I'm having a hard time getting my antibiotics down. At the suggestion of an RN, I broke my antibiotics into many pieces and took one tiny bit at a time with milk. But 1/2 hour before that I have to take something for acid reflux to prevent ulcers from the antibiotics, which I break into pieces. I called my pharmacist who said the Reglan that I have on-hand should work. But I also have to take my thyroid pill in bits. I'm spending 2 hours each day taking meds. I was thinking of crushing them int a fine powder and snorting them like the Cocaine people do. No, I'm not that dumb, but it sounded like a good idea at the time.

Last night I was choking. I think my antibiotics bubbled up and caused gagging sensations. I just started the Raglan yesterday. Can antibiotics cause erosion like NSAIDs do? Because I've been on them for too long now and still have several days to go.

I noticed a small amount of liquid coming out of my new incision. I thought it was leaking, but now I think I tore a small piece of skin away that got stuck on the bandage when I changed the dressing. Hubby said I should keep this bandage on a couple days, otherwise I may pull the stictch. It looks clean, maybe I'll do that. Dr. said bandage for only 3 days. Any ideas?

Lisa, I've been breaking my pills up and letting them dissolve in a tablespoon full of water. They go down fine that way. Or have you tried breaking them up and mixing in applesauce? Your hubby is probably right about the bandage. Can you get your incision wet? If so, you can stand in the shower to loosen the bandage before you remove it.

I'm an applesauce girl. And, for capsules, Rumbaut said to let them sit on the tongue until the gelatin starts to dissolve and THEN wash it all down with water. And, see if your antibiotics come in liquid form.

Lisa: I noticed that leakage on the pictures you posted. That is the same leakage that I experienced from all 5 of my incisions. You should put some neosporin cream on the entire incision and keep it covered. Do that twice a day till it stops leaking. That is what I did. It is called serous sanguanious fluid. Fancy term for fluid leaking out of incisions HUH?!! LOL!! Nothing to be alarmed about but is something to keep covered and put the neosporin cream on. I also noticed the redness from the bandages as well. That is from the adhesive on the tape NOT from latex as suggested earlier. I have the same allergic reaction to adhesive as well. Should have seen my belly after the incisions stopped leaking. I never developed any blisters but it came close. I used something called tegaderm dressings that kept my skin from getting all irritated. You can get it at WalGreens. WE used that dressing all the time in the hospital on dressings. It is a clear adhesive 3 x 5 covering that you will need to get some 4 x 4 gauze dressings to put the neosporin onto then place the gauze over the incision and then place the tegaderm to hold the gauze in place. I had to cut the gauze in half and then fold over length wise to cover the incision. They make larger tegaderm dressings as well if you need that size. The tegaderm breathes with the skin. If you are not clear on anything just let me know. Hope this helps.

So what you're saying is no snorting?

Last time I used Neosporin on a wound under bandages I welted & got blisters - allergic reaction, so I'm leaving the bandage on another day or 2. How long before I can get surgical sutures wet? Cause I think if I shower or bath the area in a couple days the bandage may loosen. I can feel the little hardened spot of liquid under the bandage, and I really don't think it's the same Fluid you mentioned, Penni. Because I'm extremely familiar with that leaking fluid (I leaked for 2 weeks after my surgery.)

I actually saw a tiny piece of skin pull away that got stuck to dried blood on the bandage, so I think I opened the incision, but just a hair. Penni, which picture are you referring to, because there are pictures from weeks ago that may have shown the leaking incision.

As far as crushing meds into powder, my pharmacist warned me to be very careful and call him with each pill. He said it's okay to break this particular antibiotic up, but he said be very careful with capsules or other pills since some are time released and need to be taken full. Otherwise you'll get a full whammy of the drug all at once, so I'll have to ask him about my thyroid med.

