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What Causes Abdominal Distention When Suffering From Diverticulosis?
Question: I have been tested for everything in the book, and the only results that come back say I may have diverticulosis (not diverticulitis) and the second test result is low motility determined by having gastric emptying tests. I've also had upper GI & small bowel tests along with ultra-sound and CAT scans of the abdomen & pelvis. Celiac disease has been ruled out. All of my organs came back with negative results with the exception of a tiny cyst of no significance on my liver. GB is fine. Everything seems to be fine, with the exception of me. I'm not fine.
I've been to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, I've been to Shands in Gainesville, Florida, as well to local doctors in Melbourne, Florida and still no one seems to be able to explain this terrible condition I suffer from almost daily.
I used to have a very flat belly that would become distended after eating, especially after eating gaseous items such a broccoli, certain other greens, salads & onions. the distention would eventually subside, only to reoccur with my next meal. I did discover I'm lactose intolerant so now I drink Almond milk exclusively and go very easy on any other dairy products.
Today I have what I call permanent distention. My abdomen is swollen all the time and after eating, it is so swollen and firm I feel as though I will burst. I can no longer wear any of my clothes, had to purchase larger items with elastic waistbands and I hate being like this. All my life I was a very trim 135 lb 10 Petite woman. Now I can weigh as much as 170 lbs. and no matter how much I control my diet and no matter how much I exercise I cannot reduce the weight or the distention.
My doctor says I am trying too hard, to take a couple of weeks and just eat normally, whatever the heck that is supposed to mean, but no matter what I try, my condition stays unchanged. I'm an educated, healthy 73 y/o woman and if I can't find a solution to this dilemma I feel I may go crazy. It has affected my life to the point I no longer feel comfortable going out into society not only because of the way I look but the way I feel.
Do you have any suggestions I might try. I forgot to mention my doctor has put me on Clonazepam Orally 0.25 mg 3 x day to relieve anxiety. It helps me sleep but does nothing to help me with this abdominal problem. Also I have been treated since 1996 for MS with a daily injection of Copaxone 20 mg. My neurologist says my MS is basically in remission and not contributing to this abdominal distention.
Any helpful information you can provide would be ever so gratefully appreciated. At present I am so miserable about the way I look and feel I can hardly bear it. Thank you for your cooperation.
XXXX
I've been to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, I've been to Shands in Gainesville, Florida, as well to local doctors in Melbourne, Florida and still no one seems to be able to explain this terrible condition I suffer from almost daily.
I used to have a very flat belly that would become distended after eating, especially after eating gaseous items such a broccoli, certain other greens, salads & onions. the distention would eventually subside, only to reoccur with my next meal. I did discover I'm lactose intolerant so now I drink Almond milk exclusively and go very easy on any other dairy products.
Today I have what I call permanent distention. My abdomen is swollen all the time and after eating, it is so swollen and firm I feel as though I will burst. I can no longer wear any of my clothes, had to purchase larger items with elastic waistbands and I hate being like this. All my life I was a very trim 135 lb 10 Petite woman. Now I can weigh as much as 170 lbs. and no matter how much I control my diet and no matter how much I exercise I cannot reduce the weight or the distention.
My doctor says I am trying too hard, to take a couple of weeks and just eat normally, whatever the heck that is supposed to mean, but no matter what I try, my condition stays unchanged. I'm an educated, healthy 73 y/o woman and if I can't find a solution to this dilemma I feel I may go crazy. It has affected my life to the point I no longer feel comfortable going out into society not only because of the way I look but the way I feel.
Do you have any suggestions I might try. I forgot to mention my doctor has put me on Clonazepam Orally 0.25 mg 3 x day to relieve anxiety. It helps me sleep but does nothing to help me with this abdominal problem. Also I have been treated since 1996 for MS with a daily injection of Copaxone 20 mg. My neurologist says my MS is basically in remission and not contributing to this abdominal distention.
Any helpful information you can provide would be ever so gratefully appreciated. At present I am so miserable about the way I look and feel I can hardly bear it. Thank you for your cooperation.
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Conversion problem
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
I read through the query. I noted the details. At present I remember one similar case that we dealt, not exactly same symptom but similar nature of problem.
What is your waist and hip circumference? What was it earlier? How much was the change?
Your doctors seems to be doing the best make you look good and feel good. Clonazepam is not a bad drug at this time. We were sending the patient to all the specialties and found that the person had minimal organic disorder. The symptoms were too much disproportionate to the problem she had in her 60's. Finally we had to treat her as a conversion reaction as well along with the basic organic problem. You may want to check with the Psychiatrist and Psychologist as well about conversion reaction.
Good if you can come up with the numbers not only the feeling.
Conversion problem
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
I read through the query. I noted the details. At present I remember one similar case that we dealt, not exactly same symptom but similar nature of problem.
What is your waist and hip circumference? What was it earlier? How much was the change?
