I had a gastric lcer several years ago after taking ibuprofen for many years to alleviate the pain caused by a herniated lumbar disc.  The ibuprofen relieved my pain quite well. Unfortunately it caused my gastric ulcer, which required surgery to repair and a long hospital stay, which proved to be very expensive. I was extremely fortunate to have had an excellent surgeon and have a minimally noticible abdominal scar.  After my hospitalization my doctor, an internal mediine specialist, disussed meical options with me regarding actions and medications I could take in order to prevent getting another...