benadryl

Does anyone know if we can use benadry?  My orthopedic doctor recommended I take it to help me sleep after my shoulder surgery and since it is the weekend there is not anyone in Dr Irgau's office to check with.  I am afraid to take anything without knowing that it is ok for my pouch.  Thanks,  Ellen

Hi, I took it when I had a really, really bad allergy attack. I never even thought about calling the doctor. I know it's not on the prohibited list.  It went through my stoma without any problem and I have pretty good restriction. It didn't irritate my pouch at all. If your worried about irritation, just take an antacid at the same time or eat a little something. If the back of the pack doesn't say anything about stomach problems, I wouldn't worry too much. You could look at Tylenol PM, too. Hope you feel better soon, Kathy

Hi Ellen, You should be okay with Benadryl. I never saw it on the not to list either.  Isn't it for itching? I had to take it cause I had an allergic reaction when I had my knee surgery. I think it was the percaset that made me itch all over. But with the benadryl I could tolerate it. Sure helped the pain.  Course vicadine then tylenol with codene were the step down drugs. But the percaset did fine once I could control the itches. I hope your shoulder mends soon.  Missed you the other night at the meeting. Mary brought her Baked oatmeal cake with blueberries. YUMMMM. Hope to see you soon. ((HUGS)) Elissa

I take Tylenol PM and it's sleep ingrediant is the same as benedryl.  I never question my doctor and have continued to take it every night.  I am 1 year post op and haven't had any problems.  Play it safe and check with your surgeon's office.  Are you having pain from osteo?  I have severe osteo in my knees and didn't want to continue taking percodan so I switched over to Ultram, with my surgeon's blessing.  It really helps on those painful days. Jeanne

Thanks for all the answers and good wishes.  I had a fairly good night after taking one benadryl along with my pain medicine.  My doctor feels that for some reason the benadryl intensifies the pain medicine and also helps you sleep.  The vicodin is making my stomach hurt so I am trying to get off of it and deal with the pain.  Extra strength tylenol is getting me through the days...I just needed help with the nights. I will keep you all posted.  Again...thanks for the thoughts and well wishes Ellen