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My stomach is round and bloated, and it 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.

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Profile picture for ajstaley
ajstaley | @ajstaley | Feb 28, 2019
In reply to @htocco "Hello, I have chronic bloating and distention of the abdomen and am very uncomfortable all of..." + (show)
Profile picture for htocco @htocco

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

Jump to this post

I just wanted to check on you. How are you feeling? I’m still sick. Was in the hospital for a few days given fluids and something for my nerves it did helped a bit . But the GI issues never stopped. The nausea is unreal. Back to square one. God only knows what’s next.

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1 reply
Profile picture for beanglow
beanglow | @beanglow | Feb 28, 2019
In reply to @htocco "Thank you for your message. So far, the DGL is not making a difference. Can you..." + (show)
Profile picture for htocco @htocco

Thank you for your message. So far, the DGL is not making a difference. Can you share some of the things you have tried? I would like to try, as well! Blessings to you, tool!
Helen

Jump to this post

I have used Gas-X, Pepto Bismol, Mylanta, Bentyl, Gaviscon, probiotics and hemp oil. My GI suggested another medicine but I don't see him again until the end of March. I wish I could be of more help. If I do find something that works for me I will be happy to share. I wish you the best.

REPLY
Profile picture for beanglow
beanglow | @beanglow | Feb 28, 2019
In reply to @htocco "Hello, I have chronic bloating and distention of the abdomen and am very uncomfortable all of..." + (show)
Profile picture for htocco @htocco

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

Jump to this post

I tried hemp oil, Pepto Bismol, Mylanta, Gas-X, and Bentyl. My GI doctor mentioned another medication but I don't see him until March 28th. I will be happy to share if I find something that works. Sending positive vibes to you. God bless.

REPLY
Profile picture for oakbourne
oakbourne | @oakbourne | Mar 2, 2019
In reply to @htocco "Hello, I have chronic bloating and distention of the abdomen and am very uncomfortable all of..." + (show)
Profile picture for htocco @htocco

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

Jump to this post

You may have Microscopic Colitis. The only way for your GI specialist to diagnose this monster is through a BIOPSY. I had severe explosive diarrhea, bloating, nause, and fatigue. It's easy to do when you have a colonoscopy. The only way to treat safely is through DIET! This disease is treated like the Red Headed Step Child of inflammatory bowel diseases and doctors don't know what to do.

REPLY
2 replies
Profile picture for CL
CL | @lelia | Mar 4, 2019
In reply to @htocco "Hello, I have chronic bloating and distention of the abdomen and am very uncomfortable all of..." + (show)
Profile picture for htocco @htocco

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

Jump to this post

Get tested for fructose malabsorption, lactose intolerance, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. In the meantime, quit eating the ginger root and peppermint, as well as fruit and sugars.

REPLY
2 replies
Profile picture for beanglow
beanglow | @beanglow | Mar 8, 2019
In reply to @htocco "Hello, I have chronic bloating and distention of the abdomen and am very uncomfortable all of..." + (show)
Profile picture for htocco @htocco

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

Jump to this post

@lelia I will talk to my GI about the testing and stop fruit and sugars. Thanks for the information. Elaine

REPLY
Profile picture for beanglow
beanglow | @beanglow | Mar 8, 2019
In reply to @oakbourne "You may have Microscopic Colitis. The only way for your GI specialist to diagnose this monster..." + (show)
Profile picture for oakbourne @oakbourne

You may have Microscopic Colitis. The only way for your GI specialist to diagnose this monster is through a BIOPSY. I had severe explosive diarrhea, bloating, nause, and fatigue. It's easy to do when you have a colonoscopy. The only way to treat safely is through DIET! This disease is treated like the Red Headed Step Child of inflammatory bowel diseases and doctors don't know what to do.

Jump to this post

@oakbourne Thanks for the information. I will talk to my GI about it.

REPLY
Profile picture for htocco
htocco | @htocco | Mar 8, 2019
In reply to @htocco "Hello, I have chronic bloating and distention of the abdomen and am very uncomfortable all of..." + (show)
Profile picture for htocco @htocco

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

Jump to this post

Many things to all of you for your messages! Nothing has changed. My GI doctor wants me to try biofeedback. I am seeing a holistic specialist next week. Still trying to get some relief!

REPLY
Profile picture for sue225
sue225 | @sue225 | Mar 8, 2019
In reply to @lelia "Get tested for fructose malabsorption, lactose intolerance, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. In the meantime, quit..." + (show)
Profile picture for CL @lelia

Get tested for fructose malabsorption, lactose intolerance, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. In the meantime, quit eating the ginger root and peppermint, as well as fruit and sugars.

Jump to this post

Just curious, what kind of testing is done for small bowel bacterial overgrowth? I am in Canada. In 2015, a gastroenterologist in his report said he suspected SBBO, (in addition to my IBS-C, celiac disease, and acid reflux). However, at that time, no tests were done. I was told to follow the FODMAP diet, take a mixture of Restoralax and Metamucil daily and take probiotics. The restoralax and metamucil aggravated the bowel, and the probiotics did not help.
Anyway, I am no

REPLY
2 replies
Profile picture for CL
CL | @lelia | Mar 8, 2019
In reply to @sue225 "Just curious, what kind of testing is done for small bowel bacterial overgrowth? I am in..." + (show)
Profile picture for sue225 @sue225

Just curious, what kind of testing is done for small bowel bacterial overgrowth? I am in Canada. In 2015, a gastroenterologist in his report said he suspected SBBO, (in addition to my IBS-C, celiac disease, and acid reflux). However, at that time, no tests were done. I was told to follow the FODMAP diet, take a mixture of Restoralax and Metamucil daily and take probiotics. The restoralax and metamucil aggravated the bowel, and the probiotics did not help.
Anyway, I am no

Jump to this post

I can't remember the test for SIBO. But, I think the test for fructose malabsorption would be more important for you. FM can cause IBS-C and acid reflux, and if you have FM you can't digest wheat because it has chains of fructose in it called fructans. Also, if you have FM bad enough, the low FODMAP diet is worthless because it still has too much sugar in it. If you want more info on FM, I started a discussion on fructose malabsorption on Mayo Clinic Connect. It isn't very active right now, but the info is still pertinent because I started it around December. It contains info on what to eat and not eat, identifying sugars in foods and drugs (there are about 30 words for sugar), etc. Good luck! It is so hard to sort all of this out.

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