IBS - distended belly AFTER BM?

Posted by Twocoastsm @marlenec, Jan 15, 2023

I have had IBS for years. I take probiotics daily and also use IBGard during a flare-up and sometimes prophylactically. I am familiar with the FODMAP diet and follow it during a flare-up as well. I also have diverticulosis so balancing nutrition to address both conditions isn’t easy. My question, which I’ve raised with GI dica, has never been answered and I wondered if anyone also experienced this. I become distended and bloated AFTER a BM. No pain or real discomfort unless I’m in the midst of a faker-up but this happens on a regular basis. Any clues out there?

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jan 17, 2023

@marlenec, let me bring in some fellow IBS members, like @rodeo2step @livefully @grandmajan @cahnny @linn1 @thull @jackiem95 @sallyw133 @dia2ne @johnbluffside, to help you with your detective work about being distended and bloated after a bowel movement.

I wonder if this article might shed a light?
- Understanding Bloating and Distension - IFFGD: https://iffgd.org/gi-disorders/symptoms-causes/bloating-and-distension/

Marlene, does the distention receded after some time has passed after the bowel movement? How long? Do you still have gas after the BM?

Twocoastsm | @marlenec | Jan 17, 2023

Thanks. Yes it recedes - maybe after an hour or so. I’ve never actually timed it. I don’t typically have gas after the bowel movement.

adlttl123 | @adlttl123 | Jan 18, 2023

I’ve also suffered with IBS for many many years and have trouble with a distended belly but have never tied it to (after a bowel movement). I will start watching. My issues are or seen to be tied to eating foods that do not agree with me...especially dairy. Dairy hates my guts. And I love ice cream. About once a month I will eat some ice cream and pay the price but other than that I do not keep any sweets or ice cream in my house because I’m weak in this area. Don’t know if this helps you very much. I also take probiotics the live ones kept in the fridge but not all the time only when I get a belly ache and it calms my gut immediately. Good luck.