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My stomach is round and bloated, and it makes me look pregnant

Posted by Seeking answers @bosnianbeauty, Jan 10, 2012

I have been having problems with my stomach for quite a while now.

My stomach is always round and bloated ,as if i am pregnant.
I have pain most days and have severe cramps and vaginal muscle cramps/contractions during my period. I also bleed a lot.

I eat healthy,take multivitamins and drink water and no sodas or fruit drinks just fruits and veggies. I know most people have flatter stomachs even those who don't eat as well as me.

I have done research and have come to some conclusions that could fit. I think i might have a uterine fibroid or cyst,something that is making my stomach big.
I also have ugly stretchmarks even though i have never been pregnant and am not pregnant,but at times it looks like it.
If anyone has anything similar or knows anything,i would really appreciate the feedback.

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Profile picture for claytamos
claytamos | @claytamos | May 6, 2019
In reply to @htocco "Hello, I have chronic bloating and distention of the abdomen and am very uncomfortable all of..." + (show)
Profile picture for htocco @htocco

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

Jump to this post

I agree. My PCP referred me to an ENT to check my esophagus to see what was going on with my acid reflux. When I say the ENT he looked down my throat with a mirror and once he saw the inflammation and redness he referred me to the first surgeon I saw. He said he was the best for what I needed. Like you said they personally like them or they know someone that is their best friend and they refer. I guess the lesson is do your own research and don't rely strictly on your doctor's referrals.

REPLY
Profile picture for beanglow
beanglow | @beanglow | May 7, 2019
In reply to @lelia "Hang in there. They'll come up with something. Have you tried Philips Milk of Magnesia for..." + (show)
Profile picture for CL @lelia

Hang in there. They'll come up with something. Have you tried Philips Milk of Magnesia for the constipation? I use that probably 3 times per week. Constipation can cause bloating and distention, especially if you are eating something you can't digest like fructose or lactose.

Jump to this post

I did try Milk of Magnesia but it caused diarrhea but maybe I'll try it again. My PC gave me Generlac in the past and that works very gently and I asked the doctor here about it but have not heard back from her as yet. I've also tried the tea Smooth Moves but it did not work that well. The bloating and distention has improved somewhat. I've been able to get out of the hotel for short trips to stores but always have to check out bathrooms in case of unexpected diarrhea. I'm trying to stay positive but waiting to hear back from the doctors and for the next tests on the 13th and appointments on the 13th and 15th are causing a lot of anxiety. Thanks for your support though. I appreciate it. Elaine

REPLY
2 replies
Profile picture for iowaellen27
iowaellen27 | @iowaellen27 | May 7, 2019
In reply to @htocco "Hello, I have chronic bloating and distention of the abdomen and am very uncomfortable all of..." + (show)
Profile picture for htocco @htocco

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

Jump to this post

I've got an appt with my GI doctor on 5/21. I don't ever have diarrhea, just constant constipation. Even the prescribed Lactulose doesn't work. Drank over 80 oz of water yesterday, walked, ate veggies. I blame it on the Nissen fundulation they did with the hiatal hernia surgery. I want a reversal

REPLY
Profile picture for claytamos
claytamos | @claytamos | May 7, 2019
In reply to @htocco "Hello, I have chronic bloating and distention of the abdomen and am very uncomfortable all of..." + (show)
Profile picture for htocco @htocco

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

Jump to this post

I'm sorry to hear about your problems after your Nissen. I had a lot of problems after mine as well. They probably won't do a reversal unless they have another plan to control your acid reflux. If the surgeon that did your Nissen doesn't want to do anything or you don't like the options given look else where. I didn't like the options the surgeon that did my Nissen so I did a lot of research, went and saw 3 other surgeons before I decided on who to go with. I researched doctors that did both the Nissen Fundoplication and the Linx Procedure. I wanted someone that gave more than one option. Come to find out after just a few test they couldn't tighten the Nissen (sometimes they loosen) and they couldn't do the Linx because my esophagus wasn't strong enough to push food through. The test result also showed that I had delayed gastric emptying. I had a lot going on. The doctor I went with suggested a partial gastrectomy (80% removed) and a Roux-En-Y Procedure. I'm happy with my decision. I'm 6 weeks out and no constipation, no reflux, no gas, and no bloating. I hope it continues. For your diarrhea have you taken Miralax, Phillips Milk of Magnesia, and Colace? I'd start with those and see how it goes. Research what veggies you are eating. Some will constipate you. Let me know if you have any questions and good luck to you.

