Question:
Is it normal to have reactions to medicines I took before surgery?

Ever since my surgery last June I've had severe reactions to a cough medicine, cortisone and Advil. I get deep cramps in the center on my gut, sweating, and nausea. It lasts about 15 minutes and then goes away as easily as it showed up. The pain is really bad.    — maribelacaron (posted on February 26, 2008)


February 25, 2008
Yes!! I THINK the cramps, sweating and nausea is a form of dumping. I took a anti-depressant before my surgery and for 8 mths after and had no problems. But my dr. put me back on the same one at 2 years post-op and now I have the same symptoms as you. I go to the dr. this morning to see if there is anything else I can try. NOTE of caution....I don't know what kind of surgery you had but I had RNY and am NOT allowed Advil or aspirin
   — Nee P

February 25, 2008
I'm not sure if your doctor ever told you but some of us weight loss patients don't ever do well with Ibuprofen again.That would include Motrin, Alot of cough meds and certainly Advil.My advice would be to change to Tylenol for pain releif. It is the only thing that won't eat a whole in your guts like Ibuprofen does over long term use.i have learned that if it hurts you should stay away from it. Pain is a sign that something isn't right. Asprin can also do this to your intesines and it as well as Ibuprofen can cause bleeding bowels and bloody stool.My doctor took me off all theses type of anti-inflammatories including Naprosyn because they all can irritate the puch or band area over time it can eat away at it causing major issues. Just to me safe I would stick to Tylenol-but be easy on it because it also has its downfalls of Liver damage if you take way too much of it long term too. It can make your liver look like you drink a six pack of beer a day.There is not a perfect drug for us all, but I prefer the Tylenol because there is much less risk of stomach damage.watch out for the cortizone too because it is a steroid and they ALL have the potential to cause stomach upset. Sorry to rant but its the RN inside me that feels the need to protect you my friend. Any other question feel free to ask away!Best wishes to you. Lisa
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 25, 2008
Please consult your surgeion immediatly. You should have been advised to strictly avoid NSAIDS of any type. The only over the counter pain relievers you should be taking are those containing acetominophen. The pain you are having is quite possibly due to an inflammation of the stomach lining. I am speaking from the voice of experience in this. Best wishes, Chris
   — CChappell

February 25, 2008
I agree with the others, you are not suppose to take anything with an anti-inflamitory in them. Years ago before my surgery I had a bleeding ulcer from taking too much. Also have you checked the sugar levels in the meds. It is amazing how much sugar is in stuff that you would never imagine. It may be labeled as something other than sugar.
   — Claudia C.

February 25, 2008
I was told that I could never take n-saids again, which advil, is one, these types of medications irritate the most normal stomach. Non steroidal anti-inflamitory drugs. Includes, aleve, motrin, ibuprophin. Alot of these hide behind store brand names, and generics. Read the labels. I was told tylenol was all I could take for pain. Good luck and feel better.
   — lesleigh07

February 25, 2008
Sugar in Cought medication gives me dumping. Cortisone will run up your blood sugar and cause simular issues. I never had problems with Advil.
   — William (Bill) wmil

February 26, 2008
Yes! However you should have been told to not take Advil, cough medicine and cortisone!!!! Call your surgeon ASAP and get the info you should have gotten BEFORE you even had this surgery! Good luck and God bless.
   — crystalsno

February 26, 2008
To mimic some of the other posts - you should ONLY take otc's made by Tylenol - it's the only thing safe on your pouch after surgery. Many cough medicines have allot of sugar and many have alcohol in them - be careful. Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory - and from what I know - you should not take any anti-inflammatory medication or anything in the NSID's field/catagory of medication - can cause issues. I would get a list of medication (I am surprised your surgeron didn't go over this with you) that you are NEVER to take again from your surgeon and have them keep a copy in your medical file and at the pharmacy - I do and it helps - BTW - time released medication is a no-no, too. What you are describing sounds like dumping - either the sugar or alcohol could be doing it - the advill is hard on your stomach and the anti-inflammatory - not sure - I haven't had anything since surgery. I am very careful NOT to take things I shouldn't. Good luck.
   — jammerz

February 26, 2008
Please consult your surgeion immediatly. You should have been advised to strictly avoid NSAIDS of any type. The only over the counter pain relievers you should be taking are those containing acetominophen. The pain you are having is quite possibly due to an inflammation of the stomach lining. I am speaking from the voice of experience in this. Best wishes, Chris
   — CChappell

February 26, 2008
I tried to post before but hit the wrong button and it dissapeared so hope it was not sent. The advil type medications are non-steroidal anti-inflamatory medications and should be taken only if your surgeon says you can. It would be an extreme case for a surgeon to say "yes". These medications will eat a hole in you gut as will the cortisone. These medications are hard on anyones stomach but especially ours. Please don't take them unless you talk to you surgeon and he agrees. The burning pain/cramps is not dumping but irritation to your pouch that may cause you major problems. The cough medication may be dumping but if it gives you that feeling, it is also irritating your pouch. Be careful with it as well. They do make sugar free cough medications. Julia
   — Julia W.

February 27, 2008
Stay away from Advil! It is an irritant to your pouch. Since you don't have stomach acid in your pouch, it can cause major irritation and possible ulceration. Cough syrup has sugar, if you have to use it, use a diabetic version. Please switch to Tylenol for pain. Good luck!
   — Nichole13

February 27, 2008
You are not suppose to take those that is why. After surgery tylenol is a safe haven.
   — tl_morgan

July 17, 2008
I see where everyone says to avoid NSAIDS and cough medicines. Are there any presciption pain meds to avoid? I cannot get my surgeon's office to respond to my emails or return my phone calls regarding this. I am having problems withmy back and have to Vicodin. That is the only thing that has helped. I get very worried that it may be hurting me without me knowing it..... Anyone, help is greatly appreciated.
   — lasias




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