I have to have brain surgery (for a Brian aneurism) in August and the doctor wants me to start a blood thinner and aspirin two weeks prior to the surgery. I mentioned that my gastro doc strongly suggests I avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen because it can basically ruin the pouch. The nurse was really nice and understanding but suggested that my surgeon connect with my gastro to see what they can work out.
I wonder if anyone else has been in the predicament?
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Bubba, this should be easy to solve. Putting the surgeon in touch with your Gastro could do the trick, as could (more simply) just asking your surgeon for an alternative. That’s what you’d do if you were allergic to aspirin, for example. There are lots of antiplatelet medications besides aspirin, though they are all more expensive than aspirin. Also, I think two weeks of aspirin is unlikely to do your pouch much harm, but it’s also reasonable to ask for an alternative.
I hope your surgery goes very well indeed.
Bubba, I agree with Scott’s points. I am not sure you will need alternatives, particularly with only two weeks use. Unless you have a specific allergy or intolerance to aspirin, this should be OK.
For the type of surgery you are having, the risk of blood clots far outweigh the potential risk of pouch damage. Sometimes I think our doctors explain things in such an extreme way that we loose sight of the reasoning. A short course of aspirin should not “ruin” your pouch. It is just that we need to be aware that aspirin and NSAIDs *may* cause GI bleeding and inflammation. It is seldom permanent. I can almost guarantee you that your surgeon has had other patients with IBD. Having the brain surgeon consult with your GI is a great idea.
Jan 
I think the nurse's idea is excellent
Update: My gastro doc connected with my neuro surgeon and they decided a smaller dose of aspirin -81mg instead of the 380mg they normally prescribe. They also normally prescribe Plavix and this time they’ll be prescribing a Brulenta which is a little bit stronger in preventing clots.
My gastro had his nurse call- he wants to see me bc of that and a recent drug-induced lupus diagnosis. The nurse hasn’t called me back in over a week in a half. I called today and they’re booked until mid-sept. My surgery is scheduled in August so that’s a little frustrating. I’m glad he’s supportive but idk why he wants to see me??
@Bubba1028 posted:Update: My gastro doc connected with my neuro surgeon and they decided a smaller dose of aspirin -81mg instead of the 380mg they normally prescribe. They also normally prescribe Plavix and this time they’ll be prescribing a Brulenta which is a little bit stronger in preventing clots.
My gastro had his nurse call- he wants to see me bc of that and a recent drug-induced lupus diagnosis. The nurse hasn’t called me back in over a week in a half. I called today and they’re booked until mid-sept. My surgery is scheduled in August so that’s a little frustrating. I’m glad he’s supportive but idk why he wants to see me??
Make sure to take Aspirin with a snack or meal to coat the stomach.
Bubba, my take on what your GI is up to is that he just wants a follow up with you. Trust me, if there was an urgent need to see you right away, he would be able to fit you in between other appointments. This is why sometimes you sit in the waiting room 30 minutes or more past your appointment time. It is because they worked in an urgent case or someone else needed more than their allotted time.
Just make sure that your GI is aware of your med changes.
Jan
Thanks, I’ll be sure to take it with food. I always try to follow that stuff.
As for the appt I figured he’d prob call me back sooner or fit me in during lunch- he’s totally done that before if it’s been an emergency. I’m not fussed bc I honestly don’t want to drive down there or feel the need to go. I’m just surprised the nurse didn’t call me back! Lol in the meantime I’ll just go with the flow. He’s in touch with my other doc and if anything changes I’ll let him know 😉
@Bubba1028 posted:Thanks, I’ll be sure to take it with food. I always try to follow that stuff.
As for the appt I figured he’d prob call me back sooner or fit me in during lunch- he’s totally done that before if it’s been an emergency. I’m not fussed bc I honestly don’t want to drive down there or feel the need to go. I’m just surprised the nurse didn’t call me back! Lol in the meantime I’ll just go with the flow. He’s in touch with my other doc and if anything changes I’ll let him know 😉
Sounds great hon
A lot of doctors/nurses take their time calling back or they forget, I always got to stay on them like cheese on macaroni lol.
