bloating constipation eating disorder etc - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

firedancer · 02-28-2002, 09:36 AM

know this is a bit long but PLEASE read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For several years now anytime i eat or drink ANYTHING, even just water, i become extremely bloated. I mean my stomach actually goes up a few jean sizes. I look pregnant. And when i eat a meal my stomach often hurts afterwards. I usually try to just eat tiny snacks. But by the end of the day i still look pregnant. I have tried everything for gas. it doesn't help. I have been to a gastroenterologist and he doesn't have a clue. I am always constipated. It has gotten to the point where i eat as little as possible and then when i do eat a regular meal i have to take laxatives after to i can use the bathroom and then my stomach is back to normal. If i don't take them the bloating and abdominal distention is extremely uncomfortable and i feel disgusting. Someone please help me.I have posted at other websites but no one has responded. Please!!!!! I can't live with this anymore!!!! I am getting to the point where laxatives are going to quit working. There has to be some way to fix this problem. Please, i need some advice!!!

My family doctor was the one who refered me to a gastroenterologist. I have had an upper and lower GI done. The x-rays came back normal. But I know something isn't right. I also eat and drink slowly. It doesn't make any difference. If i sip on a glass of water for an hour, when the glass is finally empty, i still have a huge belly. But thank you for your response. If you have any other suggestions i would love to hear them! I am desperate.
I was reluctant to share this info but since i am desperate it may be helpful info in figuring out what is wrong with me, i will. I used to have a bit of a problem with anorexia. Under control for now but could this be the cause of my problems. if so, can anyone offer any other advice. Please, i really need help. thanks.

AND I ALSO FOR SEVERAL YEARS TOOK MINITHINS(CONTAINS EPHEDRA). COULD THIS BE PART OF THE PROBLEM?

THANK YOU FOR READING THIS!I would appreciate any help. I cant deal with this anymore

omodjeska · 03-03-2002, 02:16 AM

Sounds like you have gastroparesis and colonic atony following eating disorder. I have gastroparesis and IBS after suffering from bulimia and anorexia in my teens (read my post). Development of these kinds of conditions of the digestive system are common after eating disorders - it is well documented. Your body basically forgets how to digest food normally and the nervous system that controls the gut goes out of wack. Did you by any chance abuse laxatives? If your gastro doc doesn't know about this I would go and find one who does. Unfortunately none of us know what the cure is. This is what I do, with mixed results: eat little and frequently; don't drink liquids with meals or any time shortly before or afterwards; walk after the evening meal; don't eat after 6pm; steer clear of starchy or fatty foods. Hope I have been of some help.

firedancer4041 · 08-25-2002, 02:53 PM

i just wanted to repost my old message. i am still just the same as when i originally posted the original message. i was just hoping someone out there could help me. i would really appreciate any help. i am desperate.
thank you

legaldiva007 · 08-25-2002, 11:09 PM

deleted by member

08-26-2002, 05:11 AM

Did you read the post above from Omodjeska that suggested that you could have gastroparesis following an eating disorder?

It also sounds like some of your problem is due to long term use of laxatives, which makes your bowel very sluggish and yes, you are right, after years of taking laxatives, it will be very hard to stop them, but that is what you need to do.

You can try a water soluble fiber supplement such as Metamucil and try and drink more fluid, but I would suggest that glycerine suppositories are better than laxatives.