NSAIDS/Steroids post Gastric Bypass

[txtchr 3]

Hi everyone! I'm one month post op and for some reason have one ankle that hurts and is swollen. I didn't injure it-started hurting when I got out of bed. Urgent care and PCP want me to take a steroid and/or NSAID to reduce inflammation but I told them that my bariatric surgeon was pretty clear that I couldn't. They said it would just be for a week and shouldn't be a problem.....anyone else have this issue??? Thanks in advance!!!

[GassyGurl 428]

My surgeon has no problems with steroids, just nsaids. Some allow nsaids if you use a ppi like prilosec. But it's still risky. I'd probably take the steroids, and see if there is an alternative for the nsaid.

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[TakingABreak 2,733]

42 minutes ago, txtchr said:

Hi everyone! I'm one month post op and for some reason have one ankle that hurts and is swollen. I didn't injure it-started hurting when I got out of bed. Urgent care and PCP want me to take a steroid and/or NSAID to reduce inflammation but I told them that my bariatric surgeon was pretty clear that I couldn't. They said it would just be for a week and shouldn't be a problem.....anyone else have this issue??? Thanks in advance!!!

Yes, I've had this problem now twice. I was recently in the ER twice for gallbladder attacks and they wanted to give me an NSAID for pain relief. After I had surgery I put NSAIDs on my allergy med list. Both times I was in the ER they brought the syringe full to inject me, and both times I had to ask if it was an NSAID. Both times it was. Both times the nurse left and went and got the doctor. They insisted that the "injectable" is OK after bariatric surgery. I will be talking with my surgeon in my next appointment to see if an NSAID injectable, on these rare occasions, are ok to use?

[BigViffer 3,544]

I take dicoflenec (generic Voltaren) daily. I have taken it every day since my surgery with omeprazol. I have severe arthritis and cannot move will without it. I used to take it twice a day, but since losing the weight, I have been able to cut it down to once a day.

Having the sleeve surgery doesn't mean you can never take them again, it just means that you will most likely need to keep your PCP and surgeon in the loop. The reason for the aversion is because it can cause ulcers in the stomach. An injected NSAID should be fine. As always, verify with your surgeon.

[GassyGurl 428]

Our practice told us very specifically that all forms of nsaids reduce the protective stomach lining which can allow ulcers to form. Injectable, topical or pills carry the same risk, or so they say.

There are two bariatric Dr's in my practice. My surgeon told me I could resume nsaids without any problems (no ppi required) . The other surgeon is an advocate of never, ever, ever. The nurse and staff advocate the more strict recommendation, even saying my Dr is flat out wrong. So who do I believe? Sigh..

Then, ppi's come with their own risks (long term usage).

Reading up on ulcers from nsaids, and long term effects of ppi usage will scare the crap out of you.

It stinks that our choices are limited.

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[AtlantaRed 651]

The doctor I was a nanny for said "rarely" could be once a week with no issues. My surgeon said take NSAIDs rarely.

[Dshell 33]

Have a Medic Alert Bracelet that says No blind NG tube and No NSAIDS. Was recommended by my surgeon.

[LaLaDee 519]

I had a sleeve - not the bypass - but have been forced to take steroids. Haven’t seen any damage from them. I do think it makes it harder to lose weight. Plus my stomach is swollen. It’s horrible but I have no choice.

[Frustr8 7,886]

My PCP is really gung ho on giving steroids, I'm no that thrilled to receive them . I wonder how much of this presurg,my,weight I'm dragging around is due to that? Will my future surgeon and I be able to rein him in or am I worrying about nothing?😓