My stomach 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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Women's Health Support Group.

tigerarmani | @tigerarmani | Aug 4, 2018

I've always had extremely painful periods but in January of 2016 the pain became worse, unbearable sometimes I couldn't stand up or sit down. In May 2016 I went to see my OBGYN and found out that I had a fibroid that was the same as a women being 12 weeks. My uterus was 2 inches above my belly bottom. While taking medications to shrink the fibroids my periods went from 10 days to 21, 30, 45 days heavy. I went from using 1 box of 50 ultra pearl tampons to 3 to 4 boxes of 50 in one cycle. When I went back to my OBGYN in November my fibroids was compared to a women that was 18 weeks pregnant. I went to have several sonograms & ultra sounds to give me Dr. an idea of what he was working with. By March 2017 I was compared to a pregnant women of 24 weeks. At this time I couldn't afford the sugery my deductible was 3000 dollars. I finally went back to my OBGYN to schedule the surgery in Jan of 2018 after this Ultrasound and Sonogram my uterus is in my chest. I have several fibroids and 50 lbs heavier. I am now compared to a pregnant woman of 42 weeks. Everyone is different.

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Aug 5, 2018

Hi, @tigerarmani, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. That sounds really difficult with the painful periods, having trouble standing up or sitting down with pain, and the fibroids.

I wanted to share this information with you from Mayo Clinic on uterine fibroids: https://mayocl.in/2hQ2O1z.

We also had a video Q&A on uterine fibroids that is available to watch here: https://mayocl.in/2M2VEbj.

Just to clarify, have you now had your surgery you went back to your OB/GYN to schedule in Jan. 2018?

tigerarmani | @tigerarmani | Aug 5, 2018

Lisa,
After saving up for the Sugery, I had to wait until my OBGYN find someone to assist him during the Sugery. The last tests that I had was at the beginning of March. He didn't find another doctor until mid April by this time the company that I worked for changed management and being out for 12 weeks would not have worked.

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Aug 5, 2018

Oh, @tigerarmani, that is really too bad. Are you still seeing that the fibroid surgery might work out in the future?

@iamshaynenicole, how are things going?

tigerarmani | @tigerarmani | Aug 6, 2018

In reply to @lisalucier "Oh, @tigerarmani, that is really too bad. Are you still seeing that the fibroid surgery might..." + (show)

I hope so. It would be a complete hysterectomy.

detto | @detto | Aug 6, 2018

You should have a CT SCAN if could be anything including g your heart

detto | @detto | Aug 6, 2018

In reply to @lisalucier "Oh, @tigerarmani, that is really too bad. Are you still seeing that the fibroid surgery might..." + (show)

Never have a complete unless u have no choice

tigerarmani | @tigerarmani | Aug 6, 2018

In reply to @lisalucier "Oh, @tigerarmani, that is really too bad. Are you still seeing that the fibroid surgery might..." + (show)

I have tried everything. I have done a c scan, ultrasound and Sonogram. Thank you for your suggestions.

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Aug 6, 2018

@tigerarmani - @detto has provided some useful perspective on having a complete hysterectomy. @detto -- did you go through a complete hysterectomy? If so, sharing your story could be helpful for @tigerarmani, if you wouldn't mind.

Also, tigerarmani, I'd like to introduce you to others who have mentioned hysterectomy, like @regionrat @mri8191 @ainsleigh and @claudiabrende. @gailg may also have some thoughts.

@tigerarmani - how are you feeling about the prospect of a complete hysterectomy?

Beth Harwood | @mri8191 | Aug 6, 2018

In reply to @lisalucier "@tigerarmani - @detto has provided some useful perspective on having a complete hysterectomy. @detto -- did..." + (show)

@tigerarmani, not sure how old you are, but you also have options to leave in 1 or both ovaries. If you leave in the ovaries, then you will still have your normal hormonal cycles without periods, which is important for your health if you are pre-menopausal. Also do not be afraid to get a second or third opinion. I have never been in a position where I have had to wait for a Doctor to pull together a surgical team. I have had to wait to book surgery because the surgeon was terribly booked. Sorry, to hear you are going through such a struggle. I have had my fair share too and it sure is not easy to go through especially if you are not finding the medical support you need.