23 AM

Pinch, thanks for the heads up mate and for sharing such a desperate situation with us all. Your story has inspired me to go home and empty out my bathroom cabinet of nurofen. Who knew it was so bad?
I hope your wife is doing well and recovering, and am impressed by your new outlook on life as you are 100% correct; it is indeed fickle.
All the best mate to you and your wife.

gcg2503 · 25-09-2009, 11:39 AM

Pinch I wish your wife a very speedy recovery

I can only imagine how much this condition must have concenred you both over the years.

Isnt it odd how we never question Doctors as much as we should or seek alternative opinions when essentially our lives hang in the balance. I empathise as I too have nearly lost someone who didnt question what the Medico was doing.

Fireblade · 25-09-2009, 11:50 AM

I hope for you and your wife's sake she will be okay Pinch, it serves to highlight how much the general public really know of the dangers of over the counter or prescription meds.

Its not so much just Nurofen thats the problem, its all products containing Ibuprofen. My wife has a back injury from work over 3 years ago now, she was prescribed Ibuprofen along with tramal. After 18 months of these for her pain, admittedly she had cut right down due to the fact of having a long term injury and just dealing with the pain, the specialist had told her she needed to get off them then and there. That is where we found out that with long term use of Ibuprofen products that stomach ulcers form and you can be in real trouble like Pinch's wife.

If only the states medical board took notice of these happenings and stepped in with the prescription of these meds on a long term basis like other high dose pain meds, last year I tore 2 disks in my lower back, I was prescribed Endone for the pain as it was severe, after 6 months of prescriptions the medical board of SA stepped in with a letter to my Dr. saying he cannot prescribe them for me anymore and that I was black flagged on the system for these painkillers. They did this because they knew I had got addicted to them, I had denied this to them and myself and it wasn't until I had runout of these pills that I had realised how bad it was.

Trevor 57 · 25-09-2009, 11:52 AM

My wife has had a similar experience, she was taking medication for rhuematoid arthritis that is reknowned for stomach ulcers, we never clicked.

But anyway hse has chest pains, rush her to the local hospital, get in trouble for not calling ambulance, they fly her to Melbourne to see heart specialist, they did a check of the working of her heart by inserting a camera in femoral vein.

Turns out she also has stomach ulcers, they are very hard to manage.

Fled74 · 25-09-2009, 12:00 PM

Best wishes to you and your family.

Shouldn't the doctor be held liable?
I almost lost my mum 7 years ago when a doctor mis-diagnosed her illness as typhoid fever and sent her home with medication - turns out she had Meningitis. If we hadn't gone to another doctor we might not have found out until it was too late.

Lucky it was treated in time, but she lost most of her hearing (90% loss in the right ear, 30-40% in the left).

Quicksand · 25-09-2009, 12:31 PM

Some amazing stories here, thanks to all for sharing.

My wife has a condition called 'Malignant Hyperthermia', which is basically a fatal allergy to general anaesthetics. She nearly died on the operating table twice as a child and they had no idea what was causing it...long story so i wont get into it, but 18 years later she was admitted to the hospital due to an ectopic pregnancy, and on that very day the leading specialist of Malignant Hyperthermia, who works RANDOM days of the month at that hospital was assigned to her care, and she was diagnosed shortly after. She now wears a med alert bracelet 24/7. Providence!

She is also allergic to codiene (sp?), which is often in drugs like Nurofen. One of my friends nearly died taking some so...

Certainly pays to be vigilant! Even then its easy to be caught out.

Glad to hear your wife is coming along well mate,

T

Pinch · 25-09-2009, 01:51 PM

Again thanks all, and yes it is all ibruprofen, disprin and similar derivatives that can cause this but I just put the major known brand in the title. My wife was actually taking Panafen Plus.

