Question:
Has anyone had experience with prescription medications working differently on us?
Since my gastric bypass surgery, I have been diagnosed with autoimmune diseases dermatomyositis and lupus. I went thru many different medications trying to get it under control. I wonder if the surgery has caused the medications to not be absorbed as they should. Has anyone else had experience with these diseases or any medications that you take? — mkessler (posted on December 28, 2008)
December 29, 2008
Hi Mary, You are correct about absorption of meds after bypass. I too
fought issues with a disease for a year before my Doc figured out to split
my meds into twice daily vs. once daily. After that things fell into line
and I got better. Good thinking on your part. I wish I would have thought
of this a year sooner. Good luck! -Darlene
— dadebrito
December 29, 2008
It is very possible depending on where the meds you are taking are normally
absorbed and at what receptors in the body...RNYers have a difficult time
with many things being absorbed because of lack of stomach acid and
bypassed small intestines. These are the two main places where nutrients
are absorbed. So it's pretty much a given that some meds will not be
absorbed well either...But you really need to talk to your doc about this
and make sure that if you do up your dosage it is under strict
care/supervision with your doc or surgeon! I am watching my thyroid meds
right now...We started on the lowest dose for now and will slowly move it
up as need be....When it comes to meds and severe or chronic pain or
symptoms that pop up...You NEED to see a doctor for these matters...Your
doc went to school for this stuff! I just study this stuff because it's my
body and I want to know how it works so I can live out a long healthy life
with an altered digestion system...I share what I learn and my
experiences...That's the best most of us can do...So please be careful with
meds! They can do great damage if you don't have a docs supervision or
schooling! ...And your doc can probably find an alternative that works
better if your meds are not working well.
— .Anita R.
December 29, 2008
Hi Mary,
I am soooo glad you posted this question. I was diagnosed with
lupus 3 years ago. I am currently trying to get RNY. My lupus is very
active right now so my Rheumy will not give me the OK for the surgery. I
have an appt. with my surgeon tomorrow to discuss my medication options
afer surgery. I currently take about 21 meds. multiple times a day for my
lupus and COPD. Some of those are NSAIDS and sometimes steroids. I will not
be able to take either one after surgery. I am also limited on some meds
already because of my lung problems. My Rheumy suggested, for a flair,
after surgery, IV steroids, which would require a daily visit to the
hospital. I should still be able to take my plaquenil and Imuran. Another
problem is I think some of my meds cannot be crushed so we will discuss
that tomorrow too. I will even throw your question to the doc. to see what
he says. I'm sorry you have lupus but I am glad to have met you.
Sincerely,
Kathy
— CheekyMonkey
December 29, 2008
Hi Mary,
Yes that absorption rate can change. Talk to your docs about adjusting
your medication dosage. The needs of our bodies change for many reasons
and surgery is one of them. Also make sure doc is following you routinely
with labs for your lupus. You didn't say how your lupus affected you(which
part of your body); but keep a close eye on your kidneys. Good Luck and
God Bless,
vinnigirl
— vinnigirl
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