Narcotic bowel syndrome is a form of intestinal pseudo-obstruction characterized by chronic opiate use leading to ileus, vomiting, and abdominal pain.[7] The clinical manifestations of narcotic bowel can be remedied by clonidine during the period of narcotic withdrawal
At Tue, 3 Jul 2007, Daniel J wrote:
>
>A recent appointment with a new GI specialist left me worried. For
>about four months I have been on various pain meds for my adhesion pain
>after a number of abdominal surgeries and an ileostomy. My pain
>management doctor finally put me on Methadone 20 mg/day in the liquid
>form because of my ileostomy and it has worked pretty well. But I can
>tell that without it, the pain seems to be getting worse. The new GI
>specialist told me that the Methadone was making my pain worse and that
>I should wean off the meds. He offered no alternative to the pain
>management, except to eliminate the Methadone and indicated that I was
>experiencing Narcotic Bowel Syndrome. I have never heard of this and
>wonder if this is legitimate. Even if it is legit, are there not ways
>to manage even this? Any advice would be very helpful!
>
>Thanks to all who keep this forum going!