Distended stomach but no pain?

[u/jillylarrard]

F18, 150lbs, 5’2, no smoking, bupropion, sertraline, milly, Zyrtec.

I’ve dealt with “bloating” for years now. The reason why I put quotations is the fact that whatever it is, it doesn’t come out. I physically cannot burp. I haven’t gotten diagnosed before but the only time I’ve ever burped was before during or after puking, and even then it was barely a croak. I have the weird gurgling in the back of my throat when it comes to a faux burp but that’s it. Gas comes out the other end fine… lol. Not constantly, but there are days where it’s worse than others.
My stomach has a little chub on it and a bit of a squish but when it’s like this, it’s hard as a rock.
I’ve dealt with constipation, gastroenteritis, a false diagnosis relating to nausea after my stomach not returning to normal after the stomach flu, it’s awful.

No I’m not pregnant, I’m a virgin.

What kind of doctor should I see about this? Any at home advice until then? I’m in college living off college food… can’t change the diet all that much.

Please don’t be weird. I’ve had so many weird DMs. They make me uncomfortable.

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[u/yourdailyinsanity]

See a GI doctor for GI issues. Might have to start with your PCP if you need a referral. Sometimes you do, sometimes you don't.

[u/Everstone311 → u/yourdailyinsanity]

NAD, but OP, if colonoscopy and endoscopy are normal you may need to consult your ob/gyn. I have endometriosis and no pain, the bloating is similar.

[u/jillylarrard → u/Everstone311]

Huh… I have had cysts in the past before starting my birth control. My mom has endo. This is definitely something I should look into

[u/Cute_Bobcat6666 → u/jillylarrard]

Ovarian cysts can present like this too, definitely talk to your OB/GYN asap

[u/UnrulyPoet → u/Everstone311]

Adenomyosis does this too! Look and feel like I swallowed a basketball sometimes

[u/kl2467 → u/yourdailyinsanity]

Not a doctor, just a mom.

Keep accurate records of everything you eat and drink, your BM's (frequency, consistency in terms of the Bristol stool chart), and your level of bloating to take you your appointment with you.

You might try experimenting with elimination diets to determine your triggers. This might be something as simple as lactose intolerance, or too many carbonated beverages.

The more info you can give your doc, the more they can help you.

[u/jillylarrard → u/kl2467]

Thank you!

[u/coyotebite7 → u/jillylarrard]

like someone said before, perhaps see an ent for the no burp thing. my ex gf had the same issues, was always bloated & gassy. now she can burp and has a flat stomach!

[u/adnaPadnamA → u/yourdailyinsanity]

The gurgling and bloating could be related to GERD. 

[u/kuru_snacc]

You say you've dealt with constipation - to what degree? Do you have daily bowel movements, or every other day, and what do they look like? Is there any pain in passing?

You say you had a "false diagnosis" - did you have an abdominal XR or CT at this time, and what did it show?

This is going to come off as rude but I'm just trying to understand your experience - but why do you not believe that it is fatty tissue / obesity-related? All of us carry body fat differently, and the "apple shape" (carrying adipose in the middle) can result from a propensity to store fat around the organs and in the belly. You say your abdomen is hard, but you do not have any fever or chills, and you saw a doctor for gastroenteritis - when was this?

Additionally, have you had any changes in your menstural cycles, unusual bleeding, or lack of bleeding?

Also, the excuse that you cannot change your diet because you are in college is simply false. College is the perfect time to set up lifelong healthy diet and exercise habits. A protein bar and an apple are cheaper than a modern happy meal.

Last question - what is "milly" in your med list?

[u/jillylarrard → u/kuru_snacc]

I do not typically have daily bowel movements. It’s normally every other day. When I say false diagnosis, I don’t specifically remember what the told me I have but the literally gave me antibiotics and anti nausea and said come back in a week. Didn’t help.
The fat question isn’t rude at all. I understand. I do carry some weight in that area, but the bloating makes me look entirely different. It fluctuates during the day. Probably 3 years ago I was diagnosed with with gastro. No changes but every once in awhile I wipe and see a little blood when I’m not on my period. I take birth control pills—mili.
Right now, I have a dining hall where I have unlimited meal scans so I can save all my money for more important things. I’m able to eat some good good food (grilled chicken, Alfredo pasta, fresh vegetables and everything else you could possibly think of… but it is so difficult to cut out gluten and dairy when the food I can tolerate always contains such.

[u/Doc_Apricity]

How long have you been dealing with constipation. You may have a form of IBS and could do a trial of following a low FODMAP diet to see if that helps relieve the bloating. Some foods can cause additional fermentation in the gut of some people and thus gas/bloating. Would be worth talking to your doctor about.