Bloated and feel like a cow...

[topcop229]

I have never been formally diagnosed with IBS, but I have suffered from constipation, gassy feelings, and bloating for quite some time with no other explanations...my constipation sometimes lasts up to two weeks. I had a colonoscopy over the summer which showed no abnormality like colon cancer or polyps or anything like that.

Anyway, I have had my interstim trial in for a few days, and I have actually had a BM the last two days and am sensing that one will come today as well, which is a record for me. I can't tell you when the last time was that I had three days in a row!

However, one thing that hasn't changed is the bloating. I have been severely bloated off and on for some time, but I look pregnant I'm so bloated right now. I've tried gas x and stuff like that, with no relief. Does anyone have this symptom as well and if so, is there anything I can do? I am hoping the more my bowels continue to work properly maybe the better it will get, but I've seen no improvement as of yet. I'm even starting to get paranoid and think maybe I have a huge cyst on the one ovary I have left (and that's all that's left of my reproductive system). Any advice??

Thanks!
Claudia

[SandyRN]

In a word...yes! I used to work nights and by 6am people would start asking me when the triplets were due! I wasn't happy! I am bloated right now which is why I jumped on this post. I guess it's time for the old Milk of Mag....I HATE the liquid. I'd rather swallow sour milk...almost! :::sigh:::

[topcop229]

Sandy,
*Sigh* I am sorry you are going through this, too, but I am glad I am not alone! I was really starting to wonder, because I'm not a little bloated, I'm crazy bloated!!! I could probably get a job imitating Buddha if it weren't for the crazy interstim wires coming out of me right now!!

Does the M.O.M. help the bloating as well as constipation for you? I'm willing to try anything.

[topcop229]

I just thought of something...I have been on a crazy cereal kick lately. I don't know why, but I've been craving it and eating about a box every few days...with skim milk. Maybe I have lactose issues? Can that cause crazy bloating?

[SandyRN]

It does help me....for several days actually. Maybe it's the fiber in the cereal causing the bloating? Seems if you had lactose issues you'd have known before now...ya know?

[humpieumpumkin]

Hey topcop. I have IBS constipation! This in a nutshell sucks! Well basically Im gaging down tons of fiber all day eating a probiotic cereal or breakfast and drinking tons of water. The water is key. It helps the bloating. If I eat too much salt, this bloats me as well, and my face too. I think we are bloated becuase we dont have regular bowel movements. I would try like Sandy said the milk of mag. If that doesn't work, the dreaded green bottle of salty nastiness always does the trick-cramping is a given but I feel so much better after. Its strong, so try prune juice and stuff like that first if it doesn't bother your ic. Its called Magnesium Citrate I think-Sandy would know:smile tee Im glad the stim helps the bowels. I headed that way too. Well good luck-WATER IS KEY!
Erika:bunny:

[topcop229]

Thanks Erika and Sandy. And Sandy, yea, you're right, I'd probably know about the lactose by now...I guess I am grasping at straws!

I've tried the mag citrate before, ugh, it's so nasty...sometimes it works for me, sometimes it doesn't...that's when I know I'm in trouble, when even that nasty stuff doesn't get things moving.

I will try to increase fluids and keep on keepin' on with the interstim and hopefully things will get a bit better...otherwise I'm gonna have to go buy maternity clothes!

[humpieumpumkin]

Oh jezzzz topcop! I would call 911 if the mag citrate didn't move me lol!!!:lmao: Im just kidding. But thats crazy! Yeah try the xtra water...sometimes it works!

Erika:evilsmile

[topcop229]

I know, right Erika!!! When THAT stuff doesn't work...ain't nothin' gonna work! It can move buildings.

I've always been SO bad at drinking fluids...even when I was younger (and healthy) and used to run competitively, even then I didn't drink a lot of fluids. So, it's hard for me to get into it now, especially with the IC because I CANNOT drink caffeine anymore and non-caffeinated sodas are okay, except they only bloat me worse. So, I usually drink kool-aid and crystal light and apple cider from a packet. But, I will definitely give it a try. If it will help make this crazy belly go away, it's worth it!

Claudia

[tabasco32]

do you think Its something just one thing your eating like wheat, corn, or milk? some allergies to milk can cause bloating. Corn makes me bloat real bad even when my bowels are empty. I never had issues like these. They only came about as soon as I got ic. i take one tablespoon to 2 tablespoons of moms everynight. seem the only thing that works for me

[topcop229]

I decided to forego my usual cereal and milk just to SEE if anything changes. So, I will do that for a few days and see what happens...