Not sure what's wrong

[SRM]

For about a year now, I have felt like I'm 24 months pregnant.  I am now 50 years old and have never had reflux or digestive problems since following a relatively low fat, lower calorie diet.  Recently, this overly-bloated feeling is most uncomfortable!!!  The bloat is throughout my stomach, my back and rib cage.  It is not really painful, just so damned naggingly uncomfortable!  I feel like I'm going to burst at times!  Clothes that I could wear last year at this time are so totally tight on me.  I know I have put on weight and am trying to lose, but this is not "put-on weight".  I can't wear anything with a waistband - I have no waist due to the bloat.  I haven't seen a doctor in years due to no health coverage or extra money (and no reason to), and I'm a firm believer in the "if it ain't broke . . ." theory.  (Have a real aversion/phobia to needles and invasive procedures.)  I now have health coverage, but can't get an appointment with the doctor of my choice until May and I don't want to wind up at an ER.  My hubby and I have both been very gassy in the past, but my gasses seem to have stopped "flowing freely" as of late.  I stopped menstruating about two years ago (even though my 70 y/o male gyn says I'm too young for menopause - yeah, he should see hot flashes from this side!)  We eat very well, but I keep the fatty foods in check.  (I lost 65 lbs. in '95, kept it off till I met my hubby in '02 and put about 45 back on [contentment or stress from the 17 y/o step-kid?]).  The extra weight I can deal with but this bloating is unnerving.  When I wake up it's okay but gets worse as the day progresses.  It almost feels like someone sticks a pump in my navel and blows me up!  Sometimes the stomach is so large I can't reach over it to wipe my ... anyway, you get the point.  My navel feels like its turning inside out and gets raw from rubbing against my clothes.  I recently had the flu and a really bad cough and it felt like the navel was popping out.  (Yes, I'm a smoker and social drinker.)  Oh, and the stomach is hard - not soft and fatty and slightly painful when I press on it at points.  Last year I thought maybe some type of stomach or uterine cancer, but now I'm thinking maybe gallbladder trouble, even though I don't have indigestion or heartburn or reflux.  I also get bad muscle spasms/cramps on the right ribs and right under the right breast, especially when defecating.  And, I haven't had a good stretch in a long time (because of muscle spasms).  In any event, I am making an appointment with my new doctor and hoping she can squeeze me in soon.  But, in the meantime, any suggestions or suspicisions you would care to share would be appreciated.  I usually know my body so well, but this has me stumped!  Thanks.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I certainly would see a physician.  There are many possibilities that can lead to your symptoms.  Specifically, various types of cancer needs to be ruled out (i.e. stomach cancer, colon cancer etc.).  A fluid collection in the abdomen can be a sign of ovarian cancer.  

I would consider an upper GI series or upper endoscopy to comprehensively evaluate the upper GI tract.  An ultrasound can be considered to determine whether there is fluid in the belly - as well as looking at your liver and gallbladder.  At the age of 50, a colonoscopy can be considered as well.

This would be a reasonable first start.  You may want to discuss these options with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[SRM]

P.S.  Forgot to mention that when I walk or stand for even short periods of time, my low back/sciatic is in excrutiating pain, which I attributed to the weight I'm carrying up front, but may be part of the overall symptoms.

[yoshi]

massive yeast infection,hormonal imbalance,etc .
does Gas-x or Alka selzer help??

[surgeon]

The list of possibilites is long, and includes some serious possibilities (massive yeast infection, by the way, would be one line below the bottom of the list, just below hormonal imbalance). Among them are tumor (colon, ovary), liver problems with ascites (fluid in the abdomen); it could  be related to your apparent umbilical hernia, also). You really need to see a doctor; are there satisfactory alternatives to your initial choice that could see you sooner?

[SRM]

Dr. Kevin, Yoshi & Surgeon:  Thanks for your replies.  To Yoshi and Surgeon, I haven't had a yeast infection in YEARS (and I mean like 20+).  I do keep Alka-Seltzer in the house and use it every once in while.  But, like I said, there's no pain or indigestion or reflux, just uncomfortable bloating.  And, yes, it does help a bit.  Unbelievably, what really helps is a beer.  I'm not a beer drinker - never was - but drinking a Coors Light forces up the belch and relieves the pressure.  The low back pain, especially in the left hip area, was prevalent when I was overweight, but now I'm not sure of the current connection.  I'm in personal injury and know a few things about the workings of the body.  I have never had any health problems - other than a weight gain that took 6 years to put on and 8 months to take off - or the occasional dislocated kneecap and a broken ankle.  (But, I'd really like to get back that "girlish" [yeah, right] figure so I can get into a bathing suit this summer!)  

I have put a call into my new doctor on her personal voicemail to see if she can squeeze me in.  (I'm a REAL BIG BABY when it comes to poking and prodding and anything that pierces the skin, even mosquitoes, so hopefully, an ultrasound will be the first recommendation.)  (The Big C worries me.  Seems like everyone has one type or the other.  I think it's something in the ozone or the chemicals the government puts in our water/food.  Growing up, Polio was the big disease.  Remember the sugar cube?)  Anyway, thanks again for your input.  I will keep you posted, if you're interested.  Hopefully, it won't be anything serious.  Thanks.

[wamtnbound]

I was so glad to see this post. I have the same bloating problem and I am supposed to be scheduling an uper GI- what they call an EGD if the scheduling coordinator at the office will ever call me back.......Anyway, please let me know what you hear so I can compare my results as well. I hope you feel better, I know how uncomfortable this feels- I am 27 with a history of early cancer in my family so iam a bit scared at what i may learn. My bloating comes with a big side of cramps and pain though. I wish you luck!!

CCT