Five bites then spasms -cancer and other problems

[GrandpaCharlie]

I can only take about five swallows of food then I get spasms.  I have plenty of problems including mesothelioma (lung cancer related to asbestos exposure). These problems however started after open lung biopsy and then failed lung removal surgery.  After open lung biopsy I started taken pain killers and have never come off them.  So I am not sure of the source of these problems and have not gotten a good answer from my doctors.  I know cancer is supposed to cause a lack of appetite.  But this seems more physical.  And as stated above, the problems started after surgery and at the same time starting pain killers. I have had my gall bladder removed, have a hiatal hernia and Barrett's esophagus.  So I have had some problems before. I also have fluid retention in the abdomen area due to mesothelioma. I feel I have had some success in fighting the mesothelioma and would be even more successful in my fight against cancer if I could eat more.  Looking for suggestions including diet, supplement and/or pharmaceutical solutions. After my experience, surgery scares me.  

[Forum-M.D.-]

With the pain medications you are taking, assuming they are narcotic-based, this can lead to slowing of the intestinal tract.  A gastric emptying scan can also look for gastroparesis leading to some of the symptoms you describe.  

I would also consider an upper endoscopy and esophageal motility study to further evaluate the spasms.  Anatomical blockages and strictures can also be seen during these tests.

If spasms continue, medications like tricyclic antidepressants and calcium channel blockers may help.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[Jaybay]

With as much surgery as you've had in and near your upper abdomen, ask your docs about the possiblity of scar tissue interfering with the flow of food and waste in your intestines.  This problem is very common with any surgery, and is a mechanical, rather than functional problem.  Unfortunately, the only remedy is more surgery, but it is usually fairly minor and done laparscopically.

I've battled recurring adhesions for years, and a good friend of mine who had radiation for breast cancer had a great deal of adhesions form that choked off her small intestines.  While she is still dealing with the breast cancer and, at least after adheliolysis surgery she can eat again.

[Kalio1]

I was given a great shake recipe that might help. It's made with frozen berries, soy milk and yogurt in a blender and blend it up. I add a nutritional supplement made by Jarrow ( it is a powder you add)  that provides a wide range of nutrients you need in a day. You can use any nutritional supplement of your liking, lots of companies make them, Life Extension also has some. Both can be researched online on their websites and even ordered online. It gets a lot of nutrition in you. They also make ready made nutritional supplements if making them yourself is too much to deal with but they are kind of expensive. Any drug store has them. Some days I have no appetite at all but I can get those fruit shakes down. You can use any type of frozen berries and the soy and yogurt are good for you too. Augmented with the supplement, it's a decent "meal"

Best of luck to you Grandpa, hope this helps.