[DebbiC]

Nausea and stomach cramps

by DebbiC on Sun Nov 02, 2014 3:50 am

Hi,

I have had multiple myeloma for almost a year now and after 8 cycles of RVD [Revlimid, Velcade, dexamethasone], I have achieved complete remission. Now I am on Revlimid (10 mg) and a Zometa infusion once a month.

Unfortunately, my multiple myeloma was caught late in the game and I had major bone damage that has a long way to heal. Because of that, I am in a lot of pain and take oxycodone and wear a fentanyl patch. However, I still ache everywhere and experience nausea and stomach cramps that are excruciating.

Does anyone else suffer from this and if so what helps?

Thanks so much for reading this.

[Rneb]

Re: Nausea and stomach cramps

by Rneb on Sun Nov 02, 2014 3:45 pm

It's prolly directly related to constipation.
Between the disease, treatments, and the ongoing Percocet / Fentanyl combo. you have low GI motility and thus, constipation.

A number of laxatives exist to help this. Try one or another, until you find one that works well for you and your diet / Needs.

Orthopedically, if you can walk a mile or two a day, that will also help...both with the constipation and the bone repair(s).

I am on 3 month Zometa infusions, now. I often feel like I had the flu for 4-5 days after the Zometa infusion.

Good luck.

[DebbiC]

Re: Nausea and stomach cramps

by DebbiC on Sun Nov 02, 2014 5:00 pm

Thanks for you reply! I think you are right!! Also, I am on Zometa once a month and have the same problem with feeling like I have the flu for four or five days. Walking does help, but as the weather gets more cold and icy it will be harder to do.

How long have you had multiple myeloma and how are you doing with it?

Thanks again for responding!

[Acebass]

Re: Nausea and stomach cramps

by Acebass on Wed Nov 05, 2014 10:56 am

Hi, Debbie!

My situation seems to be similar to yours. My situation wasn't discovered until I was in Stage 3. I'm currently taking 25 mg of Revlimid. I've been in complete remission for almost a year.

I get nausea frequently. I've found that Zofran [ondansetron] works pretty well for the nausea.

Although I never had constipation, I get it now along with awful stomach cramps. If I don't move my bowels for two days, the cramps come back. I found that Senna Plus will get things moving again - 2 8,6 mg tabs every 4 hours until the BM's return. That stops the cramps, too.

My oncologist claims it's the pain meds that do this, but I'm not sure. I use a 50 mcg fentanyl patch every 3 days, and Dilaudid [hydromorphone] for breakthrough pain. I rarely need the Dilaudid. I need this for major bone damage - broken vertebrae, smashed pelvis, sacrum, hip. There's no way I can live without the pain meds, so I'm on this routine until I find something better.

Hope you find some relief. Best of Luck,

Rob

[DebbiC]

Re: Nausea and stomach cramps

by DebbiC on Wed Nov 05, 2014 1:00 pm

Hi Rob,

I used to use Zofran and it did help with the nausea, but the doctor and nurses told me it causes constipation. Sure enough, I noticed that it became much worse when I took it. I'm going to try Senna plus, that sounds like a good idea. Thanks so much for your reply. I understand your pain!!

I can't live without the pain meds either, because like you I have severe bone damage. I find physical therapy and taking lots of walks helps, but my doctor says I can't go back to work yet. Are you working and/or exercising?

Also, I have an infusion of Zometa once a month, but that also makes me really sick for several days.

In spite of all the side effects, I am so much better than I was a few months ago and getting stronger everyday. I hope you have good days too!

Debbi