Severe bloating (could this be endo-belly?)

[Popetta]

Dear all,

Do any of you fellow sufferers get severe bloating which appears randomly (therefore not food-induced)?

I am going to start investigations once again (this time going privately, via medical insurance) and as my case is quite complex (been fobbed off with IBS diagnosis by rule of exclusion, have PCOS and may also have endometriosis) I just wanted to gather your thoughts.

To give you a synopsis, there are days in which I already wake up to a very bloated/distended abdomen (this simulates a pregnant women during her 3-5 month's stage). Other days it appears more towards the evening and others it just comes and goes as it wishes.

Another curious thing I have noticed is that the bulk is often lop-sided either more inflated to the left or to the right., though it has a predisposition for the left side.

I know for sure it is not food related, given that if I wake up to it, it's clear my stomach is empty first thing in the morning. I am also really vigilant of what I eat and avoid certain things that could create excessive gas (i.e: cruciferous vegetables, pulses, etc.).

There are times when it gets worse 2 weeks just before my period, however as mentioned earlier, it's pattern is pretty random.

This is often accompanied by a "pulling" sensation on my pelvic area, specially towards the sides and groin area, as well as the usual daily pains I have (cramps, stabbing, piercing and burning pains).

This continues to get worse during my 2 year battle so far. So I have now started to dress differently in order to offer some sort of comfort (i.e: no skirts as this means wearing restrictive tights, baggier trousers and tops to allow extra room for the bloated abdomen.

I find the whole thing baffling as well as really uncomfortable. And none of the remedies advised by medics work (this also includes alternative therapies such as acupuncture, herbs, teas, turmeric,etc).

Grateful for any advice!

[Kerrydiane18]

Hi hunny, I've not been diagnosed with anything just yet but I get server bloating too, to the point where I've been asked how far along in my pregnancy I am, even though I'm not pregnant, I can be constant like all day, and I know it's not caused by food too cause as you I wake up already bloated it's absolutely horrible x

[Popetta in reply to Kerrydiane18]

Thanks for your quick response Kerrydiane18!

I've started to call it my "mini-baby" jokingly, guess it serves as preparation for if anyone sees it and queries about it. Although... seriously it's not a joke as you well know! x

[Kerrydiane18 in reply to Popetta]

Yeah I understand you, it's just horrible cause no matter what you get advised, these tablets will help, you take them and they don't, it's just a constant piss take now with them, and they never understand what it's like to be how we are x

[MaloushkaPat]

Hi there,

I'm the same, I have not been formally diagnosed yet but I do get extreme bloating. Last night I looked like I was5 month pregnant and as you, people have started rumours in my office that I might be pregnant! It's kind of funny but also frustrating as they have no idea of what we have to deal with on a daily basis with the pain and other symptoms!

I just had a second ultrasound scan last week and I am seeing my general gyne next Friday who promised me a diagnosis lap if she could not see anything on the scan! Fingers crossed i get some answers, and the same goes for you too! x

[Popetta in reply to MaloushkaPat]

Hello MaloushkaPat,

Good luck with the diagnosis lap.

I think I will end up having to get one too.

Because of the long list of lower GI symptoms I also have, my plan is to start seeing a gastro consultant first and then depending on the outcome, I may also have to visit a gynae.

If so, I will chose a consultant from a BSGE Centre to try and obtain the best advice and care.