Pills and after Surgery.......Ambien CR, Diovan

Hi, I had my pre op today, my surgery is on the 30th, and I am doing great, all systems go, and she was extremely thourough in going over what she was going to do, answering all my questions, and my husbands questions, and being sure I KNEW of all the risks, and my going home situation was ok.

Anyway, she said to cut my Diovan and that I can no longer take Ambien CR because of the control release.  but.........what if I take right before bed and don't drink anything else??

and.........doesn't drinking iiquid wash everything OUT of the pouch?  how do people take pills after?  They gave me chewable disolvable prevacid and Nutranae Prenatal vitamins, have chewable BA calcium, and biotin capsules I can break apart into drinks........ 

Tell me about digesting pills and what I need to know please............

Elisa

Any pills that are time released have a coating that make them slowly release in your digestive track.  You can not take these pills after RNY because your body will not be able to digest that coating off in the same manner nor be absorbed the same.  I was just taken off of time released wellbutrin and put on the regular tablets.  I have to take one in the morning and one in the evening.  I always took it too late and ended up with insomnia at night so that is why I was taking the extended release up until now.  So, I have to try and remember to take them before dinner time and if not I have to take something for sleep at bedtime. 

Also, you should never crush, cut, or break up a time released pill it can be dangerous.  They will find you something else, don't worry.

Hi Elisa,
I had some of the same concerns you did concerning my medications.  My surgery is on the 29th.  I went to my phramacist and spoke directly to him.  He was very helpful and gave me all the answers I needed.  That's what was suggested we do in one of our classes.  Good Luck.

I am scheduled for surgery the 30th also.  I had the same concern about my time released Cymbalta, so called the pharmacist, and was told that I couldn't dump the capsule contents.  I have my preop appt w/ my Dr. Monday, so will ask him about that.  My PCP was little help. 
Good luck w/ your surgery.

See ya on the other side! :-)
Annette

Please post on monday and let us know what YOUR doctor says and I am happy to meet you!

good luck to you.  I am excitec but just want it to be OVER I have waited so long!

Elisa

 I'm post op 2 weeks and I was told that NOT to take any time-released tabs, you will need to go to your Primary Care Doc and get your Rx's adjusted.  You will either have to crush them and eat with someting, or see if it can come in a liquid form.

Luckily I didn't have any time release meds but the crushing is kinda disgusting, but I have it down to a science now, lol

I crush my pill in my crusher, make some strong crystal light lemonade.  take a spoon of crystal light, sprinkle the meds little by little on the spoon and swallow.  follow with a spoon chaser and repeat until the pill is gone.

I hope that helps, or makes sense even, lol

Hi

I was given new prescriotion for my BP
I used to take Diovan / HCT  160mg/ 25mg
my new prescription is for Diovan 80mg ( Dr felt no need for hydrochlorothiazide )

This I chew up in the am. along with my synthroid.

For night I take 3mg melatonin and chew this too, it has been helpful getting me to sleep.

Check with your Doctor what he wants you to so, I know I had to chew or crush every med or switch to a liquid.

Good luck
Cathy