Tummy swelling

Hi all

I hope you are all ok and are coping somehow with lockdown.

I had some great news this week. On the 4th anniversary of my operation (3b) I had a ct scan and full blood test. Scan clear and blood test all good. CA125 is 11. I’m thrilled. I can now go to 6 month check ups instead of 3.

My little worry is my tummy keeps swelling up after I eat food. Ive always had issues with tummy and bowels since the op but it’s becoming more of an issue now. I’ve tried gluten free. Sugar free. Diary free. I don’t eat red meat. I drink loads of water. I don’t drink or smoke. I’m not overweight.

I still take 2 senna each night but I’ve taken these since a few months after the op. My oncologist and GP both have said this is fine to do as it works for me. I have scar tissue in two places on my bowel.

I’m healthy. I walk lots. Work full time.

Does anyone else have this issue or any advice.

Oncologist has referred me to gastro. She’s not worried about cancer. I would appreciate any views you may have. Thank you x

[Lind58]

Great news on the ct and ca125❤️

[Hidden in reply to Lind58]

Thank you 😘

[delia2]

Congratulations on being ned for such a long time. Sorry I can’t help on the bloating.

[Hidden in reply to delia2]

Thank you. I didn’t ever think I’d get this far. It was amazing news. X

[Coldethyl]

Sounds like adhesion issues which are basically what scar tissue on your bowels are - they can cause bloating as the food doesn’t move freely through the intestines as areas are narrowed or pulled out of place

[Hidden in reply to Coldethyl]

Thank you for your reply. Do you think there is anything I can do to help it if it is this that’s causing the bloating? X

[Coldethyl in reply to Hidden]

I follow a low fibre to low residue diet -lots of info online and the gastro should have advice too - I have a stoma so I don’t take laxatives but keeping things moving is a plan as is plenty of fluids - I think it’s just an inevitable consequence of all the internal rearrangements we’ve had x

[Hidden in reply to Coldethyl]

I will look into low fibre. I’ve started FODMAP diet. I guess it’s a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things x

[SASSY196]

Sorry I can't help you re bloating but so pleased for you x

[SUE7777]

Can't help with bloating but fab news regarding NED, well done you. Sue x

[Jane420]

That’s wonderful news . I myself, eat too fast sometimes and that’s when I get bloated

[Mptelesca]

Great news! You must be so thrilled! I’m sure a gastro dr will have a solution for you. Whatever it is can be fixed.

Enjoy your great news!

[ZenaJ]

You sound like me. I was told before my op that my tummy would be bigger which was a great disappointment as otherwise I'm a UK size 10/12. Seven years down the line I still have a big tummy and would also like to know a way of getting rid of it. I take 4 senna a day and 2 dulcusate. Also, bowel damage. I know I should be glad to be healthy after all this time but I hate looking in a mirror and seeing someone that looks more than six months pregnant. I wear long blouses to cover up.

Sorry I've been no help but at least you're not alone.

Hope you get it sorted out and if you do let me know.

Best wishes,

Zena x

[Hidden in reply to ZenaJ]

Thank you. I’m sorry to hear you have the same issue. I too am very grateful that I’m still here. I do accept that there was going to be side affects after the op but the bloating does become very uncomfortable. I’ll let you know if Gastro can help in anyway. X

[mary1111]

Do a bit of research on a natural supplement called Serrapeptase. It comes from the silkworm and it dissolves scar tissue anywhere in the body x

[Hidden in reply to mary1111]

I will have a look today. Thank you x

[SuziTench1]

Great news .. nice to hear some 😁. I found if I eat small meals perhaps 4 times a day with water.. helps with bloating .. i eat very little bread as I found bloats me more . My granny always swore by peppermint to release gas .. You can buy it in supermarkets in cordial form . Hope it helps x

[Hidden in reply to SuziTench1]

Thank you 😘

I started last week to have smaller meals. I’m hoping with all the little changes I can make that have been suggested it will make some difference. I appreciate the advice xx

[Cheryl4677]

Pleased you have had good news.

A swollen tummy is my problem too. Usually reasonably ok first thing in the morning but by early evening I’m like a barrage balloon. I’m quite gassy but don’t have constipation. I also have a large incisional hernia and I asked about repair but my team seem to feel that as I still have areas of active disease surgeons wouldn’t want to operate. It can get uncomfortable but not really painful. I’ve tried abdominal girdle things but I find them too restricting and they can make me breathless. It’s ok when I can cover up but finding clothes in this hot weather too revealing. Just having to live with it at the moment it seems.

Take care.

Cheryl

[Hidden in reply to Cheryl4677]

I’m sorry you have active disease. I imagine they won’t want to do anything re your hernia.

Must be very uncomfortable.

I don’t appear to have gas although I’m sure I must !

I’m back to floaty maxi dresses and baggy shirts over vest tops.

Xx