1. < Digestive Health

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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JK | @contentandwell | May 5, 2019
In reply to @claytamos "I hope you don't mind that I also reply. I went through much of the same..." + (show)
@claytamos

I hope you don't mind that I also reply. I went through much of the same as you. Some of my side effects was due to, they think, hitting the vagus nerve. The doctor that did my Nissen refused to undo it unless I let him do other surgery. I didn't agree with his approach on what to do. I went to this surgeon because I had trust in the doctor that referred me. I did a lot of my own research and found a different doctor. After some more testing it was determined that the Nissen wasn't right for my situation. The new doctor undone the Nissen and fixed me right. I'm a little over a month after this surgery and I haven't felt this good in a long time.

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@claytamos I am not generally involved in this topic but I just wanted to comment on how glad I am that you found a doctor who was able to help you more than your previous doctor had. I have found with some doctors and dentists that they tend to recommend other doctors/dentists that they personally like but actually have little medical information about them. My PCP was recommended by a doctor whom I respect greatly but I really do not think he's as nearly as good as the other doctor thinks he is.
JK

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claytamos | @claytamos | May 6, 2019

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.

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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)
@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.

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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

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2 replies
iowaellen27 | @iowaellen27 | May 7, 2019

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

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claytamos | @claytamos | May 7, 2019

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.

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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)
@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

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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.

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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)
@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

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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.

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iowaellen27 | @iowaellen27 | May 7, 2019

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

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1 reply
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)
@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

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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.

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iowaellen27 | @iowaellen27 | May 7, 2019

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

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