Re the Dr being liable, I would assume there is at least some cause of action to investigate. But having practised plaintiff personal injury law earlier in my career I can vouch for not pursuing a medical negligence claim unless we were seriously about to lose our house etc. We both had plenty of leave up our sleeve and full health cover so all the bills have been paid. 4 years of turmoil and stress (average claim settlement time) and reliving the whole thing over and over is hardly worth the pittance of a capped med neg claim in NSW.

I think there has been some action taken by the treating specialist discussing the matter with the AMA about the misdiagnosis. Maybe some disciplinary action will occur from that, but we are concentrating on the important things. I think spreading the word about what happened (like here) and raising awareness is probably a good idea. Even just here there are people with plenty of experience unfortunately. Being the consumate education professional my wife agreed to uni med students coming out from a few Sydney uni's and talking to her about her experience. This was really invasive questioning but without hesitation my wife knew the value of doing it. Hopefully that helps future awareness within the profession.

It seems a classic warning sign is the chest pain. If you have been taking any ibruprofen and have chest pain, ask about checks for stomach or duodenal ulcers. The problem with this though is the chest pain, not dissimilar to heart attack pain, is sometimes treated with disprin derivatives.

King Nothing · 25-09-2009, 02:45 PM

Holy crap mate, that's a terrible story! So glad that it looks like it'll work out. I hope for a speedy recovery. Will never buy this product!

**Falcon Coupe** · 25-09-2009, 03:37 PM

A very close call Pinch, good to hear everything shall be ok in the long term.

For the benefit of those using these drugs, do you mind telling how much your wife was taking daily for this to happen ?

Spudz27 · 25-09-2009, 03:59 PM

Glad everything is o.k.

I take Nurofen or Voltaren Rapid 25 for my back. However I only take 2 of the Nurofen or 1 of the voltaren, when I go to bed to help with my back pain so I can sleep and every 5 days I stop taking them for 3 days at least. This is because I know the risks involved with these meds so I limit the amount I take.

rusty 351 · 26-09-2009, 12:05 AM

thanks for posting this up mate,

my mrs was told a few months ago she had a stomach ulcer and the local quack just told her to lay of the wine, which seems to have worked,

however she takes a lot of ibuprofen in the form of panafen plus, so i wonder how much damage this has also done? ill be making sure she reads this thread

hope your wife makes a full recovery

cheers

Pinch · 26-09-2009, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falcon Coupe

A very close call Pinch, good to hear everything shall be ok in the long term.

For the benefit of those using these drugs, do you mind telling how much your wife was taking daily for this to happen ?

Varied. 2 up to 6 a day. Maybe 8 on the very occassional bad day. Never over the max. Often went days or weeks without it.

Probably the taking over the longer term (years) that did it more than overdosing in a short period.

ILLaViTaR · 26-09-2009, 03:51 AM

Woah, glad to here she's ok.

Just shows how corrupt the world is, they deem weed illegal (Can't even prove 1 death from it) yet have this lethal poison on the shelves.

DRU842 · 26-09-2009, 11:10 AM

I'm glad she's OK and certainly the Doctor should have made you aware of the potential effects of long-term use.
Fundamentally too much of anything is a bad thing, you can OD on Vitamins, with dramatic health effects for some people and don't get me started on the potentials for alergic reactions.
The history of these 'asprin' based medications is well documented and the side-effects of prolonged exposure are available; the Bex dosages of the 50's & 60's - http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/coll...se/?irn=340661
Anyone using longterm medication should question their GP and research on their own the potential side effects.

gtfpv · 26-09-2009, 01:40 PM

WOW . i'm glad your wife is ok , thanks for sharing , recently i've preferred nurofen for headaches over pannadol. i think i'll switch back.

slightly off topic , but related, my wife took one of those thrush tablets about 2 years ago.and ended up in an ambulance about 4 hours later, all the medical staff denighed it was an allergic reation, but treated her for one anyway ,at my insistance , and they didnt know what else to do . they said no one had ever had a reaction to these before. some weeks later , her gynacologist confirmed it was definately a severe allergic reaction.
insistance and 2nd and 3rd opinions dont hurt .