Question:
My mother had surgery 3 years ago and recently had a mild stroke.

She was extremely low on B12 but otherwise, through all the tests, they cannot find a reason for it. She was told to take 1 baby aspirin every day. You cannot take aspirin if you have had this surgery. Any suggestions?    — Marie H. (posted on June 24, 2002)

June 23, 2002
I asked my surgeon about aspirin therapy and he said he saw no reason we couldn't. Yes, it's harder on the stomach, but unless the patient has a history of ulcerations it shouldn't prove to be a problem. Have your mom check with her bariatric surgeon to make sure she "can't" have it.
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 23, 2002
Yep its OK once the patient is healed. This question came up at a support group meeting. Besides baby aspirin is very mild, but do ask the surgeon.
   — bob-haller

August 29, 2005
Hi...sorry to hear about your mother's stroke. I myself had the surgery 2 years ago, no complications, no problems, and then 1 year ago - out of nowhere - I had a seizure. Then four months later, another one. Then three months after that, another one. I had another one just 4 weeks ago in which I was hurt myself pretty badly during the fall. Anyway, I have never had seizures before the first, in fact, never had any kind of neurological problems whatsoever. So I did some research. Turns out, low B12 levels in 5-10% of people can cause anemia, neuropsychological abnormalities, as well as metabolic abnormalities. I have never taken a B12 shot, I always thought I was the picture of perfect health. Right. My B12 levels were 182, when the norm was between 400-1000. So if I were you, I'd explore your mother's low B12 levels a little closer. B12 deficiency, in some people, from what I understand, can cause a breakdown of the nerve myelin sheath, thus leading to impaired neural function and/or transmission. This may be the underlying cause of neurological symptoms seen in vitamin B 12 deficiency.
   — Crystal C.