I need of ideas...

Hello all!

I have posted about this a few months back but haven't gotten answers from my doctors. I am still waiting to see a surgeon, but because I have moved out of state, it has been a nightmare.

Anyways... I have had problems with constipation, gas, and bloating. When I do feel like I have to go, it's a "run" only for forceful gas and mucus. Occasionally, I get a bit of actual movement.

i have cut out dairy, gluten, focused on carbs, and still constant dull pain (around belly button). This pain is worse when I eat less. I have been trying to reduce my calories down to around 1200 to lose about 10 lbs. When I eat more, it hurts, but that is when I seem to have success with movement. But, then, no weight loss and more bloating.

On top of this, when I am reducing calories, I am always hungry. Always gassy. I can open my mouth to talk and it will gurgle.

I have had a colonoscopy and and endoscopy and was told everything is fine, probably just IBS. My vitamin D was low and B12 a bit low, so upping supplements. Everything else I am told is normal.

i know this was a long post, and I am still working on the doctor ends, I know that no one is a medical professional, just asking to see if I am alone in this. I don't think it is a blockage, because this has been going on for a while now....

any thoughts or shared expiernced, I would love to hear!

What exactly are you eating? The kind of food you eat matters. Excess carbs will cause gas, bloating, bowel issues, and will make you feel hungry. Maybe give us a sample menu so we can troubleshoot?

Sugar alcohols like malitol, sorbitol, etc. will cause all of those symptoms too.

It could it be SIBO, a bacterial overgrowth in your gut. Google it. There is a specific diet that you can follow.

It could be a bowel obstruction, even if you are passing a small stool. Adhesions can wrap around a small section of bowel and restrict movement, but not block it entirely. Adhesions do not show up on CAT scans or x-rays.

Hi! Thanks for the response. My diet is protein heavy with little carbs and dairy. Veggies mixed in for balance. I dont eat a ton of sugar either. Sugar alcohols I have not been able to tolerate since surgery, so those are out. On a typical day I have my coffee, eggs, string cheese, salad with chicken or protein and veggies, dinner is the same. I snack on popcorn, hard boiled eggs, carrots. So, I am not eating "bad" (by no means perfect).

I have gained about 20lbs since this kicked off and haven't been able to lose it, and if I do get a few off, it's right back up. Even keeping my calories at about 1200-1300.

i know that's a lot of vague info, but the part that concerns me is I haven't gained any weight but this in 9 years, the gas/abdominal pain and mucus stools just don't make sense....

goggle SIBO, Candida, and low FODMAP diet.

You may have an obstruction or just IBS-C. "just" - it is easy to say..but it can be bad. I know - I have it. Google IBS-C.

I have been dealing with that for a few years. I learned what I can eat and what I can't. I take Miralax every day and extra magnesium. I make sure I have a complete BM every day. I know now how a complete vs partial feel like.

if I have partial - I drink more water, eat less dense foods, take more miralax and magnesium. I manage my condition. I drink a lot of liquids. over 100 oz per day. Probably more that that. I start day drinking coffee with Miralax, then tea, then more tea (green or herbal) and some flavored water...I probably drink 64-100 oz of liquids between 6am and noon. if I feel gassy and bloated I eat lightly. Easy to digest foods that should not cause more gas.

I limit fiber - for me - fiber constipates me - and can cause a lot of pain. Some people do better when they limit some fibers. I rarely eat salads. Raw veggies are difficult to digest- and can cause a lot of bloating.

read the study:

"Stopping or reducing dietary fiber intake reduces constipation and its associated symptoms". https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3435786/

I try to follow low to moderately low FODMAP diet. On days I had a very good BM, I may risk some foods that otherwise are risky for me.

I know when foods are "stuck in me" - my gas gets very smelly, and I am bloated, unable to pass it. I also have to strain to have BM. Plus - my belly does not make noises. Things are not moving.

It takes time and lots of trial and errors to find out what foods are "friendly" and which one I have to avoid.

i.e. - beans, cabbage, onions, corn, high fiber bread or wraps - are a big "NO-NO" for me. Most raw veggies- also. Exceptions are cucumbers, a few slices of tomato, avocado, olives, pickles, etc. Well cooked veggies - some are easier for me than others. I can have a few bites of this or that.

Sugar alcohols (SA) even the ones that are safe for most people - are not good for me. even small amount, like in a chewing gum, or chewable vitamins can cause a lot of gas and pain.

Read and research.

I hope you find some solution to what you are dealing with.

FYI: I have SIBO that most likely is responsible for my IBS-C, plus some other issues, like leaky gut, food allergies, dermatitis, etc. When my SIBO gets really bad - I treat it with antibiotics, and a very strict diet. Unfortunately- as of now - I can only make it little better for a few months. Like with candida - SIBO is close to impossible to eradicate. I am able to manage the condition. Maybe one day - it can be "fixed". But for now - it is what it is.

Thank you so much for this!! I am going to look into this. I think you are right about the fiber. I had a salad 2 days ago and was doubled over in pain. Thank you for taking the time to respond!