HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

I had TIF on Dec 29 wondering how to swallow meds

Support Forums
>
GERD & Acid Reflux
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 12/31/2011 9:31 PM (GMT 0)

My Dr doesn't seemed to concerned about me swallowing these PPI that are huge. I was wondering, if I should take Carafate? I have taken liquid Tylenol for the pain, but nothing for the GERD I used to have. I am a little concerned about swallowing because my Esophagus was smaller than the Dr has ever seen and he had some issues with the scope. The surgery took 3 hours instead of 1. I just want to cry and I am even afraid to do that. sad shocked

Posted 12/31/2011 11:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Feisty,

I had a Nissen, not a TIF, but I think the recovery is pretty similar.

I don't understand how surgeons think that we'll swallow big pills when we aren't even supposed to eat solid foods!

Anyway, Carafate would be very helpful in coating your stomach and protecting it.  Do your PPIs open so you could mix the powder with applesauce?   If so, that's a good way to take it.  Just try not to chew the applesauce, because most PPIs are time-released, and it can mess up that capability.

If you need a PPI and your doc will do it, Protonix is very tiny.  It can't be crushed but it's so small and bullet-shaped that it goes down easily.

Be sure to keep 2 hours between Carafate and other meds.

Many, many take PPIs as they recover to make it easier. 

Hang in there...this is the toughest time...things will get better as you heal!

Denise

Posted 1/1/2012 1:45 AM (GMT 0)
I think I am going to try the carafate with yogurt. I need to get some applesauce.

Thank you for your suggestion.

How long ago did you get your Nissen and are you able to eat the foods you love.

 

Posted 1/1/2012 3:52 AM (GMT 0)
If you have the carafate pill, just mix with some water to make a slurry. This makes it similar to the liquid form and will coat you esophagus as well as your stomach.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 1/1/2012 4:02 AM (GMT 0)
Starry said

I know all pills are different and some you aren't supposed to crush but, if it's possible with your meds, try crushing them and mixing in a little applesauce. Many have taken pills this way. Fortunately, I've been able to swallow all pills but was prepared to crush.

I'm sorry you're feeling so badly. You will get better. You are in very the early healing stage. I'm sure someone will be around soon that can give you more advice.
Posted 1/1/2012 5:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Feisty,

Bill's right about the Carafate.  That's supposed to be taken on an empty stomach, so the best way to take it is in a little medicine cup, mixed and stirred with a little water.  Then you throw it back like a shot so it gets into your throat and bypasses your mouth as much as possible.  I used to take it that way before I got the suspension form, which is much nicer, but much more expensive as well.

Hang in there...things will improve!

Denise

Posted 1/1/2012 5:54 AM (GMT 0)
Feisty,

To answer your question...I had my Nissen in Feb. 2009.  I eat pretty much anything I want to eat.  I have a very reactive stomach that gets irritated easily.  Because of that I steer clear of coffee, although I have it on occasion with dessert or at a really good restaurant.  Also, I don't drink much wine as it's so acidic.  I'll have a glass with dinner, but that's about it.  I do drink beer and it doesn't bother me at all.

Happy New Year! 

Just think about how much better 2012 will be!

Denise

Posted 1/1/2012 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
After my surgery 3/2010 I came home with pill form medications for the pain and also I have to take horse pills (1000 mg. of metformin).
I looked at these pills and called my doctor and asked if I could get liquid form as I couldn't swallow ANYTHING. He called in liquid for my meds and chewables.
Ask your doctor if they have liquid or chewables for anything you take.
It took me almost 6 months after my surgery to take the metformin but I used milk since that would coat my throat.
Best to you.
Posted 1/1/2012 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
Feisty,

I am curious to know what all things did you consider when choosing TIF over NLF .. as I'll soon be looking to take this decision myself.

Thanks
Posted 1/1/2012 7:42 PM (GMT 0)

PPI-LESS

 

The decision was easy for me the Dr. in WI would not do the NLF because my case was not that bad. HA I said you try not eating or enjoying any food without feeling like junk after eating food.

 

It was time for my husband and I to move back to HI for the winter season. There was an ad in the paper about the TIF and we went to the seminar. The Dr. giving the seminar was amazed on how much I knew about GERD and all the symptoms I had. The PPI’s didn't work and I was losing weight and very miserable. So, we decided this was the way to go. As of today Jan 1, 2012 I am feeling good better than yesterday and I am taking the liquid carafate.

 

My case was unusal because my esophagus was small and the TIF instrument was a little tight. The Dr. didn't know my esophagus was small and twisted. My surgery lasted 3 hours instead of 1 and 1/2. I am doing fine.

 

When you make your decision do as much research as possible before you decide. I have seen a lot of negative things about the TIF only time will tell, if I am healed.

 

Take care

 

Posted 1/1/2012 7:46 PM (GMT 0)
PPI-LESS

One more thing the PPI's which you already know are bad for you and I didn't need any more issuses with my health. Whole food supplements have been good to me thus far(except for the GERD issue) so I will continue to stay on them.

Take care

Posted 1/1/2012 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Feisty1.

- What negative things have you heard about the TIF procedure - and why did you decide to go with it even after you'd heard these negative things?

- Can you list out the whole food supplements that you mention here?

Thanks
Posted 1/2/2012 12:48 AM (GMT 0)

The most common negative comment I heard was that they still felt the acid after surgery. The diet was also an issue for many people. It's not fun, but it does work. You just have to make sure your full which doesn't take much liquid to make me feel that way. In many of the comments people stated that one needed to be patient and take it one day at a time.

I had my surgery because my Dr thought I was an excellent canidate because my Hiatal Hernia was small and I had no acid erosion.

I found a whole food supplement place on line called thebetterhealthclub that can give you information on the product if you click on the RX button.

I take Formula IV, Beta-Gest, Enzymes & Acidiphilius and it seemed to help be before surgery. As soon as I am able I will start the supplements once again. Aloe Vera juice helps. I am also, on NouriShake to help supply me with protein.

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply