Takiing Ibuprofen/Motrin advice please

[amymeri]

I had my surgery 11 weeks ago.  I was told not to take aspirin or ibuprofen for a month after surgery.  I would like to take some now for the aching in my face on the parayzed side but I am afraid to take it! 

What are the chances I couild have a brain bleed now?

[Boppie]

I took one tablet of Ibuprophen for headache at three month post op and only once a day.  If you need more pain killer I'd use extra strength Tylenol.  I used very warm compresses (wash cloth wrung out) on my aching face a couple of times a day.  The face pain does relent.  It seemed to be a phase of my recovery, not long.

[Battyp]

I was taking ibuprofen around the clock as prescribed by the doctor after my retrosig.  Aspirin I could see but I'd think ibuprofen would be ok.  Yes, I agree with Boppie...warm compresses help with the face and neck pain.

[vcschaub]

I was told to use Tylenol . Tylenol is acetaminophen, not ibuprofen. I was given Tylenol with codeine to take home after surgery but used very little of it. The extra strength Tylenol (without codeine, non prescription) works for me.

[amymeri]

Thanks everyone

I was given hydrocodone with tylenol after the surgery but only took it 2-3 days after I got home.  I take tylenol once every 10 days or so, but crave Ibuprofen because it works better for me.  I think I am fine to take it...I think my post surgery anxiety is just kicking in!

[Jim Scott]

I had my surgery 11 weeks ago.  I was told not to take aspirin or ibuprofen for a month after surgery.  I would like to take some now for the aching in my face on the parayzed side but I am afraid to take it! 

What are the chances I couild have a brain bleed now?

Likely remote - but I'm not a physician so what do I know?

It would seem that the original restrictions on taking asprin and ipuprofen have 'expired' in your case (11 weeks - almost 3 months -  post-op) and the moderate use of ibuprofen (less than 800 milligrams per 24 hours) - if not asprin -  will probably not cause any 'brain bleeding' at this late date.  However, you need direct advice from a qualified physician, specific to your situation. 

A call to your surgeon's office or even your primary-care physicians office can very likely give you the assurance and information you need on this issue.  I highly recommend you make that call.

[Static]

Yep, call the Doc.  You never know what reasons specific to you that he didn't want you to take/do a particular thing so best be sure and give them a call.  Hope you're feeling better.

[Road Trip Dale]

Agreed...check with your doctor.  I'm also 11 weeks since surgery and have been taken Ibuprofen ever since I came home to help with facial pain and some swelling.  But everyone is different and your doctor will know what is appropriate in your specific situation.  I've had a really great recovery so they have let me do just about anything I want to do.  Check with your doctor before changing anything they told you to do...this old man's advice for the day.