persistent lower abdominal bloating

[waitandsee]

Ihave had persistent lower abdominal bloating, that seemed to come on suddenly about 2 weeks after xmas.New pants I had bought didn't fit 2 weeks after I bought them.  I have been working out and firmed up everywhere but there. My abdomen is no bigger but no smaller,Even after taking laxatives, anti gas etc.Plenty of gas, but no gas pains.  I now get constipated easily but am eating tons of fibre and drinking water. Occasionally after passing lots of gas I soften up but it literally lasts 30 minutes or so, then I firm up again, looking 4 months pregnant. My weight is stable, around 123 lbs. My doctor did a pelvic,a ca125 (15) and ordered an US. Problem is there is a huge wait list, 3 to 5 months,and I am getting nervous. Gyn problems didn't even occur to me. There is no family history of ca. I frequently have to pee if I bend, and feel pressure from my abdomen constantly. My Dr. feels I have nothing to worry about, and states she knows I don't have OC. I am 46 and have three children, and have learned enough to know early DX is important. Last summer I did have a bout of gastritis after taking a few Ibuprophens after cartilage surgery in my knee.  It sent me to emerg twice, but only one milder bout since. My Dr has not done any test of this, stating it was stress of surgery. I am taking Zantac now (on my own) as I feel gnawing since the stress of this.My husband and I are prepared to travel to get US but don't want to overact.  Anyother ideas?

[Duchess47]

I have had similar symptoms.  I have IBS.  But, recently, I had major bloating, constipation, easily filled up with small meals.  I went to see Gastroenterlolgist who sent me for a Gastric Emptying Test.  Confirmed what he thought, Gastroparesis.  This means slow stomach emptying.  What's interesting is that with IBS, lot's of fiber is good.  However, with Gastroparesis fiber is a big no-no.  So you definitely need the correct diagnosis.  So many things it could be with those syptoms (symptoms).  For me it was a short list because I have had gallbladder removed, appendix removed and complete hysterectomy already.  Best of luck to you.

[waitandsee]

Thanks for your input. I am trying to ruleout GI causes while waiting to hear about an Ultrasound date to rule out my biggest fear,ovarian cancer.2 weeks and have no date but expect it to be 8-20 weeks do to shortages of technitions. My latest is to try probiotics, wait and see

[jillie74]

I was begining to think I was alone in this battle. In June of 2005 I began to feel just a little under the weather. I had gone away with some friends and just didn't feel right. Two days later the clothes I wore on my trip were about 5 inches from closing up. I was a member at a gym and was watching everything I ate. My stomach had swelled over 10 inches...I looked like I was about to give birth.

Went to the Gyn. and they said I was so swollen internally that they could no longer feel any of my organs and sent me ASAP to the hospital for an ultra sound that showed NOTHING.

Had severe pain my my lower left abdomen and was rushed to the ER....they said I had gas....yea right.

My family Dr. sent me to a Gasterolgist and he did a Colonostopy and said I have IBS with constipation....put me on Zelnorm. This has done nothing for me....still have the same symptoms my weight skyrockets to the tune of 5 or more pounds a day.

I have the bladder issues as well....my stomach swells so much it puts pressure on my bladder. I can pee and two seconds later have to go again...only it's just a drop.

I've had all the cancer tests.....ca 125. MANY tubes of blood drawn with no real logical answers.

[waitandsee]

IBS seems to be used when they don't know.  Check out probiotic sites, seems it helps some people with IBS, and is good for faster transit times for the gut. It's something to do for yourself in the mean time, if nothing else.  I'M now 5 days late having my period, which is frustrating as we are going on a winter vacation in four days.(I was so looking forward to this,our 3rd trip winter trip in 26 years and now this.) I got my ultra sound date for the middle of march. I've never been late, usually 26 days, so now I wonder if I'm menopausal or what. I've felt it coming on for the last six days, my weight is up 3 pounds.  Keep in touch, maybe what we learn can help each other. Wishing you a resolution, waitand see.