Your doctors seems to be doing the best make you look good and feel good. Clonazepam is not a bad drug at this time. We were sending the patient to all the specialties and found that the person had minimal organic disorder. The symptoms were too much disproportionate to the problem she had in her 60's. Finally we had to treat her as a conversion reaction as well along with the basic organic problem. You may want to check with the Psychiatrist and Psychologist as well about conversion reaction.
Good if you can come up with the numbers not only the feeling.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Aparna Kohli
Dear Dr. XXXXXXX Mazumdar,
All of my adult life, until about 6 months ago, my waist measured 26 inches and my hips measured 36 inches. As previously stated my weight was 135 to 140 during that same period.
Now all of a sudden, my waist is 44 inches and my hips are 40 inches. I am 5'4" tall and my current weight this morhing is 174. Please note the only change in diet is that I've reduced my daily caloric intake from approximately 2000 to 1200, and my daily exercise (walking) is unchanged. Let me know if you have other questions for me.
XXXX
All of my adult life, until about 6 months ago, my waist measured 26 inches and my hips measured 36 inches. As previously stated my weight was 135 to 140 during that same period.
Now all of a sudden, my waist is 44 inches and my hips are 40 inches. I am 5'4" tall and my current weight this morhing is 174. Please note the only change in diet is that I've reduced my daily caloric intake from approximately 2000 to 1200, and my daily exercise (walking) is unchanged. Let me know if you have other questions for me.
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Swift reduction in metabolism
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
As per your number and complaints, you had a swifter change in basal metabolic rate. We expect very slow metabolism after 55 yrs of age and gradually reduces further post 75 years of age. So do you think you had faster reduction in this rate after certain age?
Did you meet a metabolic disorder expert in your area/city? Muscle is gradually replaced by sub cutaneous fat and the adipose tissue around the organs. Does not that explain the numbers that you have? I know this is not all it but there may be some organic cause as I mentioned in my first reply.
Seek an Endocrinologist or an expert in metabolic disorders advice.
Swift reduction in metabolism
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
As per your number and complaints, you had a swifter change in basal metabolic rate. We expect very slow metabolism after 55 yrs of age and gradually reduces further post 75 years of age. So do you think you had faster reduction in this rate after certain age?
Did you meet a metabolic disorder expert in your area/city? Muscle is gradually replaced by sub cutaneous fat and the adipose tissue around the organs. Does not that explain the numbers that you have? I know this is not all it but there may be some organic cause as I mentioned in my first reply.
Seek an Endocrinologist or an expert in metabolic disorders advice.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Aparna Kohli
Dear Dr. XXXXXXX Mazumdar,
Thank you. Yes this has happened very rapidly. Currently I am seeing a GP and a Neurologist who follows my MS. I just about conversion disorder and it certainly seems a viable diagnosis.
My question is, should I first seek to see an Endocrinologist and only then seek to see a Psychiatrist or Psychlogist? There are many in this area who diagnose and treat conversion disorders.
Also, when seeking an Endocrinologist who treats metabolic disorders, are there specific questions I should ask when selecting a doctor, or is mentioning metabolic disorders enough to make certain I find one who is qualified?
Thank you. Yes this has happened very rapidly. Currently I am seeing a GP and a Neurologist who follows my MS. I just about conversion disorder and it certainly seems a viable diagnosis.
My question is, should I first seek to see an Endocrinologist and only then seek to see a Psychiatrist or Psychlogist? There are many in this area who diagnose and treat conversion disorders.
Also, when seeking an Endocrinologist who treats metabolic disorders, are there specific questions I should ask when selecting a doctor, or is mentioning metabolic disorders enough to make certain I find one who is qualified?
Brief Answer:
Geriatrician plus Geriatric Psychiatrist
Detailed Answer:
Your point of care is your GP (Geriatrician) who should refer you to Endocrinologist and Psychiatrist and Psychologist as well .
You should take these two possibilities to your GP first and ask his opinion and for referral. The concept of follow up and monitored care is important in situations like these. If Endocrinologist has anything to do with the metabolism and he can accept you as a new patient and monitor, else he can give it back to the GP to refer to Psychiatrist.
As I believe both Geriatrician and Psychiatrist are two best choices to take care of your ongoing malady / apprehension.
All the very best.
Geriatrician plus Geriatric Psychiatrist
Detailed Answer:
Your point of care is your GP (Geriatrician) who should refer you to Endocrinologist and Psychiatrist and Psychologist as well .
You should take these two possibilities to your GP first and ask his opinion and for referral. The concept of follow up and monitored care is important in situations like these. If Endocrinologist has anything to do with the metabolism and he can accept you as a new patient and monitor, else he can give it back to the GP to refer to Psychiatrist.
As I believe both Geriatrician and Psychiatrist are two best choices to take care of your ongoing malady / apprehension.
All the very best.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Aparna Kohli
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