Trigger Warning - question for those with experience of palliative care

[Star_22]

Hello all,

Before I get into my post, I’d want to note it contains content about my mums end of life care. I do not want to worry or upset anyone so my post is more for those who are either end of life themselves, or have supported a loved one at this stage.

If you are a family member, I kindly ask that you do not share information of how long end of life care has been or was.

The next part contains my questions.

Unfortunately my mums cancer has stopped responding to treatment. Her oncology team are now working with our wonderful hospice team to manage mums symptoms.

One symptom they are struggling to control is nausea, vomiting and trapped wind.

Medication used has included Cyclizine, Metoclopramide and Levomepromazine. A syringe driver was used for a little while before being swapped out for tablets but the nausea and vomiting has returned.

We think mum is stuck in a cycle where she feels nausea, doesn’t want to eat, takes medication which irritates her tummy, creates wind and then she vomits. We are trying to break the cycle and the lack of food is making her very weak.

She is on a mix of other medications including pain relief, antidepressants, laxido and buscopan.

Does anyone have any similar experiences? If yes, was there something specific that worked? The hospice has said they just need to get the medication balanced and it will improve but it’s just taking time and is distressing seeing mum so unwell.

Thank you in advance x

[N-A-58]

Hi, I’m so sorry to read this. I supported my mum last year. My mum also had these symptoms and it was from a blocked bowel. They gave her an ng tube was she was nil by mouth. The blockage ‘resolved ’ and this in turn stopped the abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. I am thinking of you all. X

[Star_22 in reply to N-A-58]

Thank you for replying.

Luckily we know it’s not a blocked bowel as she is going to the toilet regularly.

It just seems to be a symptom they can’t get on top of - so it means her quality of life is limited 😞

[N-A-58 in reply to Star_22]

It’s not the same but I suffered with HG in my pregnancies and to stop the vomiting they put me on ondenstron. I mention it incase it’s something they could offer?

Just know if you need anything else that you’d like not public, please private message me. X