crushing medications

[w2ben 3]

How long should I crush my medications? My doctor seems very caring but no real answers about such things and his nurse is no better. Can I take ibuprofen for arthritis? I'm just curious what others have heard as I don't see him again for another month at which time I plan on getting some concrete answers. I'm about 90 days out from my sleeve...done 12/8/2010.

[disp4so 3]

I have been taking my pills whole since about 3 months out..

if it is a "horse" pill though I would wait another month or so or cut it in half

How long should I crush my medications? My doctor seems very caring but no real answers about such things and his nurse is no better. Can I take ibuprofen for arthritis? I'm just curious what others have heard as I don't see him again for another month at which time I plan on getting some concrete answers. I'm about 90 days out from my sleeve...done 12/8/2010.

[Brother J 11]

I take a lot of medication. I never crushed them even the day after surgery. I did have to spread them out though I dont have to anymore.

[juliarh 35]

I crushed my meds for the first month and then was able to swallow them. I'd try it to see if your swelling has gone down enough to allow pills -- start with something small and then if you can, then no more crushing!

[Becca 108]

I finally started swallowing my pills at two months out. I would really check with your doctor with the ibuprofen. I was reading on another forum about someone who really messed up their stomach taking it. I can't remember what the rules are for pain killers. Any one else know? I need to go back and read my info. Fortunately, I still have a big bottle of the liquid stuff left from surgery if I need it.

[Redcobra 1]

How long should I crush my medications? My doctor seems very caring but no real answers about such things and his nurse is no better. Can I take ibuprofen for arthritis? I'm just curious what others have heard as I don't see him again for another month at which time I plan on getting some concrete answers. I'm about 90 days out from my sleeve...done 12/8/2010.

Crushed for one week. Ugh. Taste awful.

I was told no NSAIDS for 4 weeks. Ibuprofen is an NSAID, Tylenol is not.

I have terrible arthritis and gout and can't wait to take my Arthrotec again in one week.

[Luanne 32]

Mine was 12-9-10 and I started back on my regular meds last week with no problem. I decided liquid Vitamins are something I will stick with for a long time tho. I just had my 3 month upper GI test yesterday and the radiologist told me, "no leaks, good to go."

[DivineMissM 60]

My surgeon told me to crush my meds for 2 weeks.. then if it is a larger med, break it in half. I hate the crushing... some meds you can not disguise that bitter taste.. Must be that " bitter pill to swallow" I have heard about all these years!! LOL

[SleeveNZ 219]

I refused to crush pills so cut big ones into small pieces and swallowed little ones whole a few days after. My surgeons rules are wait 6 weeks up till then crush or replace with chewable or liquid form.

[Aaron in Tulsa 147]

I took my whole pills starting the day after surgery with no issues. I asked the doctor if I should crush or get liquids compounded, and he said as long as the pills are no bigger than medium-sized, it's okay to take them. I've been told no NSAIDs (like Ibuprofen) for the rest of my life. Then again, I don't have any chronic problems like arthritis. He may think differently for those patients.

[OneWritersSoul 353]

I was told by my surgeon no aspirin, ibuprofen or other NSAIDS ever. Too many risks. As for swallowing pills, as soon as the swelling was down one week after the surgery.

Good luck to you!

[Capt Derel 287]

I took cipro cut in half right after my surgery for 3 weeks +/-. But as soon as that was done liquids or injectables all the way for me. pills suck imho.

I take Advil ONLY when needed. I only need 2 now to get rid of pain vs 4 preop. Saving $$$ without even trying.