Net

[Roberts66]

Hi. I'm new to group. 3 weeks ago my mum had biodegradable oesophagus stent. She is still is so much pain radiating from chest and around to her back. Pain relief not working, any suggestions?

[Hidden]

Stents are sometimes uncomfortable, and by definition are 'foreign bodies' that are introduced into your system, but they should not be that bad. It is possible that the stent has either slipped, or not ended up in the optimum position, and perhaps the pain is working around the nerve system and transferring it to other places. Having said that, stents are normally considered when there are also significant other problems for the patient. I think you need to return to the hospital to check the stent; for the cause of the pain to be diagnosed, and for adjustments to be made to the pain relief medication.

[chris_usa]

The pain could be due to esophageal spasms. I don't know the original diagnosis for your Mom, but the stent could be irritating the esophagus and causing it to be irritated. Esophageal spasm pain is like the pain from a heart attack. It can be very severe, and felt in the mid-chest and radiated to the back.

In addition to opiate pain medications (which can work pretty well), there are some other medications which might help. I would try a strong mint (Altoid) melted in the mouth and slowly swallowed. Mint can help esoph spasm in some people. There are other RX meds too which your doctor could prescribe (nitrates or calcium channel blockers - nifedipine), but not knowing your Mom's situation or other issues, I will not go further into those.

I would try the Altoids first. I do hope they help her. \wc