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Swallowing issues? Liquid vitamins?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/10/2012 9:05 PM (GMT 0)

Can Apriso capsules be opened and taken without the capsule jacket or is it necessary to keep capsules intact in order for them to reach the small bowel? I'm  having trouble swallowing and have actually choked terribly twice. Yesterday in restaurant!!!! So embarrassing!  Just wondering if anyone else has had this issue or has tried taking just the contents of the capsules.  I also am curious if you all know a good source for liquid vitamin supplements / herbs?  Thanks for your help!

Posted 6/10/2012 10:14 PM (GMT 0)
I don't think you can take the inside without the casing. It's probably forumlated to dissolve in the right part of the colon... I haven't had problems with lialda but I haven't used Apriso. I found Colazal to be very difficult to swallow because they are old fashioned capsules and they are dry.
Posted 6/10/2012 10:23 PM (GMT 0)
Sunny try taking them with milk. For me when I had problems swallowing pills I could only do it with milk. Now that I'm more used to it I can take them with anything.
Posted 6/11/2012 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
Sunny,

You're the only one I've ever heard complain about the same problem I have: choking on pills, ugh it's aweful. I know how you feel only too well.

I've always had problems swallowing pills; they get stuck in my throat, and then they come right back up.

And those mesalamines pills are huge!

I don't believe they can be emptied, as they are time released to open in a certain part of the colon/intestine.

Sorry, I don't have any solutions for you there.

As far as your asking about liquid minerals and vitamins, that's a great idea. And especially for people like us who have major problems swallowing big pills.  All the while I was heavily bleeding for more than 1 1/2 years, the only thing that kept my blood work normal and not anemic was my taking daily liquid minerals and liquid vitamins.

If you're interested, you can check out my sig, click on https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=38&m=1666318 , and you'll find under the 11th post, see #12 where I talk about liquid minerals/vitamins. There is the name of the company I get mine from (and a coupon code too).

Let me know how else I can help you.

 

Posted 6/11/2012 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much for your advice regarding difficulty with swallowing capsules.  My hubby had to use the himlech on me once and thought we were to that point in the restaurant.  Remembering something my mom said about choking on fish bones, I quickly tried bread to get them on down; however,that did not work!!!!  The gag reflex made the bread go up my nasal track, so I was in BAD shape for a few moments that seemed like forever . . . 

Weird thing is that I had never experienced problems swallowing until lately. I did have a hiatal hernia repair on the esophagus several years back. The nurses told me then that the mesh configuration to keep the esophagus and stomach intact may cause swallowing issues. Now, they have appeared with the UC.

  I honestly believe drinking coffee prior to taking the capsules may have contributed to the capsules sticking.  Even though I took them with water, my esophagus may have been too warm.  Anyway, it (choiking) has been happening too much.  I will try the milk suggestion to see if they will go down easier.  Last night I opened the capsules and was quite surprised to see miniscule candy-like substance rather than powder.  I tried taking the contents rather than the capsules since my throat was still sensitive due to the choking incidents.  Of course, I could not tell any difference, but effects may not show up for a few days.

  InSoFla, Thanks for the links /info on the liquid vitamins.  I believe that may be my best choice for awhile.  I may even contact the manufacturer of Apriso to see if opening the capsules is harmful or less effective, too. I appreciate all your help, InSoFla, SherBear, and Notsosicklygirl! :)

Posted 6/11/2012 10:05 PM (GMT 0)
The Extended-Release capsules yes you can open them and swallow the content. That's what I do.
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