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abdominal pressure and distention

I have had a swollen abdomen for at least 2 months (no chance of pregancy).  A recent ultra sound showed a cyst on my left ovary and a moderate uterine fibroid.  I am in great shape.  45 years old; zero fat in my belly area, but I look 6 months pregnant.  The pressure feels like I have a helium balloon in my belly.  I also seem to be very constipated, but I can have a BM.  I had a BM today and the distension and pressue is just awful.  Could any of this be related to the cyst or fibroid?  On occasion, I will have severe cramping and shooting pains with a BM, or have pains that make me feel like I need to have a BM, but I can't have a BM.   Any one have any idea if this is all related?  Noone mentioned endometriosis at my ultrasound, but I am mentioning it because I did have two C-sections.  If this sounds familiar to anyone, I'd appreciate feedback - this is driving me insane!
Thanks.
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Avatar universal
Obviously, I'm not a dr nor do I have all the answers...  however, I've had exact syptoms plus a few for YEARS.  In 2001 they put me through all the possible GI tests and determined it wasn't GI, but endometriosis.  However, 2 babies later, and continued, worsening symptoms are requiring they re-do all the GI tests now.  They are seriously looking at Crohn's as well as a few other possibilities.  

So, all of that to say, I STRONGLY recommend you get to a GI doc now instead of waiting/suffering further.

Good luck.  M
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Avatar universal
No relief in symptoms (abdomen still swollen and distended) after taking metimucil and fiber supplements for almost two weeks).   I am having regular bowel movements.  I still look 4 -6 months pregnant.  I have an appt. in December with an OB/GYN to discuss the ovarian cyst and fibroid issue.  Does a person with IBS walk around with a swollen abdomen ALWAYS? ???  How long does one have swollen belly?   Does having a swollen belly Constantly for two months plus seem excessive for a diagnosis of IBS?  I am under the impression that for IBS, at some point over the period of two months I would have had a period where my abdomen might have decreased in size and returned more to a normal state.  It hasn't?  My frustration at this is HUGE.  I want to excercise but the pressure keeps me from wanting to participate.  Any more feedback?  And yes, if I don't get anywhere with the OB/GYN I will RUN TO THE NEAREST GASTRO DR.
Thank you for writing.
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563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
Thanks for keeping me updated.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized by mild to severe abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating and alteration of bowel habits. In some cases, the symptoms are relieved by bowel movements.
Irritable bowel syndrome can be a very difficult diagnosis to make. IBS is called a diagnosis of exclusion, which means that a doctor considers many other alternatives first, perhaps performing tests to rule out other problems.

Treatment includes addition of more fiber in your diet,cessation of smoking and taking stress,antispasmodic medicines,antidiarrheal medicines,antidepressants and new medicines like Alosetron (Lotronex) and Tegaserod (Zelnorm).
I feel that you should discuss this possibility with a gastroenterologist.
I hope that helps. Please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Warm regards.

Helpful - 0
563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,

Without examination,confirmation of a diagnosis is tough ,but there are various possibilities for your symptoms.These include high salt intake,too little proteins in diet,food allergies,gallstones,H.pylori infestation,gastritis,irritable bowel syndrome,Crohn’s disease,obstructed bowel,liver disease,distension due to overian cysts and  Functional abdominal pain syndrome (FAPS).

As you are having constipation and abdominal cramps while passing stools,it is giving the possibility of irritable bowel syndrome an edge.Uterine fibroids don’t cause such symptoms but ovarian cysts can esp if they are big in size.

Symptoms of irritable bowels syndrome include abdominal cramping or pain, bloating and gassiness, and altered bowel habits(alternate constipation and loose stools).
I sincerely advise you to consult a gastroenterologist and discuss this possibility with him.

I hope that helps. Please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.






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