Question about pill crushing

JanPeg

I didn't have any problems with pills after my surgery, but that is rare. Are any of your medications available in liquid formulation? You could also check for a compounding medicine in your area, they might be able to make the pills into a liquid formulation. It's amazing what they can do, my cat is on daily medication and they compounded into a transdermal gel that I rub into his ear once a day.

Good Luck

Hi Peg
I just swallowed my pain pills because they were given to me in the hospital like that. Please know that some pills should not be crushed because they go into your system too fast.
Be careful about that chocolate pudding too-my doctor gave me a list of foods to avoid after surgery and any type of chocolate product is on top of the list.
Hope you are recovering well!
Elke

Hello janpeg,

I am 8 days out from my NF surgery and was given my pills whole from the very start after surgery, as there wasnt a liquid alternative and some are extended release and cannot be opened. I found them a little difficult to swallow whilst I had the naso-gastric tube still in situ, but afterwards I dont have too much trouble swallowing them if I take them and take gulps of water for about 5 minutes after, if you feel they are sticking at the surgery take a good sip of water and swallow hard, they usually move down pretty well after that, or try taking them with yoghurt

I could not swallow pills after surgery, but then I had difficulty swallowing before. I was given nearly all my meds IV in hospital and liquid when I went home after 4 days. The pills I crushed. I bought a good pill crusher at the pharmacy. I continued crushing large pills for a couple of months because I couldn't swallow them. Some tasted pretty awful. I can't have pudding with sulfite allergy, so I was limited to applesauce.

I still have trouble swallowing pills, particularly dry tablets. The secret is BUTTER. They taste lots better and go down easier too. I cut large tablets in half or quarters, but they can catch and not go down. Some take several swallows when they get caught in my esophagus. I've had to learn not to gag. I find milk works better than water.

Time-release tablets and capsules present a problem. They can't be crushed. Coating with butter might make the tiny holes not release the medicine well. I sometimes have to ask for an alternative.