Question: I have Barretts Esophagus and take Effexor XR 150mg daily. My pain doctor is telling me to use Voltaren Topical and said to take "an anti-inflammatory ", but not every day. This sounds iffy given my stomach condition I have also read that Effexor + anti inflammatory (Nsaids) is a no go because of bleeding risk.

Therein lies the problem. Stopping hydrocodone would require regular usage. Perhaps a bit more information is in order. I have a chronic pain condition secondary to two cervical fusions. Both surgeries were delayed, one because XXXXXXX XXXXXXX AMC gave the disc rupture a low priority (quoting my neurosurgeon at the time "no one ever died from a ruptured disc"). I waited 7 months after the diagnosis before the surgery was performed. The second surgery was delayed (ridiculously so) by Tricare. They would not authorize an MRI for 8 months, demanding instead that I to physical therapy for 6 weeks - that made things worse. They then denied again demanding more PT. Finally, 8 month later the MRI was authorized. It revealed, quoting my neurosurgeon, "one of the worst ruptures I have seen, your neck is very unstable"
My last back MRi showed two bulging discs and L5S1 desiccated and bulging. Bottom line - confirmed by my second neurosurgeon - nerve damage in both locations. Ortho surgeon consult revealed the same. Since then the nerve pain, which in my experience is unaffected by Nsaids - has increased in both areas. Thanks for your opinion, but I am unwilling to take the chance. Anti inflammatory drugs have also been linked to heart attack and stroke. Honestly, i am not satisfied with your brief answer. Adding anti platelets with a drug with proven risks is unacceptable - weekly blood tests, really? Don't think so. DONT NEED ANOTHER REPLY, JUST REFUND MY $15.