I'll crush the antibiotic tonight in a spoon of something good. Thanks for the advice. Now, is anyone familiar with at-home gall bladder cleansing? I have the info, which is a 3 day fast involving a lot of apple, pear & fruit juice, followed by lemon & olive oil, but it says to take Metamucil or Citricel (powder fibers.) Are there "fiber warnings" for lab-banders? I've seen a glass of Metamucil that sat on the counter for an hour, and it hardens like Jello... worries me about that expanding and getting trapped in the pouch. The recipe also called for Acidophilus/Bifidus capsules. Anyone??????????

Acidipholus pills -- visit an GNC and you can get those pills either in capsule which you can open up and sprinkle the powder on the applesauce or you can dissovle it in Water or other liquid. I have to take them myself and just dissovle them in water. No taste actually. There is also a gel capsule that you can puncture with a pin and then squeeze the liquid out into or onto anything. I prefer the capsule that can be opened and sprinkled. I get mine from www.sanoviv.com store. Pretty inexpensive really. I take them because I drink way too much milk and it messes up my normal flora and the acidipholus pills keeps it in balance.

The picture I am referring to is from the latest one of your incision where you had the port removed. I see a small leakage on the end of the incision. Looked just like my leakage from my incisions.

Lisa, my gastrologist recommends "Benefiber". It doesn't gel up like the other two. It's also good for colon polyps. You can mix it into anything -- no taste.

Jeanie: I was trying to remember the other fiber thingy and that was it. Benefiber. It can be dissovled in water or coffee or tea or stuff like that and leaves no after taste and is clear.

Hi Lisa,

Glad to hear you are back on the healing track.

A small amount of serous Fluid is normal and actually a good thing, it's just when it gets like yours did before that it becomes harmful. A short explanation of serous fluid, as your wound heals there is usually a certain amount of Serous fluid, this stuff helps to dilute the toxins produced by bacteria and toxic products being released from dying cells. In addition, the serous fluid helps to carry plasma Proteins and leukocytes to the wound site. Lastly, the serous fluid assists in removing bacterial toxins, dead cells, debris, and other products of inflammation. Hope this helps. As long as you have drainage I would keep a bandage on it just to protect your clothes and keep them from sticking to your incision. Having been through this before you know what to look for...

Usually it's OK to take a shower but not baths until the wound is healed.

Maybe you should take that picture with the red glove and the exposed port tubing and post it on Lopez's web site to show his outcomes. You might just hear from him then!

Take Care,

Kathy

P.S. Any weight loss is weight loss you can count!!

I removed my bandage today, and there was a pinhead dot of liquid. But once the air hit it, it dried out and has been dried for hours. I'll shower in the morning then wear a baggy shirt to work. Boss is on vacation so I'll basically wear PJs all week!

Today's the first day off pain meds. I'm crushing my antibiotic, putting it in a small spoon, dribbling on honey, cramming it down the back of my throat and drinking lots of Water. Gross, but the pill doesn't get stuck. Thanks for all the info.... can't wait to go swimming again!

As far as posting on Lopez boards, thanks for the tip but I'm an anti-Lopez girl now so I'm going to un-join his little board. There's not much action there anyway, less than 40 posts I think.

Peace.

Hey, Girl -

So glad you're feeling better, and sassy as ever.

Please don't forget to take me when you go skinny dipping - it is absolutely one of my favoritest things ever. (surprise, surprise - lol)

Miss the slutty red glove - post another pic? Please? :devious

I found the purple bra and BOTH hooker gloves!

I spent my entire life hiding in huge t-shirts or swimming in shorts and a t-shirt, even as a child. Now that I have my own pool I'll be damned to breathe one more self-conscious breath! We have 10' walls surrounding our backyard, so if peeping Toms or helicopters really wanna see us naked, hell, if someone wants to see ME naked, more power to me!

Donali, you can come and float nakie on a raft in my pool any day of the week! One of my favorite summer activities is floating. Nothing more, just floating.

That would be absolute heaven!!

One day you're going to wake up and say "WTF?!?!?! Who's that huge naked woman in my pool?!?!?!""

lol

What's one more huge naked woman? My skinny husband says that making love to a skinny girl is like having sex with a gunny sack of antlers. When my skinny friends come over he yells, "get that woman a sandwich."

lol.... I think I'm in love....