One simple option that might work is to put a firm pillow under her bottom to raise it up. It helps any gas to move up and out. I once had strong pains after a difficult colonoscopy, and this is what the nurses did for me. It worked - and even just 'doing something' may help her a bit.
Here is a little trick that my dad would do for me (when I was a kid) and had stomach pains. Give your LO a half a glass of Coke Cole (not Pepsi or any other cola) and put a slice of lemon in it. If it is gas then this will help to relief the gas and if the pain is all in her head, well this will take care of it as well. By doing this, you will be able to have an idea of what it could be and if she is still saying she is in pain then you can get her to a Dr.
When she says stomach pain is she really referring to the organ or general pain in her abdomen?
As someone who suffers from IBS, I differentiate between pain that is above or below the belly button. It is rare for me to have discomfort in my upper digestive tract, Stomach, but quite common in my lower regions. small and large intestine.
If upper regions. be mindful of Aspirin and NSAIDS (ibuprofen etc), as they can antagonize the stomach.
My MIL has dementia/short term memory loss. She used to suffer migraines her whole life. Now with cognitive issues she hasn't had a migraine since. Also she will say she's in pain one minute and then not the next. I agree that dementia patients can't always process or express their pain issues accurately. Wait a day to see if he/she has a BM or it passes. If not, consider taking him/her to the doctor.
Dementia & stomach pain are two separate conditions. Call the doctor & have a chat with him or her about the stomach pain; only a doctor can try to figure out what's going on here. It can be anything from appendicitis to gas!
My Mom used to complain of stomach pain too. Not long after shewoukd go to the bathroom, no more pain.
In my opinion, I think those who suffer with Dementia are like small children and as such, exaggerate the pain. It could be gas pains. My Mom cried when a BP cuff was used on her because it hurt.
Has she had a change in meds. Some, especially with aspirin, can cause stomach problems. Does she have acid reflux? OT medications can help with that.
Thank you for the reply. I have always felt that my wife has a poor pain tolerance that has been documented by many health professionals. She has been to many ER's for stomach pains and has had a myriad of tests done w/i hospital setting with same conclusions of no known cause except the brain from Dementia. But it is very hard to hear her complain of stomach pains and hard for me to continue to feel and say I can't help that problem and that it is a symptom of AD dementia. I found if I give her an Atavan she will either fall asleep or will feel better w/i 30 minutes.
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Just a thought!
Good luck!
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As someone who suffers from IBS, I differentiate between pain that is above or below the belly button. It is rare for me to have discomfort in my upper digestive tract, Stomach, but quite common in my lower regions. small and large intestine.
If upper regions. be mindful of Aspirin and NSAIDS (ibuprofen etc), as they can antagonize the stomach.
Good luck!
In my opinion, I think those who suffer with Dementia are like small children and as such, exaggerate the pain. It could be gas pains. My Mom cried when a BP cuff was used on her because it hurt.
Has she had a change in meds. Some, especially with aspirin, can cause stomach problems. Does she have acid reflux? OT medications can help with that.