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Has Anyone had to take pills immediately after NF surgery?

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 3/7/2014 9:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi again,

I've been reading through the NF surgery stories, but I haven't heard from anyone who has said that they have had to take pills immediately following the surgery. I am on several different medications, most of which are small pills (smaller than a tylenol pill). However, I have one that is about the size of a capsule and another big one. I did manage to get one of my medications in a disolvable form, but I cannot do that with my other medications. I'm nervous about this. Has anyone experienced pill swallowing problems after surgery?

Thank you for your time.
Posted 3/8/2014 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
Uniandra

I had to take several different sized pills after my surgeries and I didn't have any problems.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 3/8/2014 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Uniandra,

I had quite a few pills to take post-op. I arranged to have some of them changed...from a larger pill, to taking two of a smaller dose version. For example, a 300mg pill could be substituted for two 150mg. I was taking an antihistamine that had a large pill (Allegra) and I was switched to a tiny antihistamine (Xyzal).

Capsules can be opened and mixed with applesauce or yogurt. Non-timed release tablets can be crushed and mixed with applesauce or yogurt as well.

Unlike Bill, I had trouble taking large tablets. Surgeons often prescribe tablet pain medication post op as well. I don't understand how they sent patients home on soft or liquid diets, with large tablets for pain medication. I would recommend you ask your surgeon for liquid pain meds if you can. If not, crush and mix with something.

There is no reason to worry about taking medication post op. There are so many ways around it! It's a good thing to plan ahead, but don't spend a moment worrying about it. Many people, like Bill, can swallow large pills without any trouble. I'm not one of them, but even so, it really doesn't bother me a bit!

No worries!
Denise
Posted 3/8/2014 11:02 PM (GMT 0)
Check with your family Dr. or drug store before you crush pills. I was told my thyroid pill couldn't be crushed. I did find if I put it in applesauce it would go down. Crushed pills taste nasty, so mix in with plenty of applesauce (cinnamon applesauce works great).
Posted 3/9/2014 12:45 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone for your responses. I feel better now about taking my pills. I bought a large jar of applesauce, so that should work out nicely.
Posted 3/9/2014 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
I never could swallow large tablets, still can't. They stick going down. I chew them, even the awfully bitter ones. Chewing a vit B 12 that is full of sugar makes them taste better. Might try a little scrap of chocolate.

If the capsules contain time-release granules - like Nexium - Don't chew! Just swallow with pudding or applesauce. It's in the company directions! You can look up all your meds and read what you can and can't chew. It's important as some things need to not be dissolved in the acid stomach, but must go to the basic intestines.

Some things I just didn't take until I could swallow them.

Another trick for pills if you don't want to crush or chew is soft butter. Butter your pills. It tastes good too.
Posted 3/10/2014 2:23 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Alcie. I will have to try the butter trick if I cannot swallow them. I cannot crush any of my other pills unfortunately. Thank you everyone for the advice. I'm having my procedure done on Thursday. I'm getting quite a bit nervous.
Posted 3/11/2014 4:05 AM (GMT 0)
I was given Tylenol supps first couple days in hospital but then they gave them to me orally. I could swallow for two days but not now. Today I am 10 days post op. I tried to swallow an Advil again and the pain was insane. I was previously swallowing tiny tabs which were uncomfortable but tolerable. So my increased swelling, which happens in weeks 2-3 after surgery, you may struggle more. I am going to try to find liquid Tylenol and Advil tomorrow. I took my kids liquid Tylenol today. That was nasty. How my kids swallow that I don't know. I say try the advice given by others above. I found pudding or yogurt easier to swallow pills also rather than liquids. All the best with your surgery. I'm very happy with my results so far.
Posted 3/11/2014 11:55 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Wendy. You have been really helpful.
Posted 3/12/2014 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
I assume you are on your clear fluid diet today. Before you know it, you will be in the recovery phases and past all this worry. You will find what works for you. Excited for you as I am so happy with my results even with all my limitations. Best wishes for tomorrow.
Posted 3/12/2014 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Wendy for the well wishes. :)
Posted 3/14/2014 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
I bought a pill crusher before I went to the hospital. While I was in the nurses crushed my regular bloodpressure meds for me and mixed them with apple sauce to make them go down easier. After I was released I continued to do the same for about a week. After that I realized that my largest pill was only about 1/4th inch in diameter so I began to swallow them whole with no problems.
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