In my surgeon consult yesterday he told me that once I have surgery, I must avoid NSAIDS at any and all costs because the potential to cause ulcers. Pardon the pun, but this was a tough pill to swallow LOL What in the world do you do when you have a headache or period cramps? Tylenol has always been 100% ineffective for me especially with period cramps. Headaches are rare for me, but cramps...those are a definite once a month occurrence and they show no mercy except when I toss back about 4 Advil

Have you considered a triptan for the migraines? I have a family member that has them and she gets migraines (Often from menstruation) and the triptans help. Not a preventive measure, but a possible solution.

I have a bad back. L5-L6-S1 stenosis/bulged discs with a touch of arthritis for good taste. I used NSAIDS like crazy before I had my lap band. Obviously now I have the RNY, but I've gotten used to the almost-useless tylenol. The keys are to only use it when you really need it.

I've found that TENS units like Quell or much cheaper versions from Amazon (Or even icy hot OTC) work surprisingly well. Obviously I cannot comment on menstral cramps though. I hope you find something that works for you

7 hours ago, CyclicalLoser said:

I've found that TENS units like Quell or much cheaper versions from Amazon (Or even icy hot OTC) work surprisingly well. Obviously I cannot comment on menstral cramps though. I hope you find something that works for you

I've found dry needling (I think that is with a TENS unit) and Salonpas Pain Relieving Patches to be very helpful w/ my back. Also, ice/heat and a standing desk.

Sorry for the double post. To stop getting periods, if you can take Triphasic birth control pills, you can just take the 21 active pills and start a new pack. I've been doing it for a few years and I just get a period about 2x a year, generally when I missed a pill. A lot more gynecologists are familiar with this now then when I started doing it.

9 hours ago, AJP said:

I did too. Since surgery though it's been like I never had it done. I was 38 when done. Now 47. Have appt with gyn next week to see if I need to repeat it

Oh no...my dr said normally it should last about 15 years. I had it when I was 37 and thought there would be a good chance of repeating it. Hopefully that isn't the case, but it isn't the worst thing to have done. Good luck!

10 hours ago, Kimmie K said:

Nope, that was the first IUD they gave me and I broke out like a pubescent teenager too LOL Honestly my cramps only last like a day or 2. They aren’t unbearable but you know, when you can pop a pill and make it all go away, then you do it and usually just mindlessly.

Ugh, that sucks. This surgery has made me break out like a teenager! No joke. Seriously seriously bad. The hormones need to calm themselves. My face is a wreck, lol.

26 minutes ago, mousecat88 said:

Ugh, that sucks. This surgery has made me break out like a teenager! No joke. Seriously seriously bad. The hormones need to calm themselves. My face is a wreck, lol.

In my surgeon consult yesterday he told me that once I have surgery, I must avoid NSAIDS at any and all costs because the potential to cause ulcers. Pardon the pun, but this was a tough pill to swallow LOL What in the world do you do when you have a Headache or period cramps? Tylenol has always been 100% ineffective for me especially with period cramps. Headaches are rare for me, but cramps...those are a definite once a month occurrence and they show no mercy except when I toss back about 4 Advil

Tylenol isn't an nsaid, it's acetaminophen should be safe.

On 12/04/2018 at 08:56, Kimmie K said:

In my surgeon consult yesterday he told me that once I have surgery, I must avoid NSAIDS at any and all costs because the potential to cause ulcers. Pardon the pun, but this was a tough pill to swallow LOL What in the world do you do when you have a Headache or period cramps? Tylenol has always been 100% ineffective for me especially with period cramps. Headaches are rare for me, but cramps...those are a definite once a month occurrence and they show no mercy except when I toss back about 4 Advil

I wasn’t told that, but I use them for the same purpose. I get a lot of headaches and Tylenol doesn’t do anything. I have been taking Motrin since I was 14 for migraines. However my pcp told me years ago to take my Omperazole or Antiacids before I take it to prevent damage to the stomach. So if you have to use it take something prior.

On 12/7/2018 at 4:38 PM, nomorefattypatty said:

Tylenol isn't an nsaid, it's acetaminophen should be safe.

Right, but Tylenol doesn't do jack crap for me...my uterus just laughs and keeps on cramping LOL

1 hour ago, Kimmie K said:

Right, but Tylenol doesn't do jack crap for me...my uterus just laughs and keeps on cramping LOL

Tylenol sucks. It helps with absolutely nothing, imo. Midol Complete doesn't have an NSAID in it. The extended release does, though. Not sure if that would help.

On 12/5/2018 at 6:05 AM, djvalade said:

My surgeon allowed my to use topical NSAIDs for joint pain following RNY. So far no issues encountered.

Hi I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. What are some of the topicals you used? I will definitely need them.

On 12/6/2018 at 12:35 PM, mousecat88 said:

I was prescribed topical Diclofenac by my primary care. My surgeon, whom I saw Tuesday, said there is absolutely no problem with the topicals, and I even have an ulcer from the surgery.

OP - can you take Mirena? There is no estrogen in it. It is wonderful and you have zero periods. It is levonorgestrel.

I have that too and that is a topical NSAID which is not allowed. I mean, you can take your chances but I know for me, I'll stop using it once I have my surgery because I'm way too scared of ulcers. The topical gel still passes through your system and can still cause ulcers so I'd think about a second opinion, or do some research

44 minutes ago, jasmineinmymind said:

I have that too and that is a topical NSAID which is not allowed. I mean, you can take your chances but I know for me, I'll stop using it once I have my surgery because I'm way too scared of ulcers. The topical gel still passes through your system and can still cause ulcers so I'd think about a second opinion, or do some research

I have an ulcer and my surgeon said it is completely fine and won't affect it at all. He said the chances are so slim with the topicals; nothing like the orals. I mean, two doctors have said it was fine so I think that counts as two opinions, lol. I haven't used it though because I haven't needed it. You shouldn't be that scared of ulcers; they are treatable and manageable. I've had one the last 7 weeks and I'm fine. Actually trained me to follow the diet better than if I didn't have it, tbh.

Lads! When I was in hospital yesterday they gave me buscopan and it did help! It's good for period pain too apparently https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/buscopan-hyoscine-butylbromide/

22 minutes ago, mousecat88 said:

I have an ulcer and my surgeon said it is completely fine and won't affect it at all. He said the chances are so slim with the topicals; nothing like the orals. I mean, two doctors have said it was fine so I think that counts as two opinions, lol. I haven't used it though because I haven't needed it. You shouldn't be that scared of ulcers; they are treatable and manageable. I've had one the last 7 weeks and I'm fine. Actually trained me to follow the diet better than if I didn't have it, tbh.

We'll see. I have a painful bone spur on my heel which I use the gel for and I wonder how I'll be able to manage that pain once I have surgery. My doc is very adamant about NO NSAIDS so I guess I'll be looking for creative solutions