I DID A REALLY STUPID THING!!! (RANTING)

I got so frustrated with trying to take all 15 of my medications that I just stopped taking most of them!!!! Some can't be crushed and don't come in liquid form or if they can be crushed, they taste like poison no matter what I do to try and mask the taste. I also gag and almost or feel like the crumbled or crushed meds get stuck in my throat. And no, sipping fluids before during or after the fact does not help! Air always seems to get trapped! I'm very frustrated by all of this and have run out of ideas as to what to do now! I never, ever thought that this would be a problem post-op cause I just knew I would be one of those lucky people who would not have to continue taking so many meds right after wls. lol! I also fear that most, if not all of my meds, are not being absorbed properly since my digestive tract is now so different! Please don't get me wrong! I still would have had wls even if I knew this would be a problem. I just would have looked for a solution beforehand. I did see my PCP last week about this medication problem and he found out that my HMO does not carry the liquid form of some of my meds and I can't afford to buy the liquid form from an outside pharmacy. So, if anyone has any kind words of advice, I would greatly appreciate it! Be well, Cheryl G.

Hi Cheryl, I can't answer your question, just wanted to tell you to hang in there. It will get better soon. Shon

Hey Cheryl, I too had a problem with meds after surgery. At 16 months out I am still taking 4 of my original meds. The worst for me was the blood pressure med. Although it was in a capsule and easy to break open, I dissolved it into some water and never felt I was getting it all in as I would see some sludge in the bottom of the cup. At five weeks out I was able to start taking in whole form again. Each dr is different but I would advise him of the problem you are having and perhaps you can chunk them into smaller pieces and not have to crush them. Have you tried eating a popsicle before or after or mixing in a little pudding or applesauce? Good luck! Marie post op 12/02/03 lap rny Dr Hart

One of my pills takes awful when crushed (when NOT crushed too!!) - anyway - try mixing them in a little apple sauce or peanut butter. It won't mask the taste too much, but it does help!! Check with your doctor, but Dr. Hart told me I didn't have to keep crushing them after about a week, and I just take them the "normal" way - of course I still have the "regular" type - not the extended release or capsules, etc. Hang in there - it will get better!! Ann in Duluth

Try calling the manufacturer of the medication in liquid form and tell them your issue. Alot of times drug companies will send you a free product with a recommendation from your doctor under special cir****tances. I know when my Mom had luekemia her meds were very expensive and they sent her a free bottle every month after her doctor advised them how much she needed it. They get a tax write off on them as charitable donations. It's worth a try. Shree

Hi! Cheryl G. Try putting the pills in a spoon with soft foods, i.e., applesause, grits, mashed potatoes, etc. It helps the pill go down, I take about 15 to 20 pills a day, also, based on the size of the pills stretch them out at different time intervals if you can. I know what it is like and some of my pills are really big. Congrats on being on the other side! Also, for your vitamins, Centrum Advanced Formula is in liquid form, (Thank God), & it does not taste that bad, its the only way I can get my vitamins in. Wish you the best!

Go to your local drugstore and get a pill splitter. That way, the really horrid tasting pills which you used to crush, you can just split them in 1/2 or even in thirds and swallow the smaller pill pieces. I tried the pill crushing thing and was never able to do that either. The pill crusher was a godsend for me (now I just swallow my pills whole). Best of luck to you.