Hi
I was prescribed NSAIDS from the age of 19 to about 37 - in the beginning I'd be taking them for about 40% of the time but by the age of 26 it was max dose every single day.

I didn't experience any side effects that I knew of at the time, I was constantly constipated (but my diet was terrible) and used to drink quite a bit in my 20s.

Around 33 ish a rheumatologist noticed I wasn't prescribed any stomach protectors and subsequently I started on those. It was probably too late in the day as at 37 I experienced gastritis - badly - I felt awful. After a few tests, more drugs (PPIs) and a endoscopy the conclusion was - gastritis and a bleed. So no more NSAIDs for me.

Looking back I probably had mild gastritis for some time - but you probably understand how when you are in a lot of pain from the AS, you can ignore other pain.

I don't regret taking the NSAIDs as without them I would not have been able to go to work or look after myself. And I don't think the biological drugs were around then.

No idea what the inside of my stomach looks like now. Damaged I suspect.