Awful bloating!

[kate24601]

Was diagnosed with ibs a while ago (as well as suspected endometriosis which I know can cause bloating) but since around October time last year I've been getting more and more bloated to the point now people are starting to think I'm hiding a pregnancy! I already cut out gluten, dairy, red meat, alcohol, caffeine and some other small things but the bloating is present after eating anything and sometimes I wake up like it.

It's getting insanely frustrating and uncomfortable as I'm gassy and have to spend a lot of time in the evening on the toilet. I was prescribed mintec but find it did nothing but give me minty diarrhoea and I'm trying to cut down on buscopan as trying for a baby. Any ideas as to what it is or how to get rid of it as GP doesn't seem fussed now hes given me the mint pills!

[FRreedman]

Have a look at LEENOL48, on this site, she has been given advice for the same thing. I would also add, to the advice given, eat smaller mouthfuls of food and really chew well, as this will reduce the amount of gas going into your stomach. Good luck.

[kate24601 in reply to FRreedman]

Thank you! I think chewing is a big issue as I tend to wolf my meals!

[KnitEatCrochetRepeat]

I know how you feel regarding doctors taking bloating seriously. This was my main and constant symptom, with toilet issues being annoying but coming and going, so less of an issue than the bloating. But it seems that discomfort and problems with self esteem aren't consider reasons enough for further tests/exploration...

After the mint pills and buscopan didn't work, I've had to fight very hard but I've finally got an appointment with a gastroenterologist after starting at a new GP practice and getting a doctor. I'm not saying that is specifically what you need, but it might be worth trying another GP and looking for a second opinion on your symptoms if you feel yours isn't taking your symptoms seriously.

[kate24601 in reply to KnitEatCrochetRepeat]

Nice to know I'm not alone as much as it sucks for you to go through it to! I'm trying some wind stoppers from the chemist which seem to have done the trick but I'm tired of looking 9 months pregnant in everything I wear! I'm at the hospital in 2 weeks time for my endo so I might bring it up then x

[Nzmama_5]

I'm so sorry you're going through this, but I must admit I'm glad to know I'm not the only one that has constant bloating. My doctor hasnt shown much interest either just pescribed some meds and sent me on my way. Never mind the fact that my stomach is so huge even tshirts can't hide it! My intestines feel tender to the touch and my lower back constantly aches. My gp said she wont refer me to hospital because my bloods, ultrasound and stool sample came back all clear so they won't even consider my referral!! I can't afford to go private, I had to pay for my own ultrasound and that was over $300 Nzd. Good luck, I hope you find some answers and if you do please share xx

[kate24601 in reply to Nzmama_5]

I feel this! I hurt to touch and it's so big its embarrassing wearing clothes! I've not gave bloods yet and hoping that's the next step or at least something that shows they're taking me seriously!

[xjrs]

Have you tried Alflorex probiotic (which has been studied for IBS) and is available for a free 2 month trial on joining theibsnetwork.org? A lot of people say it helps with bloating. I understand that you already have some dietary restrictions, but have you been referred to a dietitian to take you fully through the fodmap elimination and reintroduction diet? Food intolerances can be much wider than the usual culprits. The start of the diet is to eliminate all fodmaps for the first 2 weeks and thereafter introduce them one by one. Are you saying that you've done the complete elimination phase for 2 weeks and you were still bloated at the end of it?

[kate24601 in reply to xjrs]

I was told by the gynaecologists when I was 16 to cut out gluten and dairy for good and then told by the gp later on that if something gave me diarrhoea three times then to cut it out. Never even been recommended a dietician or anytjinf even tho the gp keeps telling me its ibs x

[xjrs in reply to kate24601]

If they keep telling you it's IBS, you are within your rights to be referred to a fodmap trained dietitian. I was referred to one on the NHS (if UK based) and many others on this forum have been too. Unless you are completely isolating your foods i.e. only making one change at a time for a specific period and recording symptoms it can be really difficult to know what your reactions are attributed to. Saying to just cut out something if it gives you diarrhea isn't that helpful when if you're eating a mixed diet it can be hard to pin point what is causing it - especially when reactions can be up to 4 days later in some people. This is where the fodmap trained dietitian comes in to tell you how to find out exactly what is causing issues.

[lizwhitebillwhite]

Hi there. Did you now there are two types of Buscopan, one is the original one, and the other is for Cramps. When I get up in the mornings I wait to see how my guts are feeling that morning. If I am feeling as though I am going to have the runs I take two Buscopan just to settle my guts downs, but if I feel like I am going to have cramps, I take two of those instead. I believe if you can deal with the pain first, then you can cope with the rest easier. Good luck with the baby.