Question:
This question is directed to fellow Roman Catholics on the site. I hope this

doesn't sound silly or offend anyone - but here goes: I am about 7 weeks post op and still haven't participated in the sacrament of communion during Mass. I am afraid I will upchuck, etc., how have other Catholics handled this? Perhaps you could direct your opinions/answers to me privately at my email address. [email protected] Thanks alot. Sandy Combs    — Sandy C. (posted on April 29, 2000)

April 29, 2000
Will you settle for an answer from an ANGLO Catholic? (Episcopalian) >smile< Your question is not silly AT ALL -- I am pre-op but have thought about this myself. Here is what I suggest: Talk to your priest. Tell him your concern. He should be willing to offer you the sacrament in private untill you feel secure. GOOD LUCK!
   — Evelyn B.

April 29, 2000
Sandy - I am sure God realizes what you are going through and is very proud of you for your courage. Speak with your priest and perhaps your first attempt could be in private with him. God Bless and take care!
   — Lisa ..

April 29, 2000
I was still in the hospital on Ash Wednesday, 2 days after my surgery. It didn't occur to me that I SHOULDN'T take communion until after the host was in my mouth (pretty funny story - almost send Ah sh***t, instead of Ah-men). The host dissolves/softens very rapidly. Hold it in your mouth and it will soften and separate and you will be able to swallow it. Take your time. I spoke with my nutritionist about it later and she had the same suggestion. Just remember to stay about from the wine!
   — Toni B.

April 30, 2000
This question isn't just for Catholics - Lutherans and other Christians also do communion. Thank you for asking because Easter Sunday communion prompted me to think about the same issue. I have read that alcohol is bad in general for us to have, and with it's sweetness, I don't think grape juice is an option. We take a tiny individual cup of the "blood" at my church, and after we're done it is placed in a small basket with holes. So I cannot simply take a tiny sip and leave the rest in the basket otherwise it will cause a mess. Any suggestions???
   — Paula G.

April 30, 2000
Your question is not silly. It's very practical. I spoke to my priest after the surgery. He told me he could break a tiny piece off of the host and give it to me. I had no trouble. I also had no trouble taking the blood. Remember, it's only a sip. However, if you feel self-conscious, a eucharistic minister could give you the sacrament in private. God bless you!
   — Renata L.

May 1, 2000
Sandy, I take communion every Sunday and I am the perfect example of a person who can't handle breads. I am 99% sure you can handle that itsy bitsy piece of bread.
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 15, 2002
Your question doesn't sound funny. I am 6 weeks post-op. During the first mass I attended post-op, I found myself wondering the same thing. Everything went smoothly for me. I had both the body and blood. Good luck and don't worry.
   — Lee D.