I am about 10 weeks post aortic valve replacement. Prior to learning I had aortic valve stenosis earlier this year I always regarded ibuprofen as a superior pain killer to paracetamol. Might have something to do with a childhood in Nottingham where it was developed by Boots! Tended to use it for the occasional ache and pain, not regularly, although I remember my dad was prescribed “Brufen” as a daily medication for osteoarthritis ( and he didn’t develop heart disease)
I am aware there is research around indicating that it can be a risk for people with heart failure and the hospital only recommended paracetamol when I was discharged. I wasn’t in a fit state to ask about ibuprofen and wasn’t given any advice either way.
I am fortunate enough not to have heart failure and have been discharged with advice that the valve is working well All my post surgery walking is bringing on a familiar ache in the knee What are views on ibuprofen? Could I take it now and again or do I stick to paracetamol?
Interested to get views!
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Petitlady
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Hi, Before I had Mechanical Valves I used to have a Tissue Valve and only took aspirin as well. Back then I used to take the occasional Ibuprofen, but, only after I was given the go-ahead. I was also quite young and had no BP problems and the likes.
I think you need to do what I did and ask the question of GP or Pharmacist.
Thanks. Until this year I was not aware that I had a heart problem and I’m just getting my head round all the dos and don’ts
I have to agree that ibuprofen is a better pain relief than paracetamol. However I do not take ibuprofen any more due to its effects on blood pressure. I have a theory ( I have many theories from experiences that got me to this point of finding out I had a congenital heart disease ) however my blood pressure started to go up while I was taking ibuprofen. I was taking it to get through my shifts at work due to back a neck pain. Paracetamol just does not do anything. But the increase in blood pressure possibly caused me to collapse at work? My cardiologist did say that I was a ticking time bomb. However ibuprofen does not help when you are trying to control blood pressure. I am allowed to use ibuprofen muscle rub. Did ask the doctor. But tablets are a no no. And you should not take any similar pain tablets or NSAIDs. These do something to blood pressure and the arteries. But if you do need something stronger ask your doctor or cardiologist. They may know of other medications.
Thanks. I have been lucky enough to get to my mid sixties without high blood pressure and was completely ignorant of my narrowing valve until it was severe bordering on critical. I’ll give tablets a miss and see what muscle rubs I can use when i get joint pain
Hi.I was told that Ibuprofen can interact with blood pressure meds. But I was also told that using the ibuprofen gel is ok because it's topical, just put on the area of pain, so doesn't have the same effect as the tablets.
Hi I think you should ask doc, I only went to docs last week with terrible pains in legs told her paracetamol do nothing, she said if it’s now and then and not everyday take ibuprofen. I replied didn’t think I was meant to, she replied every now and then is fine. Just letting u know my experience hope you get it sorted
I have nerve pain at my wrist where an artery was removed from my arm for my bypass op. At times the pain is quite severe, so I apply Ibuprofen gel and it usually settles down after one application.
I totally agree with the comments made that Ibuprofen is a better pain killer than Paracetamol, particularly as far as headaches are concerned where for me Paeacetamol is a total waste of time. Paracetamol was okay to control my post-op pains and I never needed to use the Codeine I was prescribed when I left hospital. I guess it's "horses for courses" as far as these pain killers are concerned.
Maybe it is best to be sure and speak to your GP about your situation. Hopefully you can get some relief soon.
Thanks Gerald, to be honest the knee is not too bad, it just plays up after long walks. Maybe I have a bit of osteoarthritis developing. It was a a bit of a problem last year and then paled into insignificance when I found I needed OHS! As I’ve picked up exercise it’s decided to make itself known again!
I wasn’t keen on the stronger painkillers in hospital so like you I stuck with paracetamol when I got home. I’m just looking ahead and was interested to hear what others thought.
Well I used to suffer really bad knee pains and the occasional painful dislocation until I started with regular exercise. Building the muscles up has helped support the joint and the pain in my case has reduced. Hopefully it will be the same for you now you are into an exercise regime.
I climb hills when time allows and rarely have any issues. If I do get a flare up, then Ibuprofen gel helps and if the pain persists I take Turmeric with my main meal. I only need to take it for a week or so as my joints respond well. In my case I don't have a heart issue, it's my plumbing that is the problem, so I can take Ibuprofen and Turmeric without them causing any issues.
I am 6 weeks post AVR along with IE and was prescribed Codeine if pain was severe along with paracetamol and ibuprofen, they were giving me ibuprofen in hospital so no issues in their opinion.
Hope you are feeling better 10 weeks later with the exception of your knee.
since I have starting to walking an hour at a time which involves hills I have developed pains in the side of my chest and back which I haven’t experienced previously, have you experienced this.
Hi, you sound as though you are doing really well! Thanks for your reply. In the last couple of weeks I have felt a lot more normal and started to plan ahead instead of all my energy being focused on getting through the day week ten is a lot better than week6! I still have some pain in my chest, but it’s not bad enough to need painkillers. I started some cardiac rehab and was advised that I was walking and standing in a very defensive position. Hardly surprising as I was protecting my chest, but it was pulling on my back and I have been trying to remember to keep my shoulders back and stand up straight. Not always easy. I think it takes a long time for everything to settle down after such an invasive procedure.
Hi, I noted your last sentence about things taking time to settle - I am too at the 10 week stage. My cardiologist very helpfully told me it took 12 weeks for the heart to recover but 6- 9 months for the body to recover after open heart surgery. That has made me more relaxed about the whole recovery process so I have to be kind to myself and give the body time to heal.
Due to my cocktail of drugs I'm another who can't take Ibuprofen but on the odd occasion I need good pain relief I take Cocodamol. I find it very effective.
Hi my blood pressure is fine but I was told by my cardiac team not to take brufen at all. I take a lot of meds and it can cause more stomach problems. I have used the gel occasionally. I use co codamol for my athritis. I hope you can get something that will help take care char
Got `a tissue valve here. I was told that any NSAID, of which Ibuprofen is one, are a big no, no. Paracetamol or Cocodamol if something stronger is needed. I didn't need codeine post op at all but found Paracetamol helps although it doesn't prevent discomfort completely.
My partner suffers from what looks like the early stages of mild arthritis and she finds adding ground Cinnamon to her morning porridge helps a lot. We've also heard from others that Turmeric can help.
Had aortic root aneurysm and valve sparing surgery (David V). Heart otherwise was in great shape. I do take a daily aspirin 81 mg. Surgeon advised against taking Ibuprofen but to take Tylenol for those aches and pains. I ‘d advise talking to your heart doc for sure.
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