Ostomy and Narcotic Bowel Syndrome

[BLynn]

Hello,

I am here to try to help a loved one who has both metastatic cancer and a recent ostomy. I have no personal experience in this area and the doctors don't seem to be able to help.

The issue is that my loved one is in constant terrible, unmanageable pain. She has been on 5mg Oxycodone every 4-5 hours, as well as Valium when needed. Her pain is getting worse every day and the pain and burning were so bad and uncontrollable that she ended up in hospital. The doctors found no blockage and are still looking for the cause of her intractable pain.

The pain is outpacing the growth of the cancer and someone told me about narcotic bowel syndrome. The symptoms sound like what she has, but I am wondering if this syndrome could occur in someone with an ostomy? I am also wondering if there is any type of very strong pain killer out there that someone with similar experience has tried successfully?

I am terrified that she will end up in a terrible cycle of bowel pain due to the narcotic.

Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[nickolas]

Hi Blynn,

I'm sorry your loved one is in so much pain. it should not be this way. Has this loved one seen a pain specialist? Does this person have colon or rectal cancer? When did this person get the ostomy?

I know that narcotics can slow things down in the bowel movement. That can get quite uncomfortable at times especially if this person has been on it for awhile. If this person can walk at all, maybe try it to see if that can help move things along in the bowel area. What kind of food does this person eat? Maybe increase water intake, as narcotics will make your BM very dry and hard ie painful. Why is this person taking the Oxycodone? Again is this person has not seen a pain specialist, I would highly encourage/recommend it.

If this loved one does have colon/rectal cancer, you might want to check out Colon Talk. They have a forum where you can ask questions, just like here. This is there website.

https://coloncancersupport.colonclub.co ... um.php?f=1

Good luck, I hope your friend get relief from their pain soon.

Nickolas