[waitandsee]

Thanks, all screwedup, back from holidays yesterday, still feel crappy and bloated. The wait lists in Canada are horrible, my ultra sound is in 11 days (booked Feb1) and barium X-ray is booked for July.A CT is ordered, but no date yet. I'll go to the states if necessary. Anyways keep me informed, we sound alot alike. My last period was Jan 18, never late before except for being pregnant 3 times. I got a painful rash on the top of my feet in Mexico, probably nothing but am becoming paranoid that my immune system is all screwed up. I'm not used to having so many problems. My Dr. is finally taking me seriously, but not getting me in earlier.

[allscrewedup]

I have finally found someone that has the same symptoms as I do.  I have searced the web over for someone with the same problems that I am having.  I have found a few that were similar; lower abdominal bloating, pain in lower right abdomen, irregular bowel movements, but none with irregular menstrual cycles until I found this thread.  My problems started back in June 2005 and the bloating has caused my weight to go up 5lbs.  My periods have been very sporadic, ranging from 3 months to 2 weeks.  Up until May 2005 my period was perfectly normal.  I was on oral contraceptives until July and when my period stopped in May I decided to come off the pills to try and jump start my body.  It did not work and I didn't have a period until August.  Now they come whenever they want to, but everyday of my life I feel like I could start my period.  Constant symptoms of PMS.  The doctors have researced my body from head to toe and after several MRI's I have been diagnosed with a non-functioning pituitary tumor, but that is not what is causing my symptoms.  I have also had an abdominal ultrasound at my OBGYN and a CT scan of my entire abdomen.  The ultrasound showed 2 cysts on each ovary which the doctor said were normal due to the time of month and the ovulation process.  The CT scan showed that all of my organs looked fine (including ovaries and uterus) but I had inflammation on my small intestine.  This called for me to have blood work and a colonoscopy. The blood work showed signs of Chrones disease but the colonoscopy showed nothing.  I then had another scan where I drank barium and they took an x-ray every 15 mins. until it passed through the small intestine.  I am still waiting on the results. I go back to my gyno. in a few weeks and I am going to askk for a CA125.  I have read many threads where doctors wouldn't give this test until the patient asked for it.  I hope and pray that I don't have cancer but if so I would much rather find it early rather than late.

[yuckytummy]

So strange to see the exact symptoms I have listed - a late period, then when I have my period I have painful bloating, large stomach, severe constipation, pain in lower right abdomen.  I do have some suggestions, as I've had chronic constipation my entire life since infancy and only my own research has helped me, not the doctors.  Try food combining principles for your diet.  Food-combining is the only thing that has really helped my constipation, and made me have less gas in general (except when I have my period when it just gets bad no matter what).  I used to pass gas all the time but no more.  As for the pain in the lower right abdomen it could be the ileocecal valve, which a chiropractor diagnosed me with and treated me for with external manipulation that I learned to do on myself.  Go to a chiropractor who does acupressure and reflexology, and he/she will know how to do that adjustment to that valve.  The valve gets stuck open and digested food passes back and forth and back and forth which is not a good thing.  In addition and/or instead of the adjustment to the valve you need to eat only cooked vegetables, mushy ones, for a week.  Like pureed vegetables.  Raw, rough vegetables and grains will irritate the valve.  Google it and find out more.  On fiber supplements, I agree it's not for everyone.  It's always made my symptoms worse.  Fiber in food like apples and oatmeal works much better.  Also if you are not taking it already for tummy issues, run don't walk and buy a highly concentrated capsule form of Flax Seed Oil blended with Borage Seed Oil (Borage helps PMS symptoms).  That oil blend is so important to take all through the month, every day.  For constipation I take a blend of Triphala, Aloe Vera and Magnesium called "CleanseMore" which is a miracle supplement.  Lastly, I find I always feel better when I'm drinking bottled distilled water, not regular bottled spring water.  Tap water is terrible on my stomach.  Hope that's helpful!

[lisamchlmartin2007]

Hi, new here and needing some advice very badly.  I am wondering what is going on with me.  I look like I am 7 months pregnant everyday, just terribly swollen in my abdomen.  I am only 5ft. 1in. tall and weight about 115 so I'm really small, always have been and don't know what is going on.  I get very constipated and it hurts when I have a bowel movement.  I pee constantly but the doctors tell me oh everything is fine, this is normal but I know something is wrong.  Everyday at work I have to suck my belly in all day which is so uncomfortable b/c the swelling is so bad and it is like this all the time.  Someone please give me some advice, I would greatly appreciate it.   It sounds like all of you are familiar with this so please help.  

[jim537]

HI everyone I have the same trouble as  you. Constant abdominal swelling!  I also look about 7 months pregnant everyday and im a 36 year  old male. I have been told i have IBS etc and everything wrong with me is psychological. Last year i was diagnosed as suffereing with the H Pylori bacteria- this is linked with ulcers and gastritis etc. I have had treatment for it and it is now cleared but alot of symptoms continue.  I find i cannot tolerate alcohol now as next day my swelling up gets worse, i have aches in my legs which make it hard to walk and feel generally ill. THe abdominal swelling is CONSTANT though, and i did read on another forum  that you should not be diagnosed with IBS if swelling is constant.   I have wondered about food intolerance though- poss yeast/gluten/wheat. THe symptoms that these produce are similar to some of the other ones i have, bloating in cluded.  Ive had these troubles for a year. Would u believe some doctor told me that my problem was , i had gained  weight ( a few pounds), this had left me severely depressed and that this was causing all my physical symptoms? As a result, it was pointless giving me ANY investigative tests. Sorry for the rant everyone but i really am fed up with this now!
***@****  
feel free to email if anyone can help or just compare notes
regards
Jim

[Katia123]

I have the exact same symptoms, lower abdominal bloating that gets much worse in the evenings.  It is very, very hard, like a basketball, yet no gas passes through.  Also feel constipated throughout the day that is only relieved first thing in the morning.  I had surgery recently and was diagnosed with endometriosis.  Unfortunately, the surgery did not help with the bloating so it would seem that something else is causing the trouble.  And, yes, here in the Canadian health care system, for about 1.5 years, I was told I was over-reacting, all in my head, etc. etc.  Then, somebody finally recognized the endo symptoms.  But, it does not seem to be the cause for the severe bloating.  I have been put in to get an appointment with a gastrointerologist, but I have to wait about 4 or 5 months.  I find this quite embarrassing for our health care system.  I could be dead in four or five months.  Anyway, not sure what to do.  I have tried:  avoiding beans and other gassy foods, taking hydrochloric acid, acidophilous and various herbal supplements for IBS.  You can rest assured that it is not IBS, but I'm sure something is going on in there, just nobody can figure out what or perhaps the GI specialist may take the time to listen and actually perform some sorts of tests on me, but that won't be for 4 or 5 months now.  I hope the rest of you have figured out what is wrong.  If so, please share your conclusions.  Thanks,

Kat

[SuzanneHampson]

I'm 23 years old and in June of 2008 I began to suffer from severe bloating, abdominal pain, severe constipation without being able to relieve it any way! I was diagnosed with IBS, like most, took the pills for it, yet it solved nothing. I went to my chiropractor and complained about it, he said it had to do with the ileocal valve, which connects your large intestine to your small intestine and that it was stuck closed, which prevents food from flowing through. He manually fixed this for me and slowly the symptoms went away.  A few weeks ago, I started to experience all of these symptoms once again. It became clear to me when my clothes were no longer fitting and I looked as though I was about to give birth any day. I go to the gym every other day, eat very healthy and drink protein shakes. i saw my trainer and nutritionist...no conclusion there. I started to think I had a milk allergy, so I bought Lactaid to take with EVERYTHING, not just milk (whey protein can also subject you to lactose intolerance), and it worked for a day or two but then stopped working.  Maybe it was gluten? I'm still not sure on that one because the bloating and persistant ball of gas in my stomach is constant, if i just stick with chicken and brown rice/only protein shakes/only vegetables. I may only have one bowel movement a week if I'm lucky. My low back aches now on a daily basis. I've gone back to the chiropractor in hopes he can fix me up again; he did say the valve was stuck again and I'm also in physio for my back where he'll end my session with acupunture. I'm at a loss for any more ideas. This is hell.

[SuzanneHampson]

oh! and I've had a barium enema where it revealed nothing...maybe i will give aloe vera juice a try???

[Gilbet3]

I've been searching a long time to finally find some people with the same symptoms as me. I am a 22 year old male with severe abdominal bloating. My GI said that it is IBS and gave me some pills. I took the pills which didn't seem to do much. He also told me to up my fiber intake which helps a little. The problem is that my bloating is constant and that is why I am scepitcal about this whold IBS diagnosis. I have another appointment with a different GI to get his opinions and hopefully run a few more tests. I have had a gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and barium swallow, which all revealed nothing. The pressure from my stomach pushes on my bladder and I have bladder pressure. I have had a  Abdominal CT which they went into my pelvis as well. I have been told to see counselling and that it is all in my head. After reading all of your posts I know that I am not alone and that doctors like to give out the diagnosis of IBS. I feel that everything moves through my body very slowly. Are there any other tests that anyone would recommend? I am thinking of an abdominal ultrasound as well as a stool sample. I am sick of this and want a difinitve answer or at least rule out any other causes and I will assume then that I have really bad IBS. Let me know if anyone can help.

[Macey5]

I have the exact same problem. About 4 weeks ago I started being really bloated to the point where I look Pregnant, at first I thought it would just go away and thought nothing of it, but after 4 weeks it is still here and itsnt getting any better! I don't really have any other symptoms no pain or problems with bowel movements, the only thing is my period has come twice in one month and is very light, don't know if that is connected or not. My stomach just feels uncomfortable but thats about it. The only real problems is how bloated/swollen I am, I dont have any gas either. I went to my doctor and he also said I had IBS, but surely it can't be that if I dont have any other symptoms than just bloating. He basically just told me to deal with it and didnt suggest and help or and medicine I could take. Its really anoying me now as im only 18 and I eat a healthy deit and exercise... but yet i still look like I am pregnant! If anyone has any suggestions on what I can do please help !

[buecalta]

I have chronic constipation since Im a kid and lately I've seen tremendous improvement by eating Activia yogurt once a day before any food intake.  It's a miracle that I've had a bowel movement each day for 21 out of the past 25 days.  I drink alcohol like usual and I eat everything I feel like.  The only problem is Im having a very swollen lower abodomen (uterus area) and it's at times painful coz of the pressure on the wall of my internal organs..... I still look pregnant with regular bowel movement and I'm 5' and weight a 100 lbs. Everything else looks toned and slim besides my belly.  WHAT IS THIS CONDITION?? I'll try cutting gluten and see what happens.  

[dcnana]

I have several suggestions as to what it might be. I had similar symptoms in my late 20s - bloating (worse in the evening after working), nausea, and even bleeding with intercourse. I had a hysterectomy which revealed fibroid tumors, scar tissue from my previous tubal ligation, and a hernia. After the surgery, all my symptoms went away. My guess is it was the hernia but I don't know for sure. Just some things to check out.

[teen18]

I'm a 17 (!!!) year old male and suffer from a lot of the same symptoms that you all speak of ie. lower abdominal bloating, constipation etc. I'e also been to doctors who say it's IBS or that it's all in my head. I eat ridiculously healthy, and have almost no body fat so it goes with out saying that having a bloated lower stomach really agrivates me. some other smaller symptoms are having to pee, and then again straight afterwards. another is lethargy which is probably the worst but i guess thats due to constipation. I'm really not sure what the cure is and like all of you i would love to know exactly what is happening. it's so frustrating because it could be 1 of a million things ie. diet, infection, tension etc. Some things you all could try research (maybe it could help you) is the CANDIDA DIET (BUECALTA: give it a try seeing as the yoghurt helps you.), which has to do with bad bacteria in the gut, you could also go for an IMU-PRO TEST at the hospital which is where they take a blood sample and look to see if you have any food allergies/intolerances. One reason that makes me think my case isn't a food issue is that apparently food intolerences are associated with diarrhoea, and lord knows that would be a blessing!

Will let you guys know bout my progress!

[alewk]

The persistent abdomina bloating and menstrual irregularities is probably as a result of hormonal imbalance...I have been having the same problem since 3 months and natural progesteron supplement lead to the resolution of the bloating as long as I am on the pills ...After discontinuation bloating came back immediately..Now I am going to start Cyclo progynova (estradiol valerate + norgestrel) 21 days hormon replacement therapy to restore the my cycles...You can ask you Dr about that...Good luck..I know how disturbing is the heavy bloating like pregnant