Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Support Group
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common intestinal disorder that is characterized by bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cramping, and constipation. Typically no abnormalities appear during standard medical testing, and so irritable bowel syndrome is identified by the symptoms. Although irritable bowel syndrome can cause serious discomfort, the intestines are not harmed.
Hey all!
I'm 20 years old, and I have been having stomach issues for 4 years now. I currently have no diet restrictions or allergies and I exercise regularly. The one GI doc I went to just brushed it off as IBS. Here's the thing: the ONLY symptoms I have are abdominal distension and that I'm always always full. I have no pain/cramps/spasms, I poop once or twice a day (so there's probably not an obstruction), no diarrhea, nothing. Just *severe* bloating and constantly feeling full.
For the bloating: It's super super severe to the point where I *literally* look 6 months pregnant- my stomach is round, smooth, and hard. I'm 5'4'' 125lbs and so when this happens, it's really apparent
For the never hungry-ness: For a year now, I always feel as though I have just eaten 5 heaping plates of food. It's gotten progressively worse, to the point where even the though of eating makes me feel sick. It's gotten so bad in the past 6 months that I have slowly stopped eating. I'm worried that I'm not going to be getting enough nutrients soon. However-- I haven't lost any weight, even though I'm eating less calories than my body uses to perform basic functions.
I finally decided to see the doc; I got an endoscopy and the doc found the bacteria H. pylori in my stomach, so I took a triple-therapy antibiotic to clear it up. He said my stomach is inflamed but that's about it, hoping it'll go away now that the bacteria is gone. I had a blood test, no hypothyroidism, no celiac disease, normal iron levels, blood sugars-- everything was normal.
That's where I'm stuck. My feeling of bloatedness and fullness just keep.getting.worse.
I'm at a loss here and my symptoms are getting worse- have any advice?
Thanks so much in advance!
Off-gases created by certain foods in your large intestine are blocking and backing up the passage of other foods and creating a bloating affect. Stop eating legumes (beans, peas, lentils, etc.) and see what happens. Also, have a look at the FODMAP diet. Removing legumes from my diet, as well as processed foods, genetically modified produce, pork, beef and shellfish (crustacean, bottom feeders), completely cleared up my IBS.
All gastro-intestinal disorders are caused by allergies to certain foods. If you've gone through a triple antibiotic therapy, you'll need to restore your gut flora, as the antibiotics have killed off all the good bacteria, and that's why you're still having problems.
Sauerkraut, and other fermented foods are the best natural probiotics that will restore your gut flora. Aloe vera juice taken daily in the morning first thing, will promote the healing of your gut, and reduce the swelling that's giving you problems.