Massive abdominal distension

[SophieC22]

Sooo I’m 5 weeks into my FODMAP diet...hasn’t helped, and now I’ve got a new symptom (to add to the long list) I have massive abdominal distension- it has been a symptom I’ve suffered with for years but within the last couple of days my belly is huge-think 20 weeks pregnant huge. I am a naturally petite person and have lost weight since starting the diet, so definitely not fat. My belly is also pretty solid and very obviously air filled. So so confusing as it doesn’t pair with the feeling of bloating-it’s just happening. Very uncomfortable as it’s really stretching my tummy. Has anyone suffered from this?

[Hidden]

Sorry but I can't help there as I've never had that. I read on here that someone started following the Keto diet and their IBS improved no end, that is what I'm going to try when I come back from holiday.

I really hope you improve very soon as it's so uncomfortable (I have had bloating quite a lot but not as bad as you).

Take care and hope it an area soon x

[SophieC22 in reply to Hidden]

Very tempted to try Keto diet but seems like quite a strict diet! Thanks so much. Turns out I have a very prolonged reaction to things I can’t eat/drink (in this case I had alcohol last Thursday and have put the bloatness down to that.)

[Hidden in reply to SophieC22]

I'm so sorry you have a reaction to many foods, really feel for you. I've looked alot closer at the Keto diet and found it's so restrictive.

[janetmtt]

I was like that - stomach hard and huge and I started taking Bimuno powder a prebiotic at the weekend and the difference is remarkable. You can all but try it if it doesn't work stop taking it - but it may

[IBSSue]

Have you seen your doctor? You may have a hernia

[Eucalyptus]

Hi Sophie

Please go and see your GP/call your dietician. I've also not had much luck on the FODMAP - but someone on this forum put it in perspective for me - the FODMAP is just the start of figuring out whether or not diet is an issue for you; which foods might be an issue (and they might not be FODMAP foods). Keep a careful diary - I've lapsed on my diary but it would have been useful for the GP visit.

Good luck.

[sandybeach12066]

i get the same way its horrible cant even fit in my clothes , i have larger underwear for when this happens , i have lost weight too and its not fat , i have had this last for 3 weeks at a time! awful gastro says take gasx it does not work!!!

[Gardener]

Hi, I get this too throughout my entire gut, feels like several balloons blown up inside. Have you tried antispasmodic like Buscopan or similar? You would probably need to take them for a few days but they can help release it.Hope it helps.

[theomus]

Yes, I have, Sophie, and I sympathise with you.

The thing that helped me most was giving up every single trace of gluten, since when I have treated and regarded myself as a cœliac. When I have the familiar cramping pains, I take a couple of Buscopan, which almost always work within 10 or 15 minutes. (I have also discovered that onions do not suit me.) If I were you, I would try a completely gluten-free diet and see whether it helps.

Actually, you may prefer to consult your GP before going gluten-free, as s/he might wish you to have a hospital test for cœliac disease first.

There are lots of alternatives to gluten if you are a cook: rice-flour, potato-flour and corn(maize)-flour. There are heaps of decent gluten-free dishes available in supermarkets as well as lovely bread, cakes and biscuits. Always check the ingredients carefully, if you go gluten-free.

By the way, be careful with oats: although they are naturally gluten-free, they contain a protein similar to gluten, called avenin, which some people cannot take.

I feel so sorry for you. Being so severely distended makes life wretched. I don't think it's gas: I think it is more likely to be inflammation caused by gluten. Either you are a cœliac or you have a gluten sensitivity. I sincerely hope that a gluten-free diet will help you as it has helped me.

All the best. xx