Chronic Abdominal Bloating and Pain

Posted by geb @gloriaeb, Aug 17, 2015

I am a relatively healthy person with a problem "bloated belly". My belly gets bigger as the day goes on; doesn't matter if I eat, drink only water, my belly still gets more bloated. The bloat continues up the abdomen into the midriff area...I have to loosen bra or put on a bigger one. This happens everyday. Pretty good in the morning.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

Hello @mcray and welcome to Mayo Connect. I am sorry to hear of this very uncomfortable symptom that you are describing - from your post, it sounds as if this is a regular monthly problem. Is that correct? Here is an additional discussion on Mayo Connect regarding bloating, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stomach-bloating-digestive-issues/.

Just some ideas to consider as you try to sort out your symptoms: During this time, do you have other digestive symptoms or urinary symptoms? Have you tried any remedies (supplements, etc.) does exercise or physical activity make it worse?

Teresa

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@hopeful33250

Hello @mcray and welcome to Mayo Connect. I am sorry to hear of this very uncomfortable symptom that you are describing - from your post, it sounds as if this is a regular monthly problem. Is that correct? Here is an additional discussion on Mayo Connect regarding bloating, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stomach-bloating-digestive-issues/.

Just some ideas to consider as you try to sort out your symptoms: During this time, do you have other digestive symptoms or urinary symptoms? Have you tried any remedies (supplements, etc.) does exercise or physical activity make it worse?

Teresa

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You may want to read up on histamine intolerance and see if those symptoms sound familiar. It can be tricky having any food sensitivity, intolerance, etc. wheat dairy sugar histamine high foods etc are just a few of the categories.

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Histamine is tricky too because your body produces it, some foods contain it and some foods are histamine releasers and many folks have issues clearing histamine from their gut and it causes bloating, constitpation diarrhea symptoms similar to IBS. What Is interesting is the list of foods high in histamine are scattered throughout different food groups so it's very hard to detect until you do an elimination diet and avoid foods high in histamine. I was shocked how well limiting these foods and taking histamine scavenger with food worked for me.

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@mcray

Hi Geb and everyone, I am curious about all the good suggestions in this post. What has worked? I know we all have different circumstances. Mine is unique as well. Just around my menstrual cycle, I get abnormally bloated, looking like I am nine months pregnant. This has been going on since 2007. No significant changes to diet or lifestyle. Always been a vegetarian. Been to multiple specialists, had several exams and tests - all the normal suspects (IBS, cysts, ulcers) are all negative. Pictures show day before period and 1st day of period. Any suggestions or advice?

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Hi @mcray,

I'd like to add my welcome to Teresa's; thank you for sharing your symptoms.

I'd encourage you to view this discussion in the Women's Health group on Connect:
My stomach makes me look pregnant: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/my-stomach-makes-me-look-pregnant/

Meanwhile I’d also like to invite @foreverhaefish @luladavis @allenjane14 @shoregal45 @esteya76 @gloriaeb @upnorthnancy @nicole14 @boogirl @citygirlannie @keysgull @jigglejaws94 @Steph38 @shah to join in with their thoughts and insights.

@mcray, what explanation have the doctors given you?

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@luladavis

@gloriaeb My prayers are all is well with u..I'm still suffering with the IBS and don't kno what else to do..I just say it's something I got to live and deal with. I basically just wanted to touch basis with u. It's been a while so I just wanted to say hello..Godbless

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@luladavis I have been having been having problems for awhile. My Dr. has been of little help. I have put myself on a mostly soft diet. No citrus no pinapple, tomatoes,no spice,No peppers No sugar wheat No caffeine.I can eat fish eggs and lots of rice, steamed veggies. The IBS symptoms have gone away. Bloating a little less. I still have indigestion if I eat to much. I do get very hungry and mess up. The evening is the worst because I have a long day with my drive to work. I don't weigh very much. I took myself off Prilosec because it can diarrhea. I keep antacids with me that work well. These are good because I also don't eat dairy and have calcium in them. I am hoping this will work and maybe be able to eat some tasty food some day again.

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@luladavis

@gloriaeb My prayers are all is well with u..I'm still suffering with the IBS and don't kno what else to do..I just say it's something I got to live and deal with. I basically just wanted to touch basis with u. It's been a while so I just wanted to say hello..Godbless

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Welcome to Connect, @sarahg. Thank you for joining this group and sharing your insights.
Do you have to avoid certain vegetables completely? Have you tried any of the probiotics that some Connect members have suggested? We look forward to getting to know you, @sarahg

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@luladavis

@gloriaeb My prayers are all is well with u..I'm still suffering with the IBS and don't kno what else to do..I just say it's something I got to live and deal with. I basically just wanted to touch basis with u. It's been a while so I just wanted to say hello..Godbless

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You might want to try cutting out gluten from your diet. I also drink lactose free milk. Good luck.

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@luladavis

@gloriaeb My prayers are all is well with u..I'm still suffering with the IBS and don't kno what else to do..I just say it's something I got to live and deal with. I basically just wanted to touch basis with u. It's been a while so I just wanted to say hello..Godbless

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Probiotics didn't work for me. My doctor told me to avoid all fruits and vegetables.

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Seems I'm bloated every morning. Doesn't matter if I drink caffeine or decaf. Doesn't matter if I just have water all day. I'm just bloated throughout the day. Starts in the morning. I can't hold in my stomach anymore, it's just out there with air in it, like a balloon. (at least that's what it feels like)

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Hi @bobbielouise,

I'd like to add my welcome to Teresa's and thank you for reaching out to Connect. You may notice that I moved your discussion and combined it with this existing discussion. I did this because I thought it would be beneficial for you to be introduced to the many members who have discussed much of what you are experiencing.
If you are replying by email, I suggest clicking on VIEW & REPLY so that you can read through some of the earlier messages and also meet some of our other members talking about their or their loved ones' experiences.

We look forward to hearing more from you, @bobbielouise.

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