Constant Upper Abdominal Bloating due to ???????

[hajak]

I have had severe upper abdominal bloating since having my second child 3 years ago. At first I thought it was just my pregnant belly and it would come down over time. I was quite overwt after having my child but have recently and deliberately lost alot of wt (36 lbs) however my big bloated belly is still there. I feel pressure under my ribs on both sides because my belly is so big. I have had an abdominal ultrasound which was normal. My doc thinks it is IBS and that is it. I am somewhat concerned that perhaps I have a problem with my bowels now...my baby was quite large and I have noticed that the tip of my sternum was basically bent upward...noticed this after I gave birth...again I am assuming it was due to the large baby....so I was concerned that perhaps there might be a problem with my bowels now too or perhaps something sinister is going on. My doctor thinks I am an anxious person so does not feel any need to do any tests. Any thoughts would be appreciated and thanks!

[hajak]

Thanks for the info. I saw my doc and had blood tests done...will find out the results today. Over the last month I have also noticed pain in the sternum area and above the belly button...very tender...I also noticed pain under the left ribs and sometimes pain below the right ribs. Burning pain and constant. I had been taking 600 mg Motrin TID since January 2008 as I was in a car accident (rear ended). My chiropractor told me to stop taking them as I may have an ulcer. I stopped taking them approx. 2 1/2 weeks ago. I have noticed above the belly button is somewhat less tender but I am still have constant pain ...sharp and burning in the sternum area. I have also noticed I have no appetite and I am not eating as much. I am becoming obsessed with my weight now...as it seems like it is very easy for me lose weight now (first time for everything)...so of course I get anxious thinking of "unexplained wt loss"=cancer. Any thoughts??? I am seeing my doc today. Thanks!

[boron]

Try this:

1. Low-fructose diet for 2 days (check my journals).
2. If no relief, lactose-free diet for 2 days
3. If still no relief, get test for H. pylori

All above may cause bloating.