Pill size

I'm a bit concerned because I'm able to swallow pretty big capsules (Actigal, for example) and I'm only 3-1/2 weeks out.  My doctor's office said if they go down, it's fine to swallow them.  But does that mean my stoma (is that the right word?) is too big and I won't have good restriction going forward?

Debbie, I took my capsules and mixed them with applesauce made with Splenda. I did that for almost a year and then forgot one morning and swallowed them and they went down. I guess I graduated that day. ha ha  Try doing that with capsules, and then there might be liquid for the meds too. I tried the liquid for the Gabapentin and it was horrid so the applesauce was the best way for me to go. As for bigger pills you have to watch since some of them cannot be cut or crushed. You will then have to get another form of the med from your doctor. It will take time but eventually you will get them down. Just remember that we can not take time released meds of any form. I have to have a pill of mine changed to the normal kind after surgery but that usually isn't a problem.

Good luck and keep hanging in there~it does get easier as time goes. I promise that!

Brenda:

You have lost so much weight! I have lost about the same amount. Do you find that you have a problem with getting cold? I notice a huge change...but then I live close to Chicago and it is terrible here.

Brenda -  I take Gabapentin also and they are HUGE....I take 1/2 pill  bid  (2xday) and they are hard to swallow.  I was thinking of asking my pharmacist if it came in liquid form...  but if it tastes awful, I think I'll just continue to chop the 1/2 pill up.  I used to take all my meds (around 7) and put them in my hand and then throw them all in my mouth and take all at one time with a swig of water. Now I take only 3 and have to space them.  I'm off two of my B/P meds and will probably be off the third one soon.  It's getting easier to swallow all the time.
Thanks for the "heads up" on the Gabapentin.  
Sandy

I am on a lot of BIG pills and had to crush them up to get them down (no capsules). Finally (almost 8 months out) I am now able to just swallow them whole but I have to space them out. It will get better/easier.

Hi there....

I think your question may have been mis-read...

You are concerned that you CAN swallow a large pill .... and worried that the opening is too large and will not be constrictive enough...

I don't have a clue... but would say you should not worry about something that hasn't happened yet and probably wont be a problem... concentrate on working on changing your eating habits (your head!) while the tool is still there working for you so you don't end up like me... 3 years out and still have the same problem with my eating habits as I did before...

I DIDNT HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH MY.I TOOK A SIP OF WATER BEFORE I SWALLOW MY



MARYLYN

Marc, you're right - I wasn''t asking HOW to take them - I was wondering why they're going down when I'm not supposed to be able to swallow anything bigger than an M&M.  Thanks for the comments everyone.  I'm totally following my dr's food plan - can't wait to add chiken, turkey, etc., but that's not until Jan 12th.  It was great to finally have seafood!

Debbie,

I would say do not worry. I don't think it means any thing is wrong with your stoma. I have been taking huge horse pills since day one. Recommended by my surgeon. He told me they would go down fine and they always have. These pills are HUGE, believe me. Don't worry.

Cheryl

Thanks, Cheryl!  Makes me feel so much better!