Surgery 4/9 have to stop taking Aspirin but having fibro flare

Having VSG on 4/9 and Dr wants me to stop taking Bayer Back and Body a week prior. Currently in a Fibro flare... I typically take Tramadol and Advil along with Bayer back and body to manage my pain. Usually works well but am worried about next week. Any VSGers out there that have significant pain and swelling that have advice of what to use instead? Anything topical that works well?

I assume that all NSAIDs are out? So that means no Advil either? Honestly, I recommend asking your surgeon what you can take. Lidocaine patches maybe? Tylenol?

I already take Advil but it doesn't cover it all. I will ask about lidocaine patch, good idea! Thank you ð?¤--

Call your surgeon's office and see if they have any suggestions!

For topical stuff, I really like Biofreeze. I use it on sore muscles and bruises after exercise and it works very well.

Psoriatic arthritis and fibro here... there is a prescription topical, brand name Voltaren Gel. It is an NSAID (in the ibuprofen family), but as it's topical only a very small amount gets into the bloodstream. It doesn't usually work as well on large joints like hips/knees, but it's been VERY effective for my hand pain and foot pain. Of course, since it's prescription you'll have to talk to your doc but also double check with the surgeon. Mine doesn't mind it, but yours might.

As far as non NSAIDs, I use Biofreeze and/or stuff like it (Fit & Cool, generic stuff from the drugstore) but I REALLY like the SalonPas patches. Much less mess and keeps the stuff in the right spot longer.

Light compression sleeves can be heaven sent, I like Copper Fit... not sure if the copper actually does anything, I'm very skeptical, but the light compression makes more difference than I would have thought. My joints also prefer heat to ice, and while that doesn't help reduce swelling, it does help increase circulation and eases pain. Other people find ice packs work better for relieving pain, it's pretty individual.

And if you and your team (including your rheumy or whichever specialist you have for the fibro) have not discussed it, you'll need to address what you'll use after the surgery as well. There is a relative contraindication for all NSAIDs post-op. They can be used if your surgeon approves them, but they do increase the risk of ulcers, so they need to be used sparingly and alternatives found whenever possible even if your surgeon allows them. (My surgeon also insists I be on a PPI when I need to take NSAIDs.)

The good news is that the VSG removes a bunch of tissue involved in producing inflammatory factors, so your inflammation levels can fall dramatically once you recovery from the insult of the surgery. My PsA is in remission post-op (knock on wood) and my fibro is easier managed with a SNRI (Savella). I rarely need NSAIDs and when I do it's usually for a breakthrough migraine that my triptans won't break.

Oh wow, sounds very similar to my issues and you have given me so much hope! I used to use Voltaren and completely forgot that was an option. It did help a lot! I think the hunger right now is getting the better of my emotions and the pain just put me in a little tail spin. Thank you so much for your response! Breathing easier now. ð?¤--