- Jun 15, 2001
- 2,552
- 0
Sorry, guys. It's been a while since I've been back to this post.
The above "references" from Deaconess and Mass General are called 'block" advice. When people call in to ask "professional" advice, oftentimes the doc will "throw in the towel" on the specifics and give general information. Not only will they give general information, but they will look for ways to give "defensive" information in order to prevent any harm possible in case the information should disseminate diffusely. In other words, the terms "clinically meaningful" or "clinically important" are left out.
The effect of Ibuprofen on "blood thinning" or "bleeding time" is negligible. I have never seen a case of excessive bruising or cutaneous bleeding in patients on Ibuprofen, and it is, in fact, used pre-, intra- and o/w perioperatively for pain control all the time. (ie, when huge intraabdominal wounds have been created with a scalpel)
For instance, when I do a renal biopsy, I do not prohibit the use of NSAIDS in general prior to the biopsy, but make them hold aspirin for 7 days prior. This is also confirmed by a test called the "bleeding time", where a small cut is made in the skin and the time to clot it off is measured. Ibuprofen has little effect, whilst aspirin (among others) affect it markedly.
So just trust me, that "general" adivice given does NOT apply here. Ibuprofen will NOT significantly affect platelet function, and certainly not to the point of massive, unexpected bruising. Feel free to take it before and after riding. No big deal for most of you guys and gals.
And someone asked what kind of MD I was. I'm a Nephrologist--sort of an "internist" of the kidneys, perform dialysis, apheresis (plasma exchange), kidney biopsy, treat acute and chronic kidney failure and manage hypertension (high blood pressure).
I just finished training 2 years ago at UCSD (San Diego), and currently am "paying off" my home state for sending me to Medical School, although I might just stay here. :)
Best wishes.
The above "references" from Deaconess and Mass General are called 'block" advice. When people call in to ask "professional" advice, oftentimes the doc will "throw in the towel" on the specifics and give general information. Not only will they give general information, but they will look for ways to give "defensive" information in order to prevent any harm possible in case the information should disseminate diffusely. In other words, the terms "clinically meaningful" or "clinically important" are left out.
The effect of Ibuprofen on "blood thinning" or "bleeding time" is negligible. I have never seen a case of excessive bruising or cutaneous bleeding in patients on Ibuprofen, and it is, in fact, used pre-, intra- and o/w perioperatively for pain control all the time. (ie, when huge intraabdominal wounds have been created with a scalpel)
For instance, when I do a renal biopsy, I do not prohibit the use of NSAIDS in general prior to the biopsy, but make them hold aspirin for 7 days prior. This is also confirmed by a test called the "bleeding time", where a small cut is made in the skin and the time to clot it off is measured. Ibuprofen has little effect, whilst aspirin (among others) affect it markedly.
So just trust me, that "general" adivice given does NOT apply here. Ibuprofen will NOT significantly affect platelet function, and certainly not to the point of massive, unexpected bruising. Feel free to take it before and after riding. No big deal for most of you guys and gals.
And someone asked what kind of MD I was. I'm a Nephrologist--sort of an "internist" of the kidneys, perform dialysis, apheresis (plasma exchange), kidney biopsy, treat acute and chronic kidney failure and manage hypertension (high blood pressure).
I just finished training 2 years ago at UCSD (San Diego), and currently am "paying off" my home state for sending me to Medical School, although I might just stay here. :)
Best wishes.