Distended abdomen

I have been to a gastroenterologist, urologist (I have kidney stone issues) and a gynecologist. Over a month ago my stomach started to swell after I ate a lot of fresh vegetables from a farmer’s market. I am a very clean person. The urologist eliminated kidney issues and the GYN dr. eliminated the possibility of fibroids, as causes for the stomach enlargement. I get tired more than usual, have backaches by the afternoon, but regular digestive and elimination processes. The only thing I can now think my problem is either diverticulitis or a parasite/worm in my stomach from the veggies. I had terrible stomach pains before my stomach swelled. I went on a diet the gastroenterologist suggested with no success. Thank you for any help.

Hello @marthalucinda and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. It certainly sounds like you have been seeking answers by going to specialists to review your symptoms. There really are a lot of reasons for bloating and distension. I found this article that I wanted to share as it may present you with cues of other reasons you are experiencing these symptoms.

- Understanding and Managing Chronic Abdominal Bloating and Distension:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/digestive-diseases/news/understanding-and-managing-chronic-abdominal-bloating-and-distension/mac-20511032
Is there anything in the article that you have not explored/considered?

Thank you, Moderator. I have already viewed this article. I’m looking for other people’s comments who have experienced this situation. I’m frustrated after going to 2 doctors.

@marthalucinda, I want to add my welcome to Connect. I have to begin by saying that the only experience that I have with any kind of abdominal swelling is from ascites (fluid) when my liver was failing. However, I had a quick thought when I read your post. You have already seen a gastroenterologist, a urologist for kidney stone issues, and a gynecologist who have ruled out kidney stone and gynecological issues. I am wondering, because you you think there is a possible parasitic cause, whether you have discussed this with the gastroenterologist? Also, how long did you follow the diet that he/she gave to you? Did he/she indicate how long this might be needed before you feel any positive results?
I can imagine your frustration. When is your next appointment?

Thank you, Rosemary, for your helpful comments. I was following the diet when my stomach became enlarged, so I didn’t pursue it any longer. Also I do not eat a lot of the foods the dr. told me to avoid. I can not imagine my liver failing. My next appt. with the gastroenterologist is in about 2 weeks. It is hard to get an appt. here in my small town. I shall discuss fluid, diverticulitis and parasites. And I’m going to ask him to make whatever tests that will show what is going on in my stomach area. The urologist said that my digestive system looks intact, so no distortion there. I’m going to be firm with the doctor because I do not want to go to the hospital for a stay. I am a caregiver.

The only thing I can add is do you drink a lot of carbonated drinks? Carbonation will distend the belly.

Rosemary, If it does not invade your privacy, can you tell me why your liver was failing? Most websites about ascites mention ingestion of alcoholic beverages, but I have never been a drinker other than a glass of wine once in a blue moon. I do think I have a liver infection. My town has no hematologists, so I plan to see my PCP dr. Thank you, Martha Lucinda

@marthalucinda How uncomfortable both physically and mentally, to not know what the underlying cause may be! I hate to pepper you with questions, and completely relate to your dilemma of not having specialists close by!

Your original post mentioned it has been about a month or so on the diet your dr advised. Have you been keeping any kind of a journal? I know it can be some work, but writing down what you eat/drink, when, when the symptoms appear/recede can really help you and your team see any pattern. Perhaps it is an interaction between certain foods? To change up your diet and include foods from a farmers market, may take a bit of getting used to, as you "clean up" your diet.

I will very interested to hear what happens in two weeks, and hope you will consider a journal to track things. It has been invaluable for my in my health journey!
Ginger

Thank you for your comments, Ginger. I don’t know if you can see my comments to the other volunteer mentor. My problem is not a diet or stomach issue. I believe because I go to the bathroom about 8 times day and night, that it is a liver issue. I have never been a drinker, so I’m going to my PCP. I was eating veggies from the farmers’ mkt. when all this happened.

@marthalucinda, I would like to begin by first answering your question about the cause of my liver failure. I feel certain that it does not apply here, but since you asked: I was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). It is a rare condition and it can lead to liver failure. I did not develop ascites until my disease progressed to cirrhosis and I was on the transplant list, along with many other yucky symptoms. I am glad that you brought up alcohol because it is not the only cause of liver disease.
I hope that you are using reliable resources for your search. Places like Mayo Clinic, and other major medical centers are full of reliable information. Avoid the .coms who are usually sponsored by someone for a product promotion. Here is the link to Mayo Clinic's Health Information about Liver disease. You will see that liver problems can also be caused by a variety of factors.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/liver-problems/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374507
I wholeheartedly agree with @gingerw's suggestion to keep a journal/list of everything that you put into your body. Include any and all supplements, vitamins, and over the counter medications.

Here are some additional preparation tips that i found in the Mayo Liver Disease information link. These are applicable to any and all doctor appointments.
-Write down any symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason why you scheduled the appointment.
-Make a list of all your medications, vitamins and supplements.
-Write down your key medical information, including other conditions.
-Write down key personal information, including any recent changes or stressors in your life.
-Ask a relative or friend to accompany you, to help you remember what the doctor says.
-Write down questions to ask your doctor.
------
And here are a few questions that I thought of for you to ask your doctor.
-What's the most likely cause of my symptom?
-Are my problems likely temporary or long lasting?
-What treatments are available?

Martha Lucinda, For now, I suggest that you assume that this could something besides liver related. You are going to the doctor in 2 weeks to hopefully get some answers to your questions. What are some question that you can think of?