Does anybody know of a sure way to tell the difference between NSAIDS-induced gastritis/stomach pain vs Crohn's disease?

Of course NSAIDS are probably the source of my pain, and I don't have blood or even diarrhea but still, I'm worrying (but just mildly).

The only sure way to tell the difference is to see a GI specialist and be tested.

I'm glad you're only mildly worrying.

You need to see a GI. Scopes would be able to tell (biopsies specifically). I have Crohn's and gastritis. The inflammation in my stomach is just from NSAIDs. I always have mild inflammation found in my stomach, but the alternative would be giving up NSAIDs which I can't manage. So I deal with the stomach inflammation with a PPI and Maalox/Pepcid. Sometimes Carafate.

I have Crohn's in my colon and the last part of my small bowel. Biopsies showed very specific features of Crohn's which confirmed the diagnosis. Honestly, for me, the Crohn's has been much easier than the AS to manage.

I've tried about 12 NSAIDs. Mobic, Celebrex and Relafen all helped me. All three are easier on the gut than Voltaren or Naproxen. One that's hard on the gut is Indocin, I would avoid that one. I tried it several times and lasted only about 3 days on it. It is very effective for AS, but it was just too hard for me to tolerate.

Celebrex has become very popular and is generally considered to be the easiest on the gut.

Thanks CBMom's daughter

To be honest I'm pretty much back to normal now so it was very likely mild gastritis from all the pills I took.

No biggie!

If it bothers you again, I'd try Maalox. I found liquid meds much better than something like Tums for coating my stomach. There is also a prescribed option - Carafate. I use that when my gastritis really gets bad. Again, the liquid version has worked better for me than the pills.

Quick update for those who are interested:

I’m back at work today after a three-month sick leave for depression. I’m in a better place mentally but not quite perfect yet.

Physically this is a pretty bad day, I have knots all over my back. But I guess the huge stress of coming back to work AND the fact that my body is deconditioned to a full day of activity make things worse.

I’m doing my best to trust my rheumy and keep hope that I might feel better in the future.

I'm glad you are in a better place mentally. Sorry you are having a bad day physically.

I think you are probably right that stress is affecting you today. I hope things will improve and that you will be able to settle into a routine that works for you.

Every time I think it’s better it starts again. My only hope is switching meds but it’s not in the card until my MRI which might be in months.

I seem to have the kind of AS that just never quits. My life will be sh*t.

Sorry not so optimistic after the bad day I had.

I'm sorry that you had such a rough day. I'm praying that things will be better for you tomorrow.

I just don’t understand how people can manage pain, anxiety and working full time. And I don’t understand how people can have active AS without being depressed or anxious.

I thought I was better mentally but it was just my AS that was less painful for a few weeks. Now that the pain is back I’m almost at square 1.

I wish I knew how to take each day as it comes. How do people do it?