My Dad needs HELP! :-(

[shady55]

Alright. Let me first tell you my dad is in the hopsital. He has been taking a very potent narcotic for his back for many many years. As far as I know it could be anywhere from 10-20 to even 30+ years. Anyway, I am aware that this causes gastrointestinal problems. He is not so sure, I think he knows it's from the mor***** but maybe doesn't want to believe it or is just hiding it or who knows. Anyway, this same thing happened four years ago, he was in the hospital for 5 days and miraculously got better. I am praying that is the case again. They cat scanned, MRI, x ray, all kinds of tests. NOTHING. They cannot figure out what is going on with him. I am glad they didn't find cancer or anything, but I am wondering why they can't figure out it's because of his medicine or how to treat it. He has extreme stomach pain, and was dry heaving very intensely and quite often. Thats when we knew he was having the same thing as he did years ago. He also never really eats all that much and when he does, its very irregular and late at night. I'm really worried about him. He has to be on some sort of narcotic, he has a severely injured back and won't be able to function. That is out of the question. I am wondering if I should reccommend getting on fentanyl patch? So it will not mess with his stomach as much? Or something that does not inhibit the functions of his stomach like the narcotic he has been taking does. Any comments anyone? Please help!

[boron]

What exact narcotic is he taking?
What is his back injury diagnosis: discuss hernia, broken vertebra...?
Where exactly he feels pain: on the right side just below the ribs, in the middle, below the breastbone, or...? Pain is right after the meals, or...?

[shady55]

pain is in his stomach, he can't eat and can't really drink.

[boron]

Shaddy you should speak with his doctors about this. Don't try to suggest him any medications, if you don't know, what is his problem.