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Gastroenterology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
Continuous bloating!
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/ Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.

Continuous bloating!

by NC44, Oct 17, 2007 09:25PM
I have had an endoscopy and colonoscopy.  Results were that I have esophagitis, gastritis and duodenitits with a twist in my colon.  My GI doc does not like giving details, just prescriptions and then you are ushered out.  I was told to use 2 Fibercon nightly, Gaviscon during the day with Metaclopramide 100mg with each meal and at bedtime. I had to stop that because of the spasms.

I am still bloated.  My personal doctor put me on  20mg Lasix and 20 meq of Potassium.  Both doctors said to avoid salt. I only weigh 124 and am 5'5.  But I have love handles and swollen feet.  The main problem is the bloating above my waist, where the esophagus and stomach meet?  I am also taking Gas-X daily, but the bloating is still there.  I've been under extreme stress for the past couple of years due to my husband's disability, but things are calming down, so now I'm concentratiing on me.  Does this sound like a cortisol problem due to the stress?  Some days, I look like I'm 4 months pregnant. Is there ANYTHING else I can do for the bloating?  I am 60+ yrs old and slim-built.  

Thank you very much!

by Kevin Pho, MD, Oct 17, 2007 09:39PM
Gastritis can lead to a feeling of bloating.  I would also consider evaluating the gallbladder with an ultrasound.  

If the tests continue to be non-revealing, and the symptoms continue, IBS can be considered.  Anti-spasmodic agents, tricyclic antidepressants as well as the antibiotics Rifaximin can be considered if this is suspected.  

Otherwise, many of the major diseases have been excluded with the upper and lower endoscopies you have had.

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.
www.kevinmd.com
Member Comments (8)

by Casey06, Oct 23, 2007 03:41PM
Ask your doctor for a CT scan to see if something else in the abdomen or pelvis could be causing the bloating.

by NC44, Oct 24, 2007 04:09PM
To: Kevin Pho
I have had an ultrasound on both my gallbladder and right kidney.  Nothing wrong but the twist in my small intestine.  I do have IBS, found during the endoscopy, hence the Fibercon.  Lately, I've been doing detox pads and teas and have read about Digestive Advantage for IBS.  That seems to help with the bloating.  My guess is since I was on the metoclopramide, my stomach just cannot digest and that is my biggest worry.  Apparently the gas backs up causing the acid reflux (yes, I'm on Nexium) and can't get out of my system any other way. Does this make sense?  If this bloating is all gas, I need your suggestions.  I'm going back on the metaclopramide, but once a day at my biggest meal to see if it helps. Thank you.    

P.S.  How does Refaximin work?

by jollyjolly, Nov 05, 2007 12:58AM
To: NC44
Hi...It's late, but just wanted you to know that I feel your pain.  I STAY bloated...have tried every gas med known to mankind.  I am taking Prilosec for my heartburn, but my bloating is non-stop.  I've been through the run-around with many doctors for many years, and I only get diagnosed with anxiety.  They don't seem to be concerned when I tell them how bad my stomach feels.

Like you, I am small...I'm 5'2 and only 103...but have always been tiny.  (however, this is why the chronic bloating scares me, as my appetite is suffering severely)  Is your appetite affected?  I am not drastically losing weight...I just never gain any.  

Sorry to ramble, I just get tired of not being understood by doctors, family and friends!  One night...not long ago...I became so sick of having no "true" support, that I drew circles (with labels and all) on my stomach where my bloating was, with a ball point pen...now, how weird is that?!?  Didn't do me any good...just reminded me of my chronic bloating!

Take care, I understand...Holly

by PikaPika88, Nov 05, 2007 05:04PM
Ask for a gastric emptying study test.  I've been bloated for a few months but everyone ignored me.  Now I feel hard to breath as well.  Gastro Dr said I'm obesses, reduce some weight will be all right then.  (My tummy keeps growing bigger and bigger, how can my weigh reduce?) My upper and lower endoscopies are all normal.  I was on Nexium too but now my GP said don't have to take that.

As far as bloating is not a life threatening illness so they don't care.  I got very dizzy too, do you all got dizzy as well?

by NC44, Nov 05, 2007 08:19PM
To: Jolly and Pika
I have found the answer!  At least for me, it works!  My bloating has gone down remarkably and I did it with a colon cleanse.  I highly recommend it!  We all carry parasites and since they can't be seen with the human eye, we have no idea what is inside us.  

When I first  wrote here I was just as concerned as you are, and I was coming back today to tell you all the results of what I found!  Go to www.drnatura.com and read the testimonials!  But first check out the picture gallery!  99% of the testimonials once had bloating and they even lost weight on this stuff.  I started this program a couple of months ago but quit for my colonoscopy.  Stupid me, I thought that cleanse they give you would do the trick, but the bloating came right back.  Two weeks ago, I remembered the cleanse (Colonix), and got it back out of the cabinet.  I've already lost 75% or more of the bloating and lost that inch of love-handles below my belly button!

You've got to try this and then inform your doctors when you see the results!  They all need to be reminded that we are not all stuffing ourselves; some of us have a simple problem that doesn't have to be medicated but simply cleansed from the body!

I'm not exaggerating!  You will feel so much better.  And, no, other than ordering from them, I have no affiliation with them!  Please, folks, if you have bloating, gas, heartburn, IBS, constipation,etc you have to at least check out the website!  It may seem expensive, but it's soooo worth it.  You take two parasite killing capsules first thing in the morning, 15 minutes later take a scoop of the fiber with your juice, and in the evening have a delicious cup of their mild laxative tea.  Even once I am off the program, I will stay on the fiber and occasionally the tea until next year when I'll do the cleanse again.  

I am so happy!  Much more energetic, sleeping better, and finally getting back into my normal jeans!  I've stopped the Metaclopramide and Fibercon and Lasix!  How great is that???  I can't say I was dizzy, but I never felt good!  I wish you both the best of luck!  In a few weeks, you'll be a different person!  Good luck!  

by Debby610, Nov 10, 2007 01:21AM
To: PikaPika88
Try cutting out glutein (anything made of wheat) from your diet.

by PikaPika88, Nov 10, 2007 03:06AM
Debby, thanks for that.

No bread?  No buns?  No biscuits?  No noodles!  I try..... How long can see the result?  
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