MsContin/Hospice

Ladylacy
Ladylacy Member Posts: 773 Member
in Esophageal Cancer #1

After a visit to our oncologist, my husband decided to go on Hospice.  He is doing so-so but the doctor explained to us that Hospice isn't only for end of life.  My husband chose quality over quantity when his 2nd cancer at the cervical of his esophagus recurred in January and spread to his lung.  

Hospice has been in and explained a lot of things to us.  Already have put oxygen in the house so that if it is needed we have it.   Now they want to change him from lortab to MSContin due to the fact that lortab isn't really keeping his pain at bay but also due to the damage that could be done to his kidneys and liver due to the Tylenol and what is coming out about it.  And liquid morphine (very small dose) for break thru pain.

Now the biggest problem will be whether he can swallow the tiny pill of MSContin.  Since it is time release he can't crush it and put it in his feeding tube and they are worried that if he puts it in his feeding tube whole with water it will clog up the tube.  He is willing to try to swallow it and see what happens.  Am not for the fentayl patch as I have read so much bad side effects about it.

My question is the side effects and what to look out for.  They are putting him on a light dose to start. 

Sharon

Comments

  • paul61
    paul61 Member Posts: 1,392 Member
    #2
    Some thoughts on swallowing

    Sharon,

    I also have some challenges when it comes to swallowing capsules. Some things that I have learned that were helpful to me:

    • I find that if I drink a bit of liquid that makes the pill slippery it helps,
    • I find that grape juice seems to work better than water for instance.
    • I also find that if I tip my head down and tuck my chin against my neck that helps open up my throat and make swallowing easier. Most people tip their head up when swallowing but tipping your head down actually opens your throat more effectively.

    Here is the list of side effects: http://www.rxlist.com/ms-contin-drug/patient-images-side-effects.htm

    It looks like the usual list for opioid agonist medications.

    Best Regards,

    Paul Adams

    Grand Blanc, Michigan
    DX 10/2009 T2N1M0  Stage IIB - Ivor Lewis Surgery  12/3/2009 - Post Surgery Chemotherapy 2/2009 – 6/2009
    Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU - Three Year Survivor

     

     

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