Question about medicines

[supergirl]

Do all pills have to be crushed or chewed?

[newlifeat57]

Hi Tina. I Take lots of pills. Some of them are kind of big and some of them aren't. You can get vitamins that are chewable. I take meds for my BP, Heart, Arthritis, and Cholesterol. I can take them usually without any problems, but I have to take them one at a time and make sure I don't have any food in my little pouch when I do take them.

There is one pill that I could not take (too big) and they (the Dr. and Pharmacist) found one that I could dissolve in water. If you find that you cannot take your pills, or are worried that you may not be able to take them because they seem too big (bigger than a standard aspirin), ask to see if the pill can be crushed or cut in half, or find out if it comes in liquid form. The pharmacist and your Primary care provider, will work with you to find that med. in a form that you can take.

Because our systems fluctuate so much, which changes our restriction level--swelling, water retention, illness, stress, etc.-- I have found that there are some days I have some difficulty with my pills. I always start by taking my smallest pill first. If I feel it going down slowly, I spread out taking my pills over a longer period of time. But when I first was banded, I made sure my pills were smaller. Some of my pills I had to cut in half, when I was first banded. Once I got used to having my band and recognized what went down and what didn't, I am able to take my pills, in a regular fashion, without any problems. You just have to pay attention to what your body is saying to you. Good luck.....

[KristiR]

I was concerned about that when I first got banded too. I thought that I would have to crush them all, but when I spoke to my surgeon about it, he told me not to bother with it. He said that the new bands were larger around and that there should be no problems with the meds. I have had no problems at all.

Remember, when in doubt, ASK YOUR SURGEON!!!

[gregken77]

I dont crush my pills. Just bought me a pill cutter and cut them into smaller pieces. Doesnt take but a few seconds to do and I was told I needed to cut up my pills. My doctor said it would help them pass quicker through the opening than if I did not. Anyway if you can cut them up I would---It wont hurt anything.

[anninva]

i was worried about this too and i'm not even near having the surgery -- it's just part of my deciding whether or not to have it. i take a bunch of pills and didn't know how i was going to be able to take them, but i do have a super-splitter and it hadn't occurred to me before! i sure am learning a lot! thanks!!!