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Distended abdomen or fat?

by worriedhypochondriac, Jul 14, 2009 10:01PM
Does anyone out there know if there is a difference between a distended abdomen and just plain gaining weight in that area? I was just wondering because i have gained a couple pounds over the past couple months but because I have always been tiny I got freaked out one day when I looked in the mirror and saw my abdominal area. I read that this could be a distended abdomen and that liver disease and other serious disease could cause it. I am really worried as I have been having some issues with my health that has caused me to go and see not only my regular doctor but a cardiologist, pulmonologist, ENT, nerologist, etc. I have had previous history of GERD and hyperacidity that I thought I outgrew. Now I am having respiratory issues that all the tests have come out negative for. I think my doctor is tired of seeing me in his office. I have had CT of my neck and brain, complete blood workup, chest xrays, pulmonology tests, and a ultrasound of my heart and a Upper GI, of which all came back ok, with the exception of a couple of nodules on my thyroid and mild to moderate acid reflux.  Out of all of this no one can seem to tell me why at times I feel like i can't get enough air through my nose which can be relieved by adding pressure to my upper abdomen. I feel like I am the only one suffering like this and was wondering if anyone else out there has had any of these problems. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Member Comments (2)

by KjFlicka, Jul 15, 2009 01:37PM
The distended stomach from liver disease is called ascites and it's fluid retention in the abdomen. It totally made me look pregnant and mine was from liver disease. I had it for months before I knew what was going on. One difference is that the ascites belly is 'hard' as opposed to flabby. They would normally be able to see fluid if you had a CT scan of your abdomen. Did they scan in that area?

by worriedhypochondriac, Jul 16, 2009 02:29AM
To: KjFlicka,
No they did not scan that area. I am kind of afraid to have them do that. But my stomach is not hard it is more flabby. I can actually grab the flab in that area. Does that make a difference?
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