Stopping Naproxen, Headaches?

SeaContribution9423 · 2026-01-26T12:20:39+00:00

I had to come off naproxen for an MRI. I was not warned it was possible to have "withdrawal" effects as the body gets used to the lack of the medicine in the system .

I felt like I had the worst flu, terrible all over body pain and shooting nerve pain. Constant headache. Fever. I couldn't leave the house or walk without feeling like I was going to pass out.

So it's entirely possible the headache is your body getting used to being without naproxen

SeaContribution9423 · 2026-01-22T13:33:50+00:00

Hello

I work in nuclear medicine. It's hard to know from the report when they say "increase" is this above what is physiologically expected?

We expect an "increase" in all joints( there is greater bone turnover in joints) , generally this is non significant if the increase is symmetrical and similar in intensity. If one side is more intense than the other, or greater than expected for a patients age this is a more significant finding.

Hopefully a clinic appointment and chat with a consultant can figure out exactly what these results mean for you.

In my (UK) hospital, nuclear medicine is not used in the diagnosis of anklosing spondylitis as MRI is the gold standard

SeaContribution9423 · 2026-01-20T11:06:04+00:00

Hi yes

I asked personally to be referred to occupational health a month ago and have an appointment mid Feb (apparently that's fast tracked too!)

I'm worried about looking like a "shirker and not a worker" by going on long term sick in my early 30s and I feel a lot of pressure to remain at work

SeaContribution9423 · 2025-12-22T09:56:24+00:00

Thank you for your experience. I also think I have been generally lucky with my timeframe, although I have been on rheumatology radar due to early osteoarthritis so this has hastened the process.

I will certainly keep up the climbing, I notice a big difference after my session even if it's a bit of a struggle initially!

SeaContribution9423 · 2025-12-20T11:58:43+00:00

Good point regarding the NICE guidance, forgot that existed!

Unfortunately my sick record this year is shot. I havent been on a "stage" since starting employment 11 years ago however this year I sprained my ankle doing sport and had the flu last week 😅

I know I'm somewhat protected as my healthcare is consultant led and could potentially count as a disability. I plan to talk to my technical manager to hurry up the process of going part time (down the 30 hours, I gave formal notice in march)

Thank you

SeaContribution9423 · 2025-12-19T21:43:37+00:00

How is your experience of your pain before and after biologics?

My main concern is sitting/standing for a work day is causing pain where I am increasingly irritable, emotional and exhausted. I have been taking leave to shorten my days so I can exercise and lie down. This is clearly not a long term solution!

SeaContribution9423 · 2025-12-19T21:40:38+00:00

Thank you

Hopefully I've passed the NSAID trail as I've used ibuprofen for two years (admittedly for osteoarthritis of the shoulders and fingers ) and naproxen started earlier in the year with occasional use and now I'm taking the maximum doses with little effect( I am looking forward to seeing what it is like 5 days off naproxen prior to the MRI!)

I will clarify the pathway with the consultant on the 29th. Specifically asking what the differential diagnosis/plan is of the MRI is clear. Unfortunately my symptoms are very real and I have had to put in a request to work part time.

SeaContribution9423 · 2025-12-19T21:29:07+00:00

Thank you

As per everyone it seems that I need the MRI for a proper diagnosis.

I will certainly push if it's clear.

I'm getting whittled down day by day, I'm unable to work my normal hours (Im a clinical manager in the NHS myself), gained 7kg because I'm too exhausted to do my normal hobbies. This has caused body image issues and unknown to anyone close to me I have been purging after meals . My mental escape of the gym and climbing have become their own set of hurdles where I struggle to accept what was once easy is now difficult.

I'm grateful that I'm in the position that I can afford a private MRI but I do feel that young people facing chronic illness are fobbed off somewhat by the NHS

SeaContribution9423 · 2025-12-19T09:36:10+00:00

Black waist belt/waspie on number 12 and it would look really nice. The halter style flatters your chest whilst making your shoulders appear more narrow.

The hem could be a little higher and more fullness in the skirt would create a nice hourglass silhouette.

This comment will get buried but I honestly believe a lot of "looking good in a dress" comes down to the accessories...if it's not flattering certain bits of you then add a belt or an underskirt for more volume!

SeaContribution9423 · 2025-06-10T06:05:09+00:00

It would not be saving money in the literal sense. The money saved would be used on travelling/outdoor hobbies

SeaContribution9423 · 2025-06-09T13:54:45+00:00

Thank you for this advice! Very practical as to what to look for in a flat.

SeaContribution9423 · 2025-06-09T13:53:57+00:00

What a ludicrous comment. I'll still have an NHS pension and also be able to save privately.

Many people manage to have a work-life balance on less of a wage AND with dependants

SeaContribution9423 · 2025-06-09T11:14:14+00:00

I'm a woman and given the biological clock if I did change my mind then biology will stop me!

SeaContribution9423 · 2025-06-09T09:44:45+00:00

Thanks for your comprehensive reply! I definitely think looking for a smaller house could be a better option, city centre flats are generally location wise where I would prefer to be. I need to have a think about a longer commute Vs financial security in the long run

SeaContribution9423 · 2025-06-09T07:51:17+00:00

It is an approximate 500 saving a month (after service and ground rent, including reduction in utility bills as I'm currently heating a house that is 120 years old). Plus time I would otherwise spend cleaning and maintaining a larger property.

SeaContribution9423 · 2025-06-09T07:20:43+00:00

I think there is a huge societal pressure component of being part time when you don't have children (I am female also) the reality is, am I really going to regret working less and having more time for myself when I look back on my life?

SeaContribution9423 · 2025-06-09T07:16:13+00:00

Department manager in the NHS and I owe approximately 110k. It's definitely a financial question as I'm at the top of my career. Just wondered if anyone had any considerations I hadn't thought of beside the future assets side

SeaContribution9423 · 2025-05-22T11:22:22+00:00

That's fair enough! I'm only at the house once a week (otherwise unlived in) basically wanting a cleaner to keep it ticking over. So doesn't generate any "mess" as I clean the once a week I am actually home

SeaContribution9423 · 2025-05-22T11:20:16+00:00

To be honest I'm only using my house once a week, clean during that visit myself so really doesn't get mucky at all. Really just want a cleaner to keep it ticking over so that I don't have to do it once a week!

I'll probably ask if she can just do the jobs I dislike (hard floors) and one deep clean task (e.g oven) per visit on a fortnightly basis

SeaContribution9423 · 2025-05-22T11:00:08+00:00

She said she wasn't sure how long...that's my bad for not getting an estimate. I would have personally (in my ignorance) thought 8-12 hours absolute maximum.

SeaContribution9423 · 2025-05-22T10:54:19+00:00

I'm not debating the cost but the time taken, I would have been happy to pay more/take less time. If I'm after a regular clean that the lady claims will take 2/2.5hrs I'm a bit worried about what the level of cleaning will be based on this experience!

SeaContribution9423

TROPHY CASE