Severe Bloating and Distention: How did you find relief?
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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Go to a GI specialist. Research and read reviews about the doctors. You may have to go to more than one. You'll know when you find the right doctor. You want someone that listens. You can tell they listen because they'll ask you questions and explain things. A little side bar, the surgeon I found most times I and everyone else has to wait 45 min to an hour in the waiting room. Some go up and complain. Not me because I know how much he listens and explains the what's and why's. I'm willing to wait for the great care. If he's forced to rush with someone else he'll probably rush with me and I don't want that. Research and find the right doctor. We have the power of the internet. Good luck.
I’m glad your feeling better. That’s great!! How long did you try the clay or the acupuncture? I have almost everything you listed and a few more. Trying to stay away from surgery due to the massive amount of scar tissue which causes SBO all the time. I’m exhausted with everything and just want to feel like “my normal” self again. And also exhaust all possibilities before surgery. Any other suggestions are welcome. Thank you for responding, I love to be able to talk to people who have been thru the ringer, they understand and also have remedies and tricks that can help 😊
I tried both for about 6 months. I'm not a big fan of surgery either but I didn't have a choice. Prescription meds can be worse, a lot of side effects most aren't aware of.
Thanks. We ran into snow between Elgin, IN, and Rochester but made it safely thanks to our son's good driving. I'm feeling anxious about tomorrow but hoping for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Thanks for thinking of me, it helps to know that.
My GI doctor gave up on me and said there was nothing else she could do. I tried U of M but didn't get very far when I decided to go to Mayo. I have an appointment tomorrow and hoping for a diagnosis and a treatment plan. I'm sure I will have to have more tests done but that is okay if I can get some answers. I'm not familiar with small fiber neuropathy. Do you know what the treatment is for it? I wish you good luck with finding the right GI doctor for you.
Please let me know how things go, if you feel so inclined. Thanks. Lelia
Hi Lelia, Consultations o Monday, tests all day Tuesday, one test couldn't be done, Thursday admitted to Mercy hospital, had special enema test done, taken off Lomotil, Bentyl and immodium. Consult with a nutritionist today. Experiencing severe diarrhea since Tuesday after testing. They are saying it's a motility problem plus other things. No concrete answers yet. A possible feeding tube or nutritional infusion. Feeling overwhelmed.
Elaine, hang in there. Things will get better, and you couldn't have gone to a better place to take care of the problem! It may take some time, but you'll get there! If you had had all this done back home, even if they could have done it, it would have taken much longer because the appointments would have been so strung out. I'm thinking of you and will be rooting for you! Keep me posted. Lelia
I did meet with 6 doctors on the team today and they want to start a medication that will increase the modality of my intestines. If it seems to be working I might be able to leave the hospital tomorrow. If it doesn't work then they will be considering a feeding tube procedure or infused nutrition. I'm hoping the medication works. Thanks for your support and encouragement. I also met with a nutritionist and a dietician who made suggestions about supplements and eating small portions more frequently during the day.
Glad for the progress. A team of 6 doctors, wow! What is modality of the intestines? I'm not familiar with that. Anyway, they told me to eat smaller amounts more frequently too, and it helps. I eat something about every 3 hours (except while sleeping, of course). Keep on truckin'. Lelia