Management of Nausea and Saliva Production

How can my MOM control her nausea and saliva production?

Mid-year, my MOM had a total gastrectomy due to stomach cancer.  This surgery was followed by severe esophagitis. She did NOT have chemo or radiation.

My MOM has waves of nausea and constantly spits up bubbly saliva.  These symptoms are very debilitating.  She has lost one-third of her body weight (40 pounds) since she cannot tolerate foods or most liquids.  Consequently, she is on hyperalimentation.

She had a complete battery of tests -- lower GI, upper GI, CAT scans, head scan, X-Rays, endoscopies, etc.  Nothing appears mechanically wrong.  Bile reflux occasionally occurs.

Medications have not helped -- Carafate, Reglan, Propulsid, Sandostatin,hyoscamine, various antimedics, dramamine, etc.  She retches most medications.

A second opinion provided no new helpful information.

Any helpful advice?

[HFHSm.D.-Gastro-rf]

Dear flash
The stomach serves a reservoir function for food during eating. Because of this storage space bile does not reflux into the mouth.  When the stomach is removed, it is possible for bile to reflux into the mouth.  the bubbly saliva that you describe may represent bile.  the weight loss may be the consequence of the stress of surgery itself or of the tumpor.  Nausea can be the consequence of delayed gastrointestinal motility, medications, central nervous system problems or tumor.

I am certain that it is difficult to watch your mother suffer without knowing why she has the symptoms.  based on what you have written, it seems as if the appropriate tests have been done.  Sometimes, repeating the tests several months later will provide a diagnosis, even though the initial studies were normal.  In the interim, there is no magical cure. prokinetic agents and anti-emetics may work in combination.

Best of luck

[james cole]

my wife has suffered from constant nausea and excessive salivation for the past 10 months.After numerous tests exrays visits to all kinds of specialists no one has a clue how to solve the problem. Will you please help. She has lost 50 pounds in the last 10 months.

[Gojko Popovic]

I had parcial gastrectomy. Too, I had strong problems with salivation and nausea. But I notice that central antiholinergic like bimperidone (Akineton) which block all Muskarinic rezeptors M1, M2, and M3 like and nicotine receptors stop salivation and much improve my problem with salivation and nausea stops. Nervus Vagus is major problem when is salivation to much excited. Major his messenger is Ach. But all who take Akineton and similar drugs must be very carefull, and too consult a doc.

***@****

[Edie Jones]

Back in 1989 I was involved in as close to death traffic accident as can be imagined. I was both walking down a SIDEWALK & a hit-n-run victim. I recieved a quite large blood transfusion & now after almost 10 years the fact that ive got Hepatitus (hepatitis) C has become known. Ive been expierencing "sudden" vomit attacks for almost a year and I remember many a sleepless night spent both vomiting & turning every inch of my brain inside-out looking for a reason it was happening. Im quite weary of ANY trip to a hospital, so not once did I venture to a Dr. In fact; in my innermost soul I thank my Higher Power for allowing financial burdens to grow large enough that I did something that was so against my desires......... DONATE PLASMA. The reason I was opposed so strongly to ANY type of needle using actions was fear. Not of needles........ but of accidently contracting ANY Virus.. Well, because of the prior lack of concern, equipment & whatever other excuses are now used it is quite necessacry for ALL Blood/Plasma to be testd thourghly. Hence I discover the cause of those "sudden" vomiting fits that had baffeled me..  about the past month ive added both frequent & drawn out ( in time legnth) to the "suddenness" Ive applied for financial aid both in Medical & day-to-day living & am also hoping to be accepted in the Vocational Rehabilitation program. For @ the age of 30 the only type of "socially acceptable" occupation that I have "filed" in my career expierence/ability( due to my lack of education & the affects of that accident in 89 are in none other but the Fast Food Realm....  Which now according to both State & Federal laws im unable to do ANY type of work in...... not even dishwasing!!!!!!
Well, that was the first time ive said my true feelings w/out getting interupted.............
Thanx for beeing here.
I wish I could find  a "support group" online kinda like A.A.

      But am both grateful & thankful for this opportunity.

[mommaslilhelper]

A related discussion, Chronic Nausea and Vomitting was started.