Severe Bloating and Distention: How did you find relief?

Posted by htocco @htocco, Feb 18, 2019

Hello,
I have chronic bloating and distention of the abdomen and am very uncomfortable all of the time. I have had a colonoscopy and endoscopy (both negative), have tried a low FODMAP diet for several weeks, with no change. I do take probiotics as well a ginger root and peppermint. I rarely have cramping, except after a bowel movement. After a BM, the distention is more severe for the entire day. My GI doctor is at a lost as to what to do now. It seems much of the GI field is mysterious, and, unfortunately there are no answers for many conditions, including this. Is there anyone out there with similar symptoms? Does anyone have any suggestions for me?
Thank you!
Helen

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@oakbourne

You may have Microscopic Colitis. The only way for your GI specialist to diagnose this monster is through a BIOPSY. I had severe explosive diarrhea, bloating, nause, and fatigue. It's easy to do when you have a colonoscopy. The only way to treat safely is through DIET! This disease is treated like the Red Headed Step Child of inflammatory bowel diseases and doctors don't know what to do.

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@oakbourne Thanks for the information. I will talk to my GI about it.

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Many things to all of you for your messages! Nothing has changed. My GI doctor wants me to try biofeedback. I am seeing a holistic specialist next week. Still trying to get some relief!

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@lelia

Get tested for fructose malabsorption, lactose intolerance, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. In the meantime, quit eating the ginger root and peppermint, as well as fruit and sugars.

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Just curious, what kind of testing is done for small bowel bacterial overgrowth? I am in Canada. In 2015, a gastroenterologist in his report said he suspected SBBO, (in addition to my IBS-C, celiac disease, and acid reflux). However, at that time, no tests were done. I was told to follow the FODMAP diet, take a mixture of Restoralax and Metamucil daily and take probiotics. The restoralax and metamucil aggravated the bowel, and the probiotics did not help.
Anyway, I am no

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@sue225

Just curious, what kind of testing is done for small bowel bacterial overgrowth? I am in Canada. In 2015, a gastroenterologist in his report said he suspected SBBO, (in addition to my IBS-C, celiac disease, and acid reflux). However, at that time, no tests were done. I was told to follow the FODMAP diet, take a mixture of Restoralax and Metamucil daily and take probiotics. The restoralax and metamucil aggravated the bowel, and the probiotics did not help.
Anyway, I am no

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I can't remember the test for SIBO. But, I think the test for fructose malabsorption would be more important for you. FM can cause IBS-C and acid reflux, and if you have FM you can't digest wheat because it has chains of fructose in it called fructans. Also, if you have FM bad enough, the low FODMAP diet is worthless because it still has too much sugar in it. If you want more info on FM, I started a discussion on fructose malabsorption on Mayo Clinic Connect. It isn't very active right now, but the info is still pertinent because I started it around December. It contains info on what to eat and not eat, identifying sugars in foods and drugs (there are about 30 words for sugar), etc. Good luck! It is so hard to sort all of this out.

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@lelia

I can't remember the test for SIBO. But, I think the test for fructose malabsorption would be more important for you. FM can cause IBS-C and acid reflux, and if you have FM you can't digest wheat because it has chains of fructose in it called fructans. Also, if you have FM bad enough, the low FODMAP diet is worthless because it still has too much sugar in it. If you want more info on FM, I started a discussion on fructose malabsorption on Mayo Clinic Connect. It isn't very active right now, but the info is still pertinent because I started it around December. It contains info on what to eat and not eat, identifying sugars in foods and drugs (there are about 30 words for sugar), etc. Good luck! It is so hard to sort all of this out.

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I'm a diabetic and when the chronic explosive diarrhea stops, I'm sending in a stool sample to Enterolab - Dr. Kenneth Fine - GI specialist and researcher. I already know I have Microscopic Colitis and probably Celiac disease from childhood. Many people with chronic watery diarrhea, bloating, nausea, fatigue and depression have MC and don't know it. It's diagnosed by a biopsy and can be performed when you have a colonoscpy performed. Don't get me started on Gastroenterologists. After a while we won't have doctors, just nurses telling us what's wrong and they haven't been to medical school. Nurses don't diagnose, I know...I'm a RN. I was informed by a doctor that the last time you'll see a doctor in a decade or sooner is when you're dead. Very depressing! Doctors have had it. All paper work and less time for patient one on onel We are in a World Of Hurt. All Manufactured to destroy our healthcare...And They're Winning.

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Hi @oakburne! I suffer from severe bloating as well. I have gastroparesis and SIBO so this contributes. Have they considered a HIDA scan to see how the organs are working? Meantime, I use mega poly ten for the bloating. Also ginger and peppermint. This helps me tremendously. Good luck in your health. 😌

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Hello! I have not found ginger or peppermint of assistance. I tried to look up mega poly ten and could't find it. It that short for something?

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I am so sorry I meant to type mega-polyzyme. It is made by InterPlexus. As for the ginger, I have found that raw minced ginger works better than ginger tea packets.

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Thank you so much! Do you make tea with the ginger? I will follow through with the meg-polyzyme.

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I usually sip it in water throughout the day or I will add it to my food. I drink a lot of bone broth and will add it to that as well as turmeric. I hope these will help you too. 😌

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