Severe Bloating and Distention: How did you find relief?

Will try everything! Thank you!

I should have said from the beginning. I have a small blanket that heats up and I put it on my abdominal area. That really feels great! I work on a computer at home quite a bit, so I am able to somewhat recline, work and get
some relief at the same time!

@oakbourne My GI never mentioned Microscopic Colitis but I'm going to do some research on it. Thanks and good luck to you.

there are several ways to test for SIBO, but the standard is a breath test. they will have you breathe into a sample bag and test the levels of hydrogen and methane. Hydrogen and methane are the gases produced by the bacteria that have taken up residence where they don't belong (small intestine) and then you are given a little cup of syrup with a mixture of sugars (all of this on an empty stomach with some fasting requirements prior to the test, and a very limited diet the day before) and then they take more breath samples every 30 to 45 minutes after that. I had this done in January (after completing a round of steroid for microscopic lymphocytic colits about 6 months earlier) and my results came back as two GI docs said "VERY" positive. so I was prescribed another antibiotic which required pre-authorization. between the time I was TOLD the Rx was sent in and when it actually WAS sent in, and then the delay while it went through the denial and appeal process, I investigated a non-pharmaceutical treatment for SIBO. I am currently following the Amy Myers MD SIBO Breakthrough plan which goes for 5 weeks. Basically, the diet involves starving the bacteria of any carbs, or sugars - which a low FODMAP diet can do as well, but also taking an herbal preparation with antibiotic properties for 30 days. I have to say, although I spend an inordinate amount of time doing food prep because of all the vegetables (all FODMAP friendly) I am feeling better day by day. I've lost a little more weight, but since I do feel better, I'm not so concerned. Just wanted to share, that if you try to research some of these things, you'll find all sorts of conflicting information. I think the best course of action it to pick a plan (I like the Amy Myers one - check our her website) and stick with one plan. Once you start mixing and matching plans - they are not as effective. Good luck!

Thank you for saying that. I've had the same experience, that keeping my abdominal area warm is comforting!

@lelia After reading your post I'm wondering how you got the information on what to eat and what not to eat. I am at the point where whatever I eat causes belching, bloating, distention and extreme flatulence I also have watery diarrhea and some constipation. My GI doctor has told me that there is nothing she can do for me. I saw a GI at the University of Michigan hospital but he doesn't seem to know what to do either.

It took years of trial and error, appointments, and research. The first thing you need to do is get a _diagnosis_, and I would go up to Mayo Clinic in Rochester if I were you. They are #1 in gastroenterology, which is a very complex subject. That's what I finally did after waiting 8-10 years and getting nowhere locally. Mayo diagnosed me with fructose malabsorption, so I finally had a handle on it and could have a chance figuring out what to eat and not eat. I quit eating all sugars and fruit to begin with, but it was challenging determining what vegetables I could eat because most of them have sugar. I had a lot of help from the medical librarian at the local university med. center who did research for me on lots of things. I did not find dietitians that helpful because fm is a new area for them as well and they thought it would be ok to eat some sugars and for me it was not. I cannot do low FODMAP for example. I've been to Mayo maybe 3 times totally regarding G.I. symptoms and have finally reached a point where things are basically under control and I am trying some new foods occasionally. Still have bouts of indigestion and "pay for" trying something new. Only introduce one new thing at a time so you can determine if it is ok. Good luck with this. My heart goes out to you.

@lelia Thank you for your reply. Everyone is urging me to go to Mayo. I have an appointment at U of M on the 28th. The doctor I will be seeing is an intern and he seems as baffled as the GI that I was seeing in Midland, MI. Could you give me the name of the doctor you saw at Mayo? Was testing done as an outpatient? If so where did you stay while you were there? At this point, I'm living on Boost and can't eat any regular food. I looked into the FODMAP but don't think I could tolerate any of it. I have been diagnosed with radiation enteritis but I think there is more than that going on. I truly appreciate all the information you have given me. I have been dealing with the damage to my small intestine since I had colon cancer surgery in 2001. It may be true that there is nothing that can be done for me but I'm not quite ready to give up yet. I'm glad that you are doing better. It gives me hope that something can be done for me. Bless you, Elaine

Nice to hear from you. I've seen several g.i. doctors at Mayo. The most recent was Madhusudan Grover, who is very good. They are all very good. They probably will assign a doctor to you depending upon availability and your situation. The testing was done as an outpatient. We stayed at Springhill Suites in Rochester in case I'd be in the hospital at some point; St. Mary's Hospital is right across the street. Springhill Suites is not cheap but is so comfortable to the point of being luxurious. Tell them (or any lodging) you are in Rochester to go to the Mayo Clinic and they will give you a discount. Springhill Suites also isn't that far from the clinic buildings. The phone number for Gastroenterology is 507-284-2478 or 2875. Be sure to emphasize that you are coming for a diagnosis and/or second opinion. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Let me know how it goes.

@lelia Thank you for the information. I will have to work around my daughter's work schedule. She will be driving me to Mayo. How long did it take to get an appointment? Thank you also for your thoughts and prayers. You have been a blessing to me. Elaine