Someone very close to me has been using morphine for over 15 years, and has severe stomach issues that are to this day unresolved. He was hospitalized for 5 days about four years ago, and then for 6 days about half of a year ago. It only happens every so often, but it's really a concern, especially since none of the specialsist, universities, and the nations best health care can figure out what's wrong with him. I am very confident that it's the morphine or a result of the morphine or complication of it, and it's hard to tell him. It;s hard because he has bad back issues. Anyway, I am asking if a drug like oxycontin or something similar, (been doing some research on alternatives) hydromorphone, oxymorphone, fentanyl, would be better for him in terms of stomach issues. I understand that only 25 percent of morphine is bioavailable to the system, and is not a very practical drug. Should he switch to oxycontin, in lue of his stomach issues? I am afraid if he stays on morphine he will have even further problems down the road. Any information regarding this matter would be GREATLY! appreciated! Thanks.