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Hi, For A Couple Of Weeks I've Had Severe Bloating

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Posted on Tue, 12 Mar 2019
Question: Hi, For a couple of weeks I've had severe bloating and lower back pain. My belly button was and "inny" but now has pushed all the way out and also has split open even. My bloated abdomen is hard and painful. I am extremely fatigued. I am taking Protonix. My PCP thinks I have a hernia.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Get an ultrasound done to rule out hernai.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for choosing this forum to ask your query,
Have seen your details,
Firstly as far as hernia is concerned get a ultrasound done.
Secondly ,
Our gastrointestinal tract has a forward propulsive movement (peristalsis) that moves the food material forward as it is digested, absorbed and finally expelled as feces. If somehow this movement gets hampered, food along with the digestive juices would stagnate,and would be acted upon by toxic bacteria. Degradation of undigested food in the intestines by the intestinal bacteria would lead to the excess gas formation.This gas compreses the intestines hence cause pain.Take activated charcoal tablets also three times a day along with protonix.
Some other suggestions are-
* Avoid spicy food. Take small but frequent meals. Avoid long gaps between meals.
* Avoid alcohol intake (if it a part of your habit).
* Continue to take proton pump inhibitor once daily before breakfast.
* Take plenty of green leafy vegetables as well as other sources of dietary fibers. Take fiber supplements like isabgol/psyllium husk or senna. I would insist you to increase your dietary fiber intake.
* Regular morning walk and exercise to keep the bowel movements proper.
* If I had a patient like you I would perhaps have suggested Prodep (fluoxetine) 20 mg tablet (long term anxiolytic and a prescription drug) once daily for at least 2 months (it may take time for the action to set in). Discuss about this with your treating physician.
* Take curd or yogurt on daily basis. It contains beneficial bacteria and should help.
* Stress reduction has a very important role to play. Yoga and meditation should help.


As far as hernia is concerned to exclude it as a probable diagnosis get a ultrasound done.

Hopefully that should help.

Let me know if I could help further.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (2 hours later)
Is that medication similar to hyasciamine(Levsin)? I have that prescribed for my mild IBS. I do eat yogurt everyday and take Pro-& Prebiotics daily. It seems like a hernia could be determined without an MRI as it is so costly. Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (3 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Go for the ultrasound as of now, no need for MRI.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

Yes, Hernia can be determined by ultrasound of the abdomen. There is no need for an MRI.
Secondly, both medicines are different. Levsin is for IBs while the medication I suggested is for absorbing gas.

Hope I was helpful.
Follow-ups are welcome.

Feel free to ask further.

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 2906 Questions

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Hi, For A Couple Of Weeks I've Had Severe Bloating

Brief Answer: Get an ultrasound done to rule out hernai. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for choosing this forum to ask your query, Have seen your details, Firstly as far as hernia is concerned get a ultrasound done. Secondly , Our gastrointestinal tract has a forward propulsive movement (peristalsis) that moves the food material forward as it is digested, absorbed and finally expelled as feces. If somehow this movement gets hampered, food along with the digestive juices would stagnate,and would be acted upon by toxic bacteria. Degradation of undigested food in the intestines by the intestinal bacteria would lead to the excess gas formation.This gas compreses the intestines hence cause pain.Take activated charcoal tablets also three times a day along with protonix. Some other suggestions are- * Avoid spicy food. Take small but frequent meals. Avoid long gaps between meals. * Avoid alcohol intake (if it a part of your habit). * Continue to take proton pump inhibitor once daily before breakfast. * Take plenty of green leafy vegetables as well as other sources of dietary fibers. Take fiber supplements like isabgol/psyllium husk or senna. I would insist you to increase your dietary fiber intake. * Regular morning walk and exercise to keep the bowel movements proper. * If I had a patient like you I would perhaps have suggested Prodep (fluoxetine) 20 mg tablet (long term anxiolytic and a prescription drug) once daily for at least 2 months (it may take time for the action to set in). Discuss about this with your treating physician. * Take curd or yogurt on daily basis. It contains beneficial bacteria and should help. * Stress reduction has a very important role to play. Yoga and meditation should help. As far as hernia is concerned to exclude it as a probable diagnosis get a ultrasound done. Hopefully that should help. Let me know if I could help further. Regards