Question:
What kind of otc painkillers can we take?

I have seen several references about over the counter painkillers, and that we as post ops shouldn't take them. My doc hasn't said anything, so I was just wondering if anyone knows which ones we aren't supposed to take, and why? My tailbone has been hurting for months now, to the point I'm in tears sometimes, and the only thing that helps is Aleve. Should I not be taking this? Is this hurting my staple line?    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on September 22, 2003)

September 21, 2003
This is the list of meds my surgeon gave me that GB patients are NOT supposed to take for ADVIL. BCPOWDER,PEPTO-BISMOL,ASPIRIN,IBUPROFEN,BUFFERIN,MOTRIN,EXCEDRIN,ANACIN,ALEVE,And DO NOT take any meds that is called a non-steroidal anti- inflammatory(NSAID) AVOID VIOXX,CELEBREX AND BEXTRA.THAT LEAVES YOU TAKING TYLENOL OR A RX MED FROM YOUR DOCTOR. HOPE THIS HELPS AND HOPE YOU FEEL BETTERS SOON.
   — loisph

September 22, 2003
Lois, I am 7 wks and while in the hospital, got a pinched nerve - dealing with the leg pain is sometimes hard. My pcp prescribed a cough syrup that has no sugar and small amounts of codein in it. NOT the big guns that you'd get out of a serious injury but just something mild. A teaspoon seems to help things for 8 hours or so and I don't dump on it. Still losing weight on schedule so I am happy. Also, there are some (do not know which) anti-depressants, that when prescribed at very small doses and given at night, can help control chronic pain. Talk to your PCP. Just make sure that whatever he gives you is NOT extended release because you will need to crush your pill to get all of its goodness since your new tummy does not have the acids your old tummy did.
   — Donya P.

September 22, 2003
I was told emphatically not to take Ibuprofen (Advil), Naproxin (Aleve), or aspirin. That pretty much leaves Tylenol. Ask your surgeon. I have severe arthritis and periodically have had to take Celebrex in order to walk. My surgeon oks this (even though he'd rather I not have to take it) if I take it for no more than 5 days and then wait at least 5 days before taking it again.
   — Patty_Butler

September 22, 2003
Please call and ask YOUR sugeon what you can take. My surgeon does allow ibuprofen and other NSAIDS as needed. Your surgeon may be able to prescribe a medication that you can take when the pain is really bad, instead of something over the counter.
   — koogy

September 22, 2003
Teann Smallwood's profile has a long list of medications we should avoid post-op because they have the potential to cause ulcers. You might want to check it out. I also agree with a previous poster who says to check with your own doc. He's your best source of medical information.
   — Vespa R.

September 22, 2003
I was told like some of the other posts not to take nsaid, but I can't take tylenol. The doc told me too take enteric coated ibuprofen for pain if needed.
   — Tabitha D.

September 23, 2003
I take Tylenol Sore Throat. It is liquid and is 1000mg of acetaminaphen(spelling?).
   — Dianne W.