So I have been feeling like crap lately and ended up in the ER and was told that I have paralytic ileus, basically my intestines were in shock and not functioning properly. Is there any way to prevent this, this is the first time I have heard about this and I think I get this issue frequently...I wanna say every few months or so. Currently, working on getting a GI but getting around the red tape of being newly insured and having to go through a Primary care first for referral. Any suggestions would be great!
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Paralytic ileus is usually associated with the immediate post op period, not a decade later! That said, there is something similar called intestinal (or chronic) pseudo obstruction. It is essentially the same thing. It is pretty rare, but it sounds like what you are describing. It could be that there was nerve damage during your surgery, or just something that developed over time.
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov...s/pubs/intestinalpo/
Are you taking anything to slow the gut (like Imodium or lomotil), any opiates, or not drinking enough fluids? Best to rule out the obvious stuff before assuming it is a rare disorder. Also, I presume your electrolytes were checked while in the hospital. If your potassium was low, that can be a cause of paralytic ileus. If you have chronic diarrhea, you can lose a lot of potassium, so something to be aware of.
Once you get in to see a GI, ask about chronic motility disorders and pseudo obstruction. This is not your typical constipation, even though laxatives are often the first line of treatment. They are the easiest thing to try, and many can get by for a very long time with them.
Jan
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov...s/pubs/intestinalpo/
Are you taking anything to slow the gut (like Imodium or lomotil), any opiates, or not drinking enough fluids? Best to rule out the obvious stuff before assuming it is a rare disorder. Also, I presume your electrolytes were checked while in the hospital. If your potassium was low, that can be a cause of paralytic ileus. If you have chronic diarrhea, you can lose a lot of potassium, so something to be aware of.
Once you get in to see a GI, ask about chronic motility disorders and pseudo obstruction. This is not your typical constipation, even though laxatives are often the first line of treatment. They are the easiest thing to try, and many can get by for a very long time with them.
Jan
Thanks for the information and insight. I really appreciate it. I am going to try to see the smaller problems that may cause this and hopefully that works.