Hello,
My Nanny has been diagnosed with bowel cancer, she is 89 years of age and last Friday had an iron infusion, she has been terribly poorly this week which we believe is down to the infusion as previously she has been fit and well. She has been vomiting this week wen she tries to eat and her vomit is dark green and looks a bit like a pesto consistency, is this normal?
I don't know whether to phone an ambulance
Kind regards
Hello SkMenham8adeb2,
My name is Alison and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurses with Macmillan Cancer support. Thank you for getting in touch with us and I hope you find the online community a helpful and supportive environment.
I’m sorry to hear about your Nanny’s situation—it sounds incredibly worrying, especially given her age and recent diagnosis.
Iron-infusion-information-and-consent. are generally safe, but nausea and vomiting are known side effects. These symptoms usually resolve within hours or days.
However, in some cases, especially in older adults or those with underlying conditions, Having an iron infusion the body may struggle to regulate the iron, potentially leading to iron overload or toxicity.
Dark green vomit, especially with a "pesto-like" consistency, may suggest:
Bile: Vomiting bile can occur when the stomach is empty or there's a blockage.
Gastrointestinal irritation or obstruction: This can be serious, especially in someone with bowel cancer.
Iron reaction: Iron can cause gastrointestinal upset, and in rare cases, toxicity.
This type of vomit is not typical and could indicate something more serious than a routine side effect.
Yes, it would be wise to seek urgent medical attention. If she’s unable to keep food down, is dehydrated, or seems confused, weak, or in pain, calling an ambulance is appropriate. It’s better to err on the side of caution, especially when symptoms are unusual or worsening.
Kind Regards
Alison W, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
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