Severe Bloating and Distention: How did you find relief?

I can't remember how long it took to get an appointment. I think it depends on availability and your condition. Best of luck. BTW, Springhill Suites is a Marriott hotel.

@lelia Thanks again. Elaine

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Helen, one of the hallmark signs of Microscopic Colitis is diarrhea, constipation, brain fog, irritability, and abdominal pain. It's hard to diagnose. A biopsy of your colon has to be performed to diagnose MC. Many doctors - GI specialists don't know this. The only thing that helps is change your diet. It is doable. I have MC and I think Celiac. Keep me in touch, Dorothy

I have distention/bloating only. I have had a colonoscopy which showed no problems. Thank you for your message!

If for some reason your daughter can't drive you, you could always fly. Most of the motels offer free rides to and from the airport as well as to appointments. When you are there, don't be concerned if you are going around hooked up to some medical equipment - the locals have seen it all, believe me. The restaurants try to accommodate g.i. issues. Baker's Square is a good one for that. There is also one down the street from Springhill Suites called the Canadian Honker. Best of luck, and let me know how it goes!

@lelia I would fly but with spontaneous diarrhea, I'm afraid I might have to monopolize the bathroom for the whole time of the flight. I don't think the airline would allow me to do it. I know that driving could also present problems because if I don't have diarrhea I have bloating, distention, flatulence, and abdominal pain. In a vehicle, I could lay down in the back seat. I do have an appointment for April 29th. My daughter will be getting home from a trip to Missouri on the 27th. I might have to ask my son or another daughter. How long were you there for testing? Someone said to plan on at least 3 days. Thanks again for the valuable information. You have been an inspiration to me. I'll let you know how it goes. Bless you.

You can't predict how long, but I would say at the very minimum 3 days. Once I was up there for 2 weeks but that wasn't for g.i. issues. They were checking me out prior to surgery. I went up last fall and was only there a day for only one appointment, as it turned out, but that wasn't for g.i. issues either. From the sound of your difficulties, you might want to book the hotel for at least 5 days (maybe there is a weekly rate). You can always leave early and cancel the reservation for the rest of the week. Best of luck! I'll be looking forward to your report. CL

Booking for 5 days or a week sounds like a good idea. Thanks for the good wishes and information. I appreciate it.

Hello @gab002 and welcome to Mayo Connect.

I am sorry to hear of all of your discomfort and inability to find an answer or a cure for it. Many of us on Connect have had hard to diagnose problems and we understand the frustration. While you wait for others to respond to your post: If you are comfortable sharing more, before the problems that you said started six months ago, had you previously had other digestive tract problems or surgeries, such as gallbladder removal, etc.? Do certain foods and/or activities make your symptoms worse? Have you lost much weight due to these problems? Does exercise make these symptoms worse or better?

Have you tried the FODMAP dietary program yet? Since it was suggested by your doctor, it might be worth a try.