Ibuprofen ok after surgery?

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Backtobasics

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I am now 7 weeks post-decompression L4-5 fusion and doing well - I return to work next week. I was told to stop taking Ibuprofen (Motrin, etc.) several weeks before my surgery and I did so. My question is can I now return to using Iburprofen? Simple enough question to ask the doc but it's Sunday and I know you guys and gals work 24/7 :)

PS: I am taking over-the-counter Tylenol now for discomfort.
 
Good question...and the answer is "NO." Most docs will NOT let you take any ibuprofen type product (Advil, aleve, aspirin, NSAIRAB) for about 6 months or until there are solid signs of fusion. I cannot give you a scientific explanation but it affects the blood platelets and slows down the fusion. process. Stick with Tylenol.
 
Good luck with the return to work! Right now I'm scheduled to return, tentatively, in 2 weeks. I'll be seeing my doctor the Friday before and he'll offer the yay or the nay. My current level of recovery is at a stanRABtill so I'm having some concerns about this, but we'll see. They also said "stop the Celebrex" and so now I'm having a new assortment of fun with the arthritis I've had for years.

I am so happy to hear how well you're doing!
 
Welcome to returning back to work! It's tough going back and expect to be exhausted for awhile. Keep your arsenal of stuff with you in case you need it while at work.

I had my meRAB, my ice pack, my heating pad, and I made sure I got up out of the chair as much as possible to keep the body from getting so stiff.

I also returned at 7 weeks, but could have used a few more weeks at home to be honest, but I made do just fine and had a great working environment to help me along.

Take care!
 
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