Anti inflammatories.

[Big an Bouncy]

I know we cant take them after surgery but thought it would be ok to use AI gel or cream on my painful hip but not according to the pharmacist in Boots.He said it will still get into my bloodstream and affect my tum!Guess I will have to stick with co.codomol,heatpads and a massage!

 

[lamornamiss]

Thanks for that B&B
I had wondered if you could use the creams but apparantly not then

 

[Sambucca]

im no pharmacist, but i thought it was only oral nsaids that we had to avoid due to the risk of ulcer in our tiny tums.

I was given IV anti inflamatories during my recent hospital stay

 

[shannon_hilder]

sorry ladys,my nursing experience does tell me that that pharmacist is right... nsaids get into the blood street regardless of the route it takes :-(

 

[katemal]

My G.P. and hospital consultant are both happy for me to use the gel on my knee (I have a torn cartilage) I asked them about it getting into my system and affecting my stomach and was told that the risks were negligible and I'd be fine. Also when I was admitted to hospital after my sleeve gastrectomy with a flare up of ulcerative colitis I was given Ibuprofen suppositories and the consultant then said it was only oral Nsaids that posed a problem! SO as usual there are differing thoughts/ideas on it BUT from a purely personal point of view (No medical or pharmaceutical training or knowledge) the one time I forgot and took nurofen orally I was in terrible pain with stomach cramping and have had no effects whatsoever with the gel or suppositories.

 

[shelbell]

I had a lengthy discussion about this with my rheumatologist. There are recent studies that show any type of NSAIDs (patches, gels, suppos, etc) affect the stomach lining the same as orals. The BNF lists this as a contraindication.

Most docs will allow you to use NSAIDs short term or at a low dose so long as you take your PPPI (lanzaprazole or omeprazole), have no history of ulcers/reflux, and are aware of the early signs of complications.

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

 

[lamornamiss]

I had a reaction to NSAIDS before my op taken orally
and the was given a suppository after my op (even though I was wearing a wristband saying NO ) and had a bad reaction then.
The one I had a problem with was diclofenic (voltrol) after surgery my GP perscribed me with some tablets and I only asked if they were diclofenic he said no
So I took them. Only to have another bad reaction then discovered they were NSAIDS.
I wondered wether the cream would cause a reaction because of the small amount used BUT I am not even going to try

 

[wizzbang]

I have to take anti inflamatories because of my arthritis and other painful medical conditions but take lanzaprazole or omeprazole to protect my stomach. Not taking anti inflamatories is not an option as I would not be able to function. The doctors keep an eagle eye on my pouch and I have no history of ulcers etc.
I am definately NOT saying that its ok for post bypassers to take them, just that I am taking them.
Lynne x

 

[Karlos]

Lynne is dead right. The use of NSAIDs pre and post op carries a big risk but it is a risk that your GP might be prepared for you to take. If you cannot function without them then what choice do you have?

I remember my knees being far worse post op even after losing tons of weight, and was almost crying with the pain in the surgery. I all but begged him for the Voltarol but he simply refused to prescribe them. In his eyes the risks of gastrointestinal bleeding were too great, even the far less effective topical creams and patches carried too great a risk for him, and when considered against how much less effective the topical versions are at treating inflammation the risks far outweighed the benefits.

Anything up to 20,000 Americans die every year as a result of gastrointestinal bleeding caused by taking NSAIDs and the vast number of them will not have had their stomach lining greatly reduced by surgery like bypassers, which greatly increases the risk for us.

So if your GP will let you have them and you are both aware of the added risks then fine. However my advice would be never take them or the topical versions unless your doctor says its ok.