diaphram spasms

My husband has colon cancer with mets to liver..he is on his 2nd round of chemo.  he started the new treatment 4 weeks ago.  The 1st treatment went fine, the 2nd one was on Weds.  He told his dr that he had alot of vomiting on the 1st one, so they prescribed emend, he took it on Weds, and Thurs and Friday.  On Thurs eve he started what appeared to be hiccups and they have continued to now.  He saw his oncologist who prescribed reglan for the hiccips but nothing seems to work.  He now has what appears to be spasms on his stomach/diaphram area.  He is very tired, and has slept around 6 hours in the last two days. Nothing seems to help...do you have any idea what he is experiencing??

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Chronic hiccups can be difficult to treat.  

Initial recommendations can be considered with Thorazine or Baclofen, in addition to the Regal that has been tried.  A neurology or GI referral can be considered to further evaluate the hiccups, and an upper endoscopy be done to rule out GI diseases.

If the symptoms continue, there are some investigational denervation procedures that can be considered.  

These options should be discussed with the aforementioned specialists.

These options

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[irenevr]

we went to the doctor today because my husband was still having hiccups.  The er doctor believes that the tumors in the liver have grown and are pressing on the diaphragm which is causing the discomfort and hiccups.  Then I went to talk to my husband's oncologist who believes that the hiccups are related to the new chemo regime he just received...now we are confused.  My husband was given Thorazine and seems to be resting...thx