Crushing pills

[Dody 0]

My surgeon told me for the first few weeks I would have to crush my pills, and eventually I would be able to swallow them. I'm not sure of his reason for this, because I am able to swallow the pills just fine. Is there some reason that they should be crushed anyway even though I can swallow them? I saw something earlier that said that say even if you can swallow them you shouldn't. Anyone have any real experience with this and do you know if it hurts you to just swallow them if you are able. Thanks.

I'm adding an addition to this on July 24, as I talked to the nurse today and she said because my pills are so small and one is time release that it is fine if I'm able to swallow it. I take Toprol XL and it's no bigger than a birth control pill (and yeh they had them in my day too) I don't take any big pills whatsoever...don't even come close to a pencil eraser. Thanks for all the help.

[vinesqueen 2]

from a different thread... Just quick remeinder that not all pills should be crushed, especially if they are a time release pill, or if they have a special coating. If you arn't sure, plase speak with your pharmasist!

I just make sure I follow my pills with a large glass of Water to wash them out and down.

Be safe and be kind!...

Nykee had really bad troubles after her first fill, man I remember how hard that was on her! (poor thing!) I know that other people have had trouble with larger pills after a fill as well. I know that I had to break a few of my pills in half when I was really tight. It's the worst thing to PB on your meds.

It seems that every surgeon has different rules, so follow what *your* doc says, just to be on the safe side. Later you might find that what works best for you might be different, but better lafe than sorry.

[Dody 0]

I'm thinking after a fill things could be completely different for me. I take nothing that is time release and have been swallowing them with a lot of Water with no problem. I just wondered if there was a specific reason for crushing them I didn't know about. I will continue taking them as I am, but I will be aware after my first fill I may not be able to do so.

I also wonder as I read on here why some doctors put in fill at the time of surgery and others do not. My surgeon puts no fill in at the time of surgery and I have a 10 cc Vanguard band. I guess I have little restriction right now, but know that things could change.

Thanks for the answer.

[Elisabethsew 50]

I've had 3 fills and have no problems taking my medications. As a general rule of thumb, some surgeons say to crush any pill that's bigger than a dime. It's best to go with what YOUR MD advises.

[MerryHearted 20]

I've never needed to crush, even for the huge horse pill sized fish oil gels I occasionally take. For those who are worried, try drinking a little hot tea or warm Water first to relax the stoma, then wash the pill down with some more warm/hot drink.

Maybe your doc has had folks in his practice who have gotten pills stuck and he doesn't want to see someone else suffer through it.

[Lana Ruth 1]

Hi My Doc :biggrin1:

Gave Me Desolvable Tablets:embarassed: :sick

Lana

[JMO 0]

I've had 3 fills and have no problems taking my medications. As a general rule of thumb, some surgeons say to crush any pill that's bigger than a dime. It's best to go with what YOUR MD advises.

My doc said nothing larger than a birthcontrol pill. He said in general most can swallow in the begining but after a few fills if you get stuck it can be bad. We bought a pill crusher for my horse pill vit. But my dh has several that can't be crushed so we had to order the liquid.

[faybie 0]

My company requires me to use mail in order service for my perscriptions. I don't think they have a number that I can call to asked if my prescribed pills can be crushed. Do you think I could just call the local Walgreens? Does anyone have any suggestions?

[suebaby 0]

I have never had any problem and i don't crush any of mine

and i take PRENATAL vitamins.........horse pill size

[pbrown 0]

I bought a pill crusher and have not needed to use it. I take a prenatal Vitamin my daughter is sharing with me, as I have not taken Vitamins in the past, but felt rather tired after the first week and a half of all liquid diet. This pill is a horse sized pill and it has gone down fine. You might try just taking one pill at a time with a little Water before you pursue crushing pills.< /p>

[babyjane 0]

Faybie---there should still be a pharmacist that is reachable by toll free # at the mail order pharmacy. call 411 info or ask your ins co. for th m.o. pharmacy #:biggrin1: