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Inability to eat after bowel resection surgery to remove large mass.

Jay123
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Hi there, I am hoping for some advice as I feel out of my depth trying to care for my 74 year old mum who has just been discharged from hospital. 3 weeks ago she underwent extensive bowel surgery to remove a large mass from her small bowel. Thought this she lost two thirds of her small intestine, however did not need stoma. Just before discharge, an infection was seen on blood tests and this was treated with IV antibiotics. When her markers came down a little, she was discharged home to 2 types of antibiotic tablets. Since having her feed removed in hospital she has found it extremely difficult to eat due to nausea and lack of appetite. Since getting her home I am finding getting her to take anything apart from water a real struggle! She has been waking up in the morning being sick (bile) so I am holding off her tablets each day, worried that she takes them then brings them up! She seems more tired and unwell at home than she ever was in hospital, however she has also just been delivered news that further spread has possibly been sighted in her liver and lung and lymph nodes so this news has severely brought her down too. I am just so worried about caring for her as I really don’t know what to suggest to help her? Any advice would be so much appreciated.

  • Hello Jay123

    I wanted to reply as our team of nurses doesn't work at the weekend so you won't hear from them until Monday. 

    I'm sorry to hear about all that your Mum has been through and that since coming home, she's been struggling with nausea and as a result she's been unable to keep any medication down. 

    Please do give NHS 111 a call today. Let them know your Mum's diagnosis and the problems she's been having. They should be able to arrange for a doctor to call to see Mum at home and, if necessary, administer any medication, arrange support over the weekend or admit Mum back into hospital if appropriate. It's important that you and your Mum get the support that's needed, so don't be afraid to call NHS 111 for advice and support. 

    I do hope that things settle for you both soon. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Thank you so much for getting back to me. I have just suggested a call to 111 but she seems adamant not to want this, however I may need to override her decision here. Just wish I knew if it was the antibiotics making her feel worse or just recovery from surgery. Thanks again for your reply. 

  • in reply to Jay123

    Hello Jay123

    It's difficult when a loved one refuses help. It may be that she's feeling so rotten that she just wants to be left alone, but as you say, it may be a case that you need to override her decision. You can always call them to ask for advice from a qualified health professional in the first instance. 

    Let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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