Arising out of Steph's post... NSAIDs

The following para struck me.

In our data, most patients with band migration had an uncritical uptake of nonsteroidal antirheumatic agents, bronchospasmolytic drugs, and anticoagulant substances. Specifically, 26.6% of patients were treated with nonsteroidal antirheumatic substances, 20.2% with anticoagulant substances, and 0.6% with bronchospasmolytic drugs. Therefore, in our opinion, these medications should be considered as potential causes of band migration.

Many docs have relaxed the no NSAIDs rule, my own included and also Dr Curry (many of you will remember him as our resident "band doc").  So I use them on occasion (for example short-term to reduce swelling for a sprained ankle).  I also tend to use them for painkillers simply because I can only take soluble meds and the Neurofen (ibuprofen) tabs taste OK!

I would be very interested to hear the comments of other docs on the use of NSAIDs. What exactly does Stroh mean by "uncritical"?  Does she mean "without care" or does she mean "non-regular"?

Kate

Thank you for pointing this out.  I highlighted it in red so it would be noticed.  I was taking large amounts of nsaids for my arthritis prior to surgery.  Have not taken even one dose post op for this reason.  I would rather be in a bit more pain than risk erosion.  With the 65 lb weight loss, I don't need them as much anyway!

Steph, it is an interesting one, isn't it!  I know some people have to weigh up the risks and the benefits if NSAIDs are the best way to treat some on-going problems. But this article seems to imply that we are best to avoid them unless those benefits really are essential!

Trouble is, they do have uses!

Kate

My doc's still says no nsaids.  Prior to my wt loss I lived on motrin and alleve for knee, ankle and back pain.  Since I've lost weight my joints feel great and I haven't need to use anything stornger than tylenol for headaches.  So far so good.... 

That had me worried to because I have long term back problems from an accident years ago.  The military docs love to prescribe motrin for everything.  With kids more often than not I put up with pain until they go to bed then take something and go to bed, so rather than 3-4 times a day I take them once.  Once I get banded I will make sure to always tell my docs that I have it and cannot take NSAID's, Im sure they will have something else if necessary.  My hope is that once I lose the weight my back issues will be a distant memory, my weight cant be helping with my problems and regular exercise will help strengthen it too.    Thanks again for posting that

I take a baby aspirin every other day, as a precaution. I guess I never really thought of it being harmful, I guess I will have to ask my WL Dr next time I go. I do take it with food, not sure if that makes a difference or not. Thanks Kate and Steph

Mari...I wondered a couple of weeks ago if aspirin was an NSAID and it is.  Baby aspirin is very low dose, but good you are going to ask.
Steph

Mari,

I take one every day and my doc said that was fine its such a low dose anyways and there is alot of people in my support group that still takes them.

Thanks, I keep worrying, which is worse for me, to not take them & risk what they are supposed to be stopping, or take them and hope that they are not  hurting my band. What is crazy, I looked through all my paperwork that they gave me way back when, and they say right after banding you can take Motrin if needed. I will still call and ask, but it's nice to hear that some Dr's say it's OK.

My surgeon says no to NSAIDS! But with losing the weight I haven't needed them. I have liquid Tylenol. And when my back is really bad, liquid vicodin.