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Permalink Reply by Kathy on September 28, 2007 at 6:47pm

I don't know about acetominophen (Tylenol), but I was told to absolutely not take nsaids, such as ibuprofe or alleve as they can damage the kidneys. I take one baby aspirin per day, so obviously that's okay.
But, each person is different, as are type 1's (me) and type 2's.
As far as blood pressure goes, the bad OTC culprits are nasal decongestants, both oral and the stuff you spray up your nose. They can really raise blood pressure.
I know what you mean about "middle-aged aches" - mine are in the morning. I am so stiff that it takes me at least 30 minutes to really get moving. Once I'm revved, however, I'm good for the day.

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Permalink Reply by Jenny on September 29, 2007 at 6:45am

Judith,

Here's the ugly truth. Both Tylenol and NSAIDs (motril, ibuprofen, advil) have a lifetime dose at which they damage your kidneys. For Tylenol it isn't all that high. In addition these drugs also cause a significant rise in blood pressure even in people without diabetes. The blood pressure rise may be a very early warning of kidney damage.

For details, scroll to the bottom of this page: http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/14046942.php and follow the links to see the details.

So it looks like aspirin is by far the very best option for pain control, unless you have a problem with bleeding. I, unfortunately, cannot take Aspirin or any NSAID so I take the very lowest dose of Tylenol that works--often 1/2 of a 325 mg pill. NEVER buy the "extra strengh" of Tylenol or a NSAID as the doseage is so high you could easily meet the lifetime damage threshold in a year or so.

I have some serious orthopedic pain and because of my fear of the kidney damages, my doctor lets me use Darvon or Tramadol when I have a severe episode as neither of these is hard on the kidneys. I haven't used either in almost six months, but it is good to know there are options when things get very tough.

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Permalink Reply by Judith on September 29, 2007 at 1:05pm

Thanks so much Jenny and everyone. I have been aware of potential dangers, but it is very helpful to see them all spelled out so clearly. I may look into the Darvon. I've had 3 knee surgeries over the years and the fibromyalgia diagnosis of 1996 has not gone away just because I've got diabetes now! I have resisted all pain meds for years and use many herbal remedies to ease discomfort or help me get to sleep. But my surgery last winter aged me many years over night, I think, and I'm feeling our wet winter coming on in new and obnoxious ways!.....Be well.....Judith

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Permalink Reply by Emily Whiting on September 30, 2007 at 11:58pm

Tylenol is a good choice so is advil liquid gels (which are my favorit)

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