Bloating and Pain

[stephkk]

I'm am only 18 years old and for the past week and a half i've noticed that my tummy is really bloated and my tummy is really hard(kind of like if i was going to be pregnant but i am 100% for sure i am not pregnant), like i'm still the same weight and before you couldn't see my tummy through my shirts and now you can. And for about 3 days now my tummy is still bloated and now i'm getting tummy pains. My grandma suggested it might be celiac desease, beacause it runs in the family, but I only have bloating and depression as smptoms nothing else. I'm not pregnant nor am I getting the time of the month. What could it be?

[stephkk]

Hi everyone thank you for your help, I did look up celiac online the symptoms n only match with depression bloated tummy and hard tummy, I did talk to my mom and i went the other day to get tested for it so i should hear back soon if anything. Also my doctor pretty much just said my tummy could have been bloated and in pain because of a tummy bug. Cause it went away but I thought i'd mentoion it incase it comes back. But yah thanks for helping me out.

[Jaybay]

A painful, bloated and hard belly is not something you want to ignore.  There are many, many things that could be causing it and none of them usually get better on their own.  You could have an infected appendix that hasn't gotten it's final act together yet.  Ovarian cysts can also cause these symptoms, and at your age that's a definite possibility.  Do your symptoms change if you eat?  Any bowel changes recently?

It's the hardness of your belly that really has me concerned.  Have your mom try a little test.  Lay down on the floor (a harder surface is better than a soft one) and have her put her thumb on your belly button and her pinkie finger on your right pelvic bone where it sticks up the highest.  Then have her press her middle finger deeply into your abdomen for about 2 seconds and quickly release it.  If the pain is worse when she releases the pressure, you need immediate medical care.  That's a strongly positive test for appendicitis, but not the only thing used for diagnosis.  

There are too many things that it "could" be, and in my opinion you need to see a doctor the sooner the better.  Please let us know what happens.  I for one am very worried about you.  Now go talk to your Mom!  :-)

[Tuckamore]

Hell and Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum I am so sorry to hear about your painful bloating. Your symptoms could indicate other thing besides Celiac Disease. However because it is familiar condition, (prominent or hereditary in some families) I would highly consider this possibility.

Celiac Disease, a malabsorption disease that flares with the consumption of the protein gluten. It can have other symptoms that often accompany the bloating and abdominal pain however some ppl with Celiac Disease can be almost symptom free. If it runs in the family you know that some symptoms include: increased and often very odorous flatus (passing gas), stools that "float" and are foul smelling and grayish in color. They usually appear to have oil or fatty substance attached to them. You will often see "oil" in the water after a bowel movement.  

The most important issue with Celiac Disease is that this is a malabsorption condition. Your body is not able to absorb all the nutrients it requires. Ppl with this condition can be smaller that most, depression can also be a factor, their can be nausea, joint pain and similar symptoms. I cannot tell you if you have this condition or not but I highly suggest that you see a physician and determine if you do. There is treatment and the earlier caught and treated the less likely you are to develop complications.

Please see your PCP. He or she can begin the diagnostic process. You may have nothing more than a flu bug but it is very important to get your symptoms evaluated asap due to your family history of Celiac Disease.

Again I am so sorry that you are experiencing these issues at such a young age. I am hopeful that you will let us know how you are doing. We also have a gastroenterology forum where you may also want to copy and paste this thread. Remember you are always welcome here. I will look forward to your updates.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[Sarajmt]

Hi stephkk:  I'm happy to welcome you to the Pain Management forum.  While we're not doctors, we do have some very knowledgeable people.

You need to go to the doctor.  I'm not about to try to diagnose you but a bloated and hard stomach could be something serious.  I'd recommend you see a doctor tomorrow.

Please let us know how the doctor's visit goes.
Sara