Question:
How long will it be before I can take ibuprofen again?

I am 5 weeks post op. I was in a car accident 5 years ago where my hip and pelvis was broken. They still hurt frequently especially when I work out and I am missing the ibuprofen I used to take on days when the pain is worse.    — Jackie S. (posted on September 9, 2003)


September 9, 2003
My surgeon told me I could NEVER take it again.
   — mom2jtx3

September 9, 2003
Please, please ask your surgeon. Some say you can never take NSAIDs again, but my surgeon does permit them as needed.
   — koogy

September 9, 2003
My surgeon said that I could take Ascriptin (non-prescription drug - aspirin coated with Maalox) for the occasional arthritis pain that I get in my knees, but you should check with your surgeon first...JR
   — John Rushton

September 9, 2003
My surgeon has ibuprofen on a list of meds to avoid FOREVER....check with your surgeon for a list of acceptable medications.
   — vittycat

September 9, 2003
It is an NSAID and on the no-no list of drugs we can not take post-op. However, many surgeons will allow you to take a very short course of some of these drugs, especially if they come in a liquid form. The problem is that often these pills get caught in the crevices of our pouches and can form ulcers. I was taking vioxx for well over a year, daily, post-op and it wasn't until 17 mo post op that I developed an ulcer. My surgeon has agreed to allow me to try another alternative, one less prone to causing ulcers WHEN NEEDED (not daily). Its a bummer ,as I loved motrin too. Work with your doctor on this.
   — Cindy R.

September 9, 2003
Hi there. My doctor discourages the use of anything but Tylenol products. I would suggest Extra Strenth Tylenol or Tylenol PM. However, the PM has a sleep sedative in it. Although not addictive it does cause marked drowsiness. If your pain is worsening I would seek medical advice ASAP. Even try getting a second and third opinion. Good luck!
   — Kitty Kat

September 9, 2003
My doctor forbids ibuprofen, NSAIDS, and aspirin. He does encourage the use of tylenol products. Have you tried Tylenol Arthritis? Works pretty well for me.
   — Cathy S.

September 9, 2003
I think everyone pretty much summed it up....NEVER....LOL
   — Saxbyd

September 9, 2003
Jackie, I was told NEVER as well. I have whiplash and have been in alot of pain for 21 years. Ibuprofen is the only thing that would somewhat allow me to stand the pain. I have to admit, I have used one pill for perhaps five times in 2 years. Not much, but then my goal was NEVER to use it again. But there were five days when I hurt so bad that I could'nt stand it any longer. I did use Pepsid with it hoping it would'nt eat my pouch. Now I'm going to a chiroprator. I wish I had 21 years ago as it is helping. Do try to avoid it. It is very dangerous for us to take things like Ibuprofen, Asperin or Vioxx. I miss Vioxx the most as I have arthritus that has gotten worse since wls. And Vioxx now hurts my pouch big time. We really can't take these meds anymore unless we want to risk an ulcer.
   — Danmark

September 9, 2003
At the risk of sounding redundant, I haven't had WLS, but have Rheumatoid Arthritis, and at my last visit to the Rheumatologist I asked him about WLS and he told me one very important thing is you would never be able to take NSAID's. Although that's coming from a rheumatologist I'm sure the answer would be the same from your surgeon.
   — Debbie P.

September 9, 2003
The main line thinking is NEVER but my surgeon realizes that sometimes NEVER does not work. He gave me his approval to use Bextra as I need to for my fibro and other muskuleskeletal issues when I was 4 weeks PO. To him it was more important to get me moving and risk any pouch issues. The Bextra is very tiny and I break it in half and put each half in chewed food before I swallow. I have used it off and on since surgery with no problems but I do try to stay off it as much as possible. You may be a candidate for mild pain meds to deal with when it is really bad. Vioxx is available in liquid form also, which might be a good alternative. Whatever you do discuss it with your surgeon first. If he refuses to give his blessing then tell him you feel you have no choice and you would like to know what is the lesser of the evils. If he still won't budge work with your PCP. Have you tried plain ole tylenol to see of it works better for you since surgery than before? One never knows! Good Luck!
   — zoedogcbr

September 14, 2003
I can't take tylenol products since I accidentally overdosed on them. Upon asking my surgeon he said to take enteric coated ibuprofen after surgery, I have searched for it since he told me but I can't find it over the counter. I believe he is going to have to wirte me aprescription for it.
   — Tabitha D.




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