Problems with digestion in stomach?

Question

OK, to set this up mom was dx in 2006 with ovarian cancer. Had to have part of her bowels taken out. She's been on TPN basically from August until just last month when they put in a J-Tube (PEJ) in her Jejunum since the G-Tube (PEG) in her stomach didn't help with foods.

Anyways she was on Jevity 1.2 Cal and that has allowed us to get her out of the hospital, however she still really can't *eat* anything because:

1) It seems to sit in her stomach
2) She eventually thorws it up a day or two later (and you can tell by seeing the food pieces what day she ate that stuff)

Today I gave her one of her pills (in a v-cap form that should dissolve) and she threw it up along with alot of other green bile a few hours later. The pill was entirely intact! Not even dissolved at all.

I'm wondering if there is something we are missing with digestive juices or something in the stomach? Any ideas?

Answer 1

Since she was on TPN for so long, her bowels may have some motility issues. Often, when things don't move thru the intestines, they "forget" how to work. Time often makes a big difference. If you don't see improvements, tho, you should check with a Gastro-Intestinal doc to do some motility tests. Here's a link with some helpful info:

http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/diseasemanagement/gastro/motor/motor.htm

In the meantime, here are just a couple of things:

Ask your pharmacist if there are any of her medications that can be dispensed in a liquid form. They're usually really happy to help, so just explain the situation to the pharmacist (not just a clerk). Many medications are meant to be absorbed by the intestines, so if they never make it that far, she's not getting the benefit of the meds.

Prepare SMALL meals for her, and try to have her eat more frequently. If you don't think she's getting enough calories, see if she can handle Boost or Ensure or even Carnation Instant Breakfast. You can also make a shake with a banana, ice cream/milk, protein powder. Until she can handle soft or easy foods, I wouldn't try to get her back on her usual diet.

If your Mom's on any narcotic medication, you should know it can cause the bowels to just STOP moving. The intestines get "doped up" and parystalsis stops.

I don't know how debilitated, or uncomfortable she is, but moving (walking, bending, stretching.....regular stuff, not workout level aerobics) will help her intestines move as well. Even just sitting up, or changing position frequently, can help move things along.

I'm sure that with some more time she'll resume her normal eating habits. In the meantime, make her doctors address this ASAP. It's impossible to get your strength back without food.

All the best to your Mom, and to you for being so kind to her. I hope you know what a HUGE thing that is to her. Hang in there! Eyes on the prize, right?

Answer 2

Some meds destroy the enzymes in the stomach. I suggest you go to a naturopath and tell them this, in detail, what she is taking. They may be able to give you a digestive enzyme to help her. Also, papaya are good for digestion and so is ginger but be careful because the ginger it can burn if not in a form for her delicate system.

It's great you are trying to help her, you are a good son. I pray your mom does well and you are blessed for your efforts.

Answer 3

I suggest you take her back to the doctor, and tell him that she is not holding anything in her stomach, and he will probably give her an I V, so she doesn't dehydrate.

Answer 4

Go see a doctor.

Answer 5

could be a hiatal hernia. it fairly is on your esophagaus and the flap pushes up and enables the acids and gases on your gut to return up inflicting heartburn, gas, bloating, belching. i do no longer think of the constipation is somewhat with reference to the bloat, yet including fiber would help with that situation.