severe abdominal pain

[StacyB]

My brother in law is a c2/c4 quad (for 13 years) who has been living with us (my husband and 2 year-old son) since last Nov. Previously he lived independently, but aid issues and pain has made this impossible for him. He used to get up in his chair a lot, but hasn't been up since he moved in. He is in constant abdominal pain and is on the fetinol(?)-patch (50) and takes oxycotin. Nothing seems to be helping. Any ideas?? Help!!

[This message was edited by StacyB on 06-18-04 at 03:54 PM.]

[metronycguy]

did the docs check for something causing the pain, rather than assuming its just a sci central pain

[StacyB]

they've done complete workups and found nothing. One doc suggested a spinal block surgery, but another said bad idea. another suggested an abdominal pain med pump directly into his body. none of these things seem to be a good idea!? we are dealing with only VA docs as well since he was hurt while in the army. we're open to any suggestions even the weird ones:-) thanks for replying

[metronycguy]

VA trying acupuncture ? or is it impossible for him to get there. i know nothing about abdominal pain from my personal experience though..
hopefully the others do

[David Berg]

Stacy, just out of curiousity, would you mind saying where in the country you're going to the VA? From what I've heard, there can be quite a difference in hospitals and attitudes. For example, there's some interesting research going on at the VA by Yale (we're not talking patient trials here, but promising early 'bench-top' research), and one guy spoke of an excellent program for dealing with pain at the VA in Seattle.