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He’s had the complete battery of investigation and has no discernible pathology. He takes very powerful opiates and I fear he is addicted. Distraction helps briefly but my mom can’t do it all the time.
Why is your father taking such powerful opiates? Does he have a medical condition that warrants it? What Shane says is true. These drugs do cause constipation and that can result in cramping and pain. But, before I started him on a regimen of laxatives and such, I’d definitely check with his doctor. In the elderly, it’s a delicate balance and if he is constipated, his doctor can advise on what to give him and how much.
The doctor should also be told that you believe Dad is addicted to the painkillers. The side effects from these can add to his confusion and anxiety. Also, mention to his doctor and your mother that it’s coming time that Mom may benefit from some help at home.
I don't understand how somebody who has no discernible pathology - and there's no obvious reason listed on your profile either - is prescribed 'very powerful opiates.' It's hard enough to get a prescription for powerful opiates for patients who DO need them. So how come? And how long has he been taking them? And with what medical justification?
As someone who used - touch wood and thank God no longer - to suffer from IBS, or "spastic colon" as it was called in those days, I can testify that something as basic and boring as wind can be excruciatingly, cripplingly painful. So please don't think I don't sympathise with your father, but I would rule out simple causes and possible treatments before you try anything drastic.
E.g., and this worked like a charm for me but of course ALWAYS check with your doctor, there's a peppermint oil preparation branded 'Colpermin' over here, which is taken in capsule form and is released past the stomach in the gut.
It is also quite true as already stated that opiates do the digestive tract a power of no good, so that your father may have got into a vicious circle of having his gut shut down, experiencing pain, and then taking more codeine or whatever to treat the pain; and round and round you go. What are his doctors recommending?
He may be constipated from the narcotics. That will cause excruciating abdominal pain. Suggest you add fiber & hydration daily , a stool softener daily, & a laxative. Be careful not to use laxatives all the time as then the body gets too used to them.
I would try a daily probiotic and a nightly magnesium supplement if this is from his gut drying out from opiates.
I would be very careful using laxatives because they can cause a dependency that is terrible on the colon.
If your dad has been taking opiates for chronic pain he does have a physical dependency, however, that is vastly different than being addicted to them. Please talk to the prescribing doctor to understand the difference and why he is taking this medication.
Opirates are notorious for causing constipation, perhaps this, or a small blockage could be causing his pain? There is a natural herbal treatment (not a laxative) that can be found at any vitamin store or online. It worked WONDERFULLY (& gently) on my mom, it is called Cascara Sagrada. After taking it regularly for a year or so, she no longer had any more problems.
No matter what you try, be sure to discuss with his Doctor who knows his individual troubles and needs.
By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington.
Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services.
APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid.
We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour.
APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment.
You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints.
Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights.
APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.
I agree that:
A.
I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information").
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APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink.
C.
APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site.
D.
If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records.
E.
This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year.
F.
You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
The doctor should also be told that you believe Dad is addicted to the painkillers. The side effects from these can add to his confusion and anxiety. Also, mention to his doctor and your mother that it’s coming time that Mom may benefit from some help at home.
As someone who used - touch wood and thank God no longer - to suffer from IBS, or "spastic colon" as it was called in those days, I can testify that something as basic and boring as wind can be excruciatingly, cripplingly painful. So please don't think I don't sympathise with your father, but I would rule out simple causes and possible treatments before you try anything drastic.
E.g., and this worked like a charm for me but of course ALWAYS check with your doctor, there's a peppermint oil preparation branded 'Colpermin' over here, which is taken in capsule form and is released past the stomach in the gut.
It is also quite true as already stated that opiates do the digestive tract a power of no good, so that your father may have got into a vicious circle of having his gut shut down, experiencing pain, and then taking more codeine or whatever to treat the pain; and round and round you go. What are his doctors recommending?
Suggest you add fiber & hydration daily , a stool softener daily, & a laxative. Be careful not to use laxatives all the time as then the body gets too used to them.
I would be very careful using laxatives because they can cause a dependency that is terrible on the colon.
If your dad has been taking opiates for chronic pain he does have a physical dependency, however, that is vastly different than being addicted to them. Please talk to the prescribing doctor to understand the difference and why he is taking this medication.
No matter what you try, be sure to discuss with his Doctor who knows his individual troubles and needs.