Cancer induced hypercalcaemia

[Newby234]

Bill now back home after week in hospital hypercalcaemia very severe back pain now on loads of painkillers including oramorph now terrible constipation anyone any advise on how to deal with this has have tried senna movical ect

[Ribeye79]

Senakot extra and prune juice is my best easily accessible suggestion. But there are also prescription options. I suggest trying those first.

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Newby234

When taking drugs such as oramorph constipation is a very common and sometimes distressing side effect (not just for the person but also for the carers). It is best to try and prevent constipation by ensuring Bill drinks plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and try if possible to increase fruit juice and specifically fruit. It is unclear how much senna you have tried for him but senna may be titrated up to a maximum dosage of 2–4 tablets (15–30 mg) three times a day to achieve comfortable evacuation without colic.

I would advise you to discuss the problem with your GP, specialist nurse or your district nurse (you can get the district nurses number from the GP surgery)who will carry out a thorough assessment asking you and Bill specific questions about his bowel routine. They may prescribe a more suitable laxative (or suggest increasing the dose of the current laxatives you have already tried). Usually it is necessary to take regular laxatives when prescribed medications such as oramorph.

I do hope you manage to get a more effective treatment for Bill.

Kind regards

[JanRucci]

Drink

Warm prune juice mixed with milk of magnesium

[Bow-19]

I would ask your local Mac Millan Nurse for advice. I was very constipated and was prescribed codantherama it worked a treat. I was also adviced to drink lots of fluid, take Senna, take movicol. Also had soaked linseeds on cereals. I think a multi pronged approach is needed. The District Nurses are also a useful contact, they have been several times over the last few years to give me an enema. Hope this is useful x

[Newby234]

Thankyou to everyone for your replies.We will try anything at the moment as the pain from constipation seems to be almost as bad as his back pain x

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Newby

I hope you manage to speak to someone today(if you have not already done so).If Bill is in some discomfort you should speak to someone before the weekend as it is sometimes not easy to contact staff at week ends.If you would like to send me a private email I am happy to contact your district nurse on your behalf if you wish.

Best wishes

[Newby234]

Thankyou for your concern have spoke to Macmillan nurse who gave me same advise senna movacol ext now adding prune juice