TAH tomorrow, upper abdominal pain now, HELP!!!

Hey ladies, I need some advice. My last period started on Sunday and my doc prescribed 600 mg ibuprofen for the pain. I've had to take it every 6 hours around the clock since Sunday when I started. I didn't think about it then, but by Sunday night, I had the worst bloated, gassy feeling in my upper abdomen right below my ribs. I took a Gas-X and it didn't really help a whole lot, but did take away some of the pressure. Could the ibuprofen be causing this discomfort? My surgery is tomorrow and I've read that sort of discomfort is normal for after. It's really going to suck if I start out with it!!! Please, any advice or suggestions would be wonderful. I'm thinking maybe I should stop the ibuprofen and try Tylenol?

Ibuprofen can certainly cause GI upset. My doctor told me not to take it 7 days prior to my surgery so I have been taking Tylenol and it doesn't cut the pain very well but better than nothing.
You might try the Tylenol for a day and see if that helps.

I have a hiatel hernia and get the same symptons you describe...especially when I use ibuprofen!! It might be worth taking and asking your doc about OTC Prevacid or Pepcid! As a natural remedy I have tried Apple Vinegar 3 tbs mixed in apple juice...I use it 2x per day..does seem to help a bit. I would definitely see your doc or at least call him prior to surgery as it could be anything or nothing...but doc should know about you are experiencing..especially going into surgery.

Could be irritation from the ibuprofin- I would stop that asap. Most doctors won't allow ibuprofin that close to surgery as it can cause more bleeding during the surgery.

I have GERD and a history of ulcers- ibuprofin is a big no-no and usually causes the same type of pain you are describing.

However, pain under the ribs can also be several other things, including pneumonia, gall bladder or pancreas inflammation, or an ulcer.

Oh gosh..yes!! I did not even think about that....does your doc know you have been taking ibuprofen so close to surgery???? It was a BIG no-no along with anything containing aspirin...can cause excessive bleeding during surgery!!

She had to have known, but boy I'm going to have to stop taking it. I just have to make it through another 18 hours. I know I can do it, I know I can!! Thanks for all your posts. It really helps!

Do what you can to get through the next few hours.
You will be better after for sure.
Best wishes and a big hug to you!

Yep, it will be over soon. Hang in there

Yes ibuprofen can give you gases but can be reduced if you eat something first even a biscuit its not good to take on an empty stomach. My nurses at our dr surgery are always reminding me to eat. But please avoid it now for surgery. Try a hot water bottle or suck some mints or mint tea to help get rid of it

You may also want to try some antacids or even OTC prilosec. That was the only med I was allowed to take the morning of surgery, as I have acid reflux disease. The nurse said that inflammation from acid reflux could complicate the laparoscopic surgery.