REPLY
Profile picture for claytamos
claytamos | @claytamos | May 7, 2019
In reply to @beanglow "I did try Milk of Magnesia but it caused diarrhea but maybe I'll try it again...." + (show)
Profile picture for beanglow @beanglow

I did try Milk of Magnesia but it caused diarrhea but maybe I'll try it again. My PC gave me Generlac in the past and that works very gently and I asked the doctor here about it but have not heard back from her as yet. I've also tried the tea Smooth Moves but it did not work that well. The bloating and distention has improved somewhat. I've been able to get out of the hotel for short trips to stores but always have to check out bathrooms in case of unexpected diarrhea. I'm trying to stay positive but waiting to hear back from the doctors and for the next tests on the 13th and appointments on the 13th and 15th are causing a lot of anxiety. Thanks for your support though. I appreciate it. Elaine

Jump to this post

Another option may be Colace. That is pretty mild. For the bloating have you tried Simethicone? That may help some. The waiting for appointments gets frustrating. Good luck on Monday.

REPLY
Profile picture for CL
CL | @lelia | May 7, 2019
In reply to @beanglow "I did try Milk of Magnesia but it caused diarrhea but maybe I'll try it again...." + (show)
Profile picture for beanglow @beanglow

I did try Milk of Magnesia but it caused diarrhea but maybe I'll try it again. My PC gave me Generlac in the past and that works very gently and I asked the doctor here about it but have not heard back from her as yet. I've also tried the tea Smooth Moves but it did not work that well. The bloating and distention has improved somewhat. I've been able to get out of the hotel for short trips to stores but always have to check out bathrooms in case of unexpected diarrhea. I'm trying to stay positive but waiting to hear back from the doctors and for the next tests on the 13th and appointments on the 13th and 15th are causing a lot of anxiety. Thanks for your support though. I appreciate it. Elaine

Jump to this post

So you'll be at Mayo more than 2 weeks? At least they are persevering regarding your case. Good luck and try not to worry. Worrying does no good. Do the best you can and let it go.

REPLY
Profile picture for iowaellen27
iowaellen27 | @iowaellen27 | May 7, 2019
In reply to @htocco "Hello, I have chronic bloating and distention of the abdomen and am very uncomfortable all of..." + (show)
Profile picture for htocco @htocco

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

Jump to this post

I don't have reflux at all. It is the bloating, gas and constipation. I'm back to using Miralax daily, took a Senna and stool softeners last night and so far nothing.The only thing that works is ducolax. Then it is a day sticking close to the toilet. I am researching other surgeons. Thanks for your input

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for claytamos
claytamos | @claytamos | May 7, 2019
In reply to @iowaellen27 "I don't have reflux at all. It is the bloating, gas and constipation. I'm back to..." + (show)
Profile picture for iowaellen27 @iowaellen27

I don't have reflux at all. It is the bloating, gas and constipation. I'm back to using Miralax daily, took a Senna and stool softeners last night and so far nothing.The only thing that works is ducolax. Then it is a day sticking close to the toilet. I am researching other surgeons. Thanks for your input

Jump to this post

Sorry I'm a little confused. You said you wanted your Nissen Fundoplication reversed. If you didnt have acid reflux why did they do a Nissen Fundoplication. That is a surgery to stop reflux.

REPLY
Profile picture for iowaellen27
iowaellen27 | @iowaellen27 | May 7, 2019
In reply to @htocco "Hello, I have chronic bloating and distention of the abdomen and am very uncomfortable all of..." + (show)
Profile picture for htocco @htocco

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

Jump to this post

I had a massive hiatal hernia-one third of my stomach was in my chest. I could only eat a little-very little at a time and was having trouble breathing. I have heart burn for years, but that went away with the surgery. That is all gone, no more omeprezole

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for claytamos
claytamos | @claytamos | May 7, 2019
In reply to @iowaellen27 "I had a massive hiatal hernia-one third of my stomach was in my chest. I could..." + (show)
Profile picture for iowaellen27 @iowaellen27

I had a massive hiatal hernia-one third of my stomach was in my chest. I could only eat a little-very little at a time and was having trouble breathing. I have heart burn for years, but that went away with the surgery. That is all gone, no more omeprezole

Jump to this post

Got ya. Heartburn and acid reflux are the same thing just different terminology. They probably won't undo the Nissen without another plan because if they undo then you'll have heartburn again.

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