Can I take Ibuprofen now that my kidneys have been removed?

[Angiepkd]

Hi all!  Haven't been on in a while.  Spent the past few days in the hospital with an infection and have been super busy prior to that trying to get all of my testing done for transplant.  My question is about pain relief.  Since the nephrectomy, I have had lots of phantom kidney pain.  I know it sounds crazy, but I feel like my huge kidneys are still there and hurting.  I also still feel like I need to use the bathroom, even though I know I don't.  It is a very weird feeling and is keeping me up at night, tossing and turning.  I had a CT scan of my abdomen with contrast while in the hospital, where they found nothing amiss but some leftover fluid from the surgery.  They do not think it is the source of my infection, and are treating me with a general antibiotic.  They have no explanation for the odd flank pain I am still having.  When they sent me to CT, I told them I couldn't have the contrast dye.  They checked with my neph and he said I could, since I had no kidneys (duh).  This made me wonder if I could possibly take ibuprofen again?  I haven't had it in years, but thought it might help with the "imaginary" kidney pain.  Anyone out there without kidneys take ibuprofen?  I should've asked before they discharged me, but didn't think of it till I got home.  Thanks!

[cassandra]

I take Ibuprofen when I'm in pain, and doing so for 30 years after my bilateral Nephrectomy , I'd say its fine

   

Take care, Cas

[Angiepkd]

Thanks, Cas!  I was thinking it would be ok, since I don't have any kidneys to damage.  I have taken all the prescription pain meds they gave me after surgery, but hate to ask for more, since they make me feel like I should be ashamed for asking.  Hoping to find an OTC pain killer that will help.  Just another fun thing to deal with.  Thanks for answering my question!

[BattleScars]

I've wondered the same thing as ibuprofen is the only thing that really helps severe dental pain for me. I have some work I have to get done and every once in a while my tooth really starts hurting and I break down and take a couple. I only have 5% kidney function and don't want to lose more. I'm not a doctor but I think as long as you don't take more than the recommended dose you should be OK. Most people that damage their kidneys on these kind of pain relievers take high doses for a long period of time. I'm curious though if you have no kidney function how does the medicine work if it's mostly processed in the kidneys? Be careful that it doesn't build up in your system. I notice I don't tolerate certain medications as well, like the dose stays in my system longer now.   

[cassandra]

It's also the liver, I think with meds. But yeah, stay within the dose of course.

Good luck to all, and lots of love, Cas

[Hemodoc]

Renal damage is of course only one of the side effects of the class of medicines known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).  Ibuprofen also is a huge cause of ulcers. When you understand that dialysis patients have a very high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, one would want to be cautious as a dialysis patient taking any of this class of medications.

In addition, patients with CKD and ESRD have bleeding problems from platelet dysfunction. NSAIDs likewise inhibit platelet function which is very important for stopping bleeding.

Lastly, in addition to other side effects not mentioned yet, Ibuprofen increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Likewise, once again, heart attack and stroke is significantly higher in the ESRD dialysis population.

Putting it all together, I would not recommend Ibuprofen use myself or to my patients with severe renal disease.

However, you may wish to discuss the risk, benefits and options for treating ghost pains. There are actually quite a few better choices for this issue that your transplant surgeon should be familiar in their use.

Best wishes and I hope you find a solution to this issue.

God bless,

[jeannea]

I learned self-hypnosis a few years ago to help with major pain. It is completely safe and interacts with nothing. I do use some Tylenol for headaches and Neorontin for neurological pain. Definitely talk to your doctor about options. I gave up NSAIDs in 1998 and while sometimes I wish for an ibuprofen mostly it doesn't matter.

[Angiepkd]

Thank you for your replies!  I am going to hold off on the ibuprofen until I talk to my neph later this month.  I most certainly don't want to have any additional medical issues.