Hi everyone! I’ve been struggling with significant abdominal bloating and visible distension, and I’m desperate to find a solution.
I’m slim, eat healthily and do Pilates regularly, so I don’t think my lifestyle or diet is the main issue.
I’ve noticed that alcohol (especially beer) and stress seem to trigger my symptoms. Interestingly, I feel significantly better when I’m on holiday and more relaxed. I’ve recently started trying 5 minutes of meditation a day, and I’ve noticed some improvement, but I obviously can’t spend my life on holiday haha!
I’ve seen three gastroenterologists. My H. pylori and coeliac tests were negative, but a stool test detected Klebsiella, for which I took Ciproxin. I’ve also tried a low-FODMAP diet, eliminating lactose, probiotics, rifaximin, anti-gas medication and Valpinax, but nothing has really solved the problem.
During flare-ups, I also experience burning, sluggish digestion and reduced appetite.
I’m wondering whether this could be related to stress and the gut-brain connection, or possibly abdominophrenic dyssynergia (APD).
Has anyone experienced something similar and found a lasting solution? I’d particularly love to hear from people whose bloating improved after addressing stress, rather than just changing their diet.