bowel distension

  A friend of mine has metastasized cancer and has been treated with radiation and chemotherapy.  The cancer is relatively under control, but she has horrible constipation, due, she is told to a bowel distension caused by nerve damage undergone during radiation.  Wondering if there is any treatment that could provide her relief (bowel resection, colostomy, meds), as her oncologist is just having her on iv.  She can't really take in any foods as she throws them back up. There is no bowel blockage frm the cancer. Appreciate the help
___________
Dear Alan F,
It is important to verify that there is no bowel obstruction because treatment for ileus may exacerbate the problems if there is an obstruction.
Depending on the reason for the constipation (e.g. problem in upper GI tract or lower). one may start with a prokinetic agent such as Reglan (if upper problem) or metamucil if a lower problem.  More specific recommendations would require a detailed knowledge of the medical condition.
This information is presented for educational purposes.  Always ask specific questions to your personal physician.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: constipation
0.2