DEAR DR. GOTT:
For the past several months I have been experiencing burning sensations in different areas of my body. They may occur on the top of my foot, near my shoulder, the back of my hand, chest, or other areas.
I went to my nurse practitioner who wasn’t sure what was causing this. She called in the physician whose office she works in, explained what I was complaining about and he just shook his head.
I’ve had osteoarthritis for years for which I take Celebrex twice a day. I also take Celexa for depression, Nexium for reflux, multi-vitamins, vitamin C, calcium and omega 3. Would you have any idea what is causing the burning sensations? They’re very uncomfortable, even though they only last a few minutes at a time.
DEAR READER:
Let’s review some of your medications. Celebrex can cause constipation, diarrhea, gas, headache, heartburn, nausea, stuffy nose and more. Severe reactions to the drug can cause chest pain, swelling of the hands and legs, rash, hives and itching. Nexium can cause drowsiness, shortness-of-breath, hives, tremor, and more. Severe reactions include gastrointestinal infection. I recommend you read the ingredient panel of your multi-vitamin. What is the recommended daily dose — one pill, two pills? Will you then consume 100% of the RDA? Does it contain vitamin C, calcium and omega 3? If the answer is yes, you can eliminate these last three drugs. If the answer is no, you might switch to a better multi-vitamin that does contain what you need.
I recommend you return to the prescribing physician for a review of your Celebrex and Nexium. If he or she feels you might be suffering from unwanted side effects, request a change to another product that might provide the relief you are looking for.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Consumer Tips on Medicine“. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
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