Ogilvie's Syndrome, Neostigmine, Erythromycin, Depression Colonoscopy, Distension, Painful, Remove Large Intestine. Other Solutions?

Posted on Sun, 3 Jul 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 3 Jul 2011 Answered on

Fri, 25 May 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : My mother is 88 yrs old and is suffering with Ogilvie's syndrome. She has had 2 treatments with Neostigimide, erythromicyn, decopresseion colonoscopy,and nothing worked. She is in pain. One of the nurses said (in Nursing Home), that pain from distension is very hard to manage. What say you. The only remedy to her situation is to remove the large instestine, and she cannot withstand that surgery. Do you know of any other treatments or a better way to manage the pain?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (35 minutes later)

Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

Pain due to abdominal distension is a visceral pain which is difficult to be relieved by medicines.At this age surgery is also difficult due to complications of anaesthesia.
In such cases diet modification can help.Avoid high dietary fiber intake. Avoid beans, cabbage, broccoli, dairy products, etc.

Antidepressants in low doses have been found to help a few individuals. These agents alter gut perception of fullness and do help relieve anxiety and apprehension. Alternative health treatments which can be used to treat bloating include acupuncture and hypnosis.
Regarding the choice of pain killers usually codeine and morphine are effective.

I hope my answer and recommendations are adequate and helpful. Waiting for your further follow up queries if any.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (14 hours later)

RIGHT NOW SHE IS EATING VERY LITTLE, JUST SOME LIQUIDS. IT SEEMS LIKE HER END IS NEAR. I THOUGHT THAT OPIUM DERIVED PAIN MEDICINE STALL THE INSTESTINES SOMEWHAT. I GUESS I AM HOPING THAT SOMETHING WILL TURN AROUND HERE BUT IT DOES NOT LOOK GOOD. THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (27 minutes later)

Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
If she is in her last days then epidural analgesia will take away all her pain. You will have to talk to an anaesthetist for the best pain relief.
Hope I have answered your query.
Wishing you an early recovery.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T