I want to respond to the paralytic Ileus question

[drkarenmorrow]

A paralytic Ileus is common in Multiple Sclerosis. I am a health professional, and I also have MS. IN a paralytic Ilues your abdomen will swell up. Prednisone may help. However, I just wait it out. I stay home and don't go anywhere. I have swollen up to look as if I were about to deliver twins. It is hard to wear clothes when this happens, and it is very painful. The more you put in your gut, the more it swells. I do however try to eat ruffage and it will help at times.I increase my anti-oxidant intake; such as Pine Bark Extract to boost the immune system and help the episode pass quicker. But is is just a waiting game. I went to 7 doctors and 3 hospitals when I had the first one. I had a battery of tests, over and over. NO diagnosis. Then I went to a Neurologist who had dealt with MS for decades. He diagnosed me immediately. Some Neuros will give you inaccurate info. One doc told me that there is no such thing as heat intolerance in MS. So study, read and find a GOOD Neuro with lots of experience. Keep looking till you get the one that listens and is savvy. Now 3 weeks without moving your bowels should get you to a GI specialist or Neuro. You may have another problem. If you think the doc does not know what's happening, FIND another doc. I say this as a doctor myself. Lots of docs don't help, and are not skilled enough to diagnose properly!  MSer beware and get a support group and a good doctor. Good luck! and stay positive. My MS was a blessing. I truly smell the flowers and live in the moment, surrounded by my great and loving dogs. Even tho husband left for a wife that wasn't sick, I am better off and find my happiness in all my blessings.