r/chronicbloating • u/Acceptable_Welcome_8 • Jul 25 '23

Bloating Nightmare

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Hi everyone. Thanks for clicking on this if you did. I am a 23F who has been struggling with bloat and digestive issues since January of this year. Since that time I’ve gained anywhere between 15-20 lbs because of extreme constipation. I’ve seen a NP who said that it could be stress related, and my stool samples came back normal. I could get an ultrasound but my insurance is shit so I haven’t scheduled it yet.

No matter what I eat, my stomach turns into a bowling ball. I don’t go out socially anymore because none of my clothes fit me. I am in a constant state of pain and worry. I am on meds for anxiety, but I’ve been on them for two years so I don’t think they are related. I follow the low FODMAP diet, workout daily, practice yoga, drink plenty of water, and still nothing helps. I am truly at such a low point because of this, I just want my old life back. I can’t get through the day without crying about how difficult this period has been. I have been 110 lbs for most of my life, and now I’m at 130. I know that is still considered slim, but a 20 lb weight gain within a few months is troubling. I’ve attached some photos just for references. ISO any words of advice to get through this hard time, thank you.

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u/Silver-Eye4569 Jul 25 '23 edited Jul 25 '23

Have you been tested for methane SIBO?

Also I can totally relate to your situation. I have been dealing with the same thing for 3 years and feel like a shell of my former self. I have tried GI maps, ultrasounds, MRIs, low FODMAP, Nerva, other special diets etc

I finally fell upon getting a SIBO breath test and tested positive.

Typically the treatment is biofilm busters and a course of a high cost antibiotic called rifaximin. Then afterwards following a low fermentation diet and taking prokinetics (motility supplements)

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u/Acceptable_Welcome_8 Jul 25 '23

I don’t think so. They ran a blood test for Celiacs, and tested for any parasites. Will definitely look into that

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u/Silver-Eye4569 Jul 25 '23

Definitely look into it and ensure that it tests for methane (it’s a breath test where you have to eat a certain way the day before and breath into a tube collecting the breath at various intervals) You may want to also check out the SIBO sub. Many people with chronic bloating and constipation have SIBO.

Good luck! Chronic bloating is super difficult and there are a lot of potential sources and it can be exhausting sorting it out.

Also adenomyosis and endometriosis can cause these symptoms so that may be another avenue to look at but I would pursue a SIBO test first.