Help! Is This Possible?

[irish daveyboy]

Hi all,

I need help for a change!

I'm gluten-free for 3+ yrs, recent biopsies show Villi completely healed,

full blood test normal limits

(slightly elevated blood sugar 6, and cholesterol 6.5)

.

My problem is I have developed a extremely large distended stomach

over a period of about 10 months.

I was searching for an answer and IBS is a high probability a lot of the symptoms fit.

.

Bowel Movements 4 - 5 a day.

Always feeling full even after just eating 1 gluten-free cracker.

Onset of Panic attacks, especially at night.

Trapped wind, 'belching and flatulence'

Difficult in sleeping (need to use a back rest)

Facial rash, not unlike pre-diagnosis.

.

.

I have been for a Stomach X-Ray.

Next appointment is for an 'Ultrasound'

.

Specialist wants to eliminate Fluid and Fat Deposits

around the Stomach, and God forbid a Tumorous Growth.

.

Is IBS possible or am I just clutching at straws, adding two and two and getting five.

.

I would appreciate your comments and suggestions.

.

Best Regards,

David

[ravenwoodglass]

Have you tried eliminating dairy and/or soy? Could you have some gluten sneaking in somewhere in your toiletries or some place else? Could something you use have changed formulation? Generic meds would be something to check as well as stuff you eat. It sounds like your doctor has a good plan for eliminating some of the more serious causes. I hope this improves for you soon.

[jerseyangel]

Hi David,

I was going to suggest that it might be another intolerance, too. I get very similar symptoms to what you describe when I eat legumes.

Have you tried a trial of eliminating things like soy, dairy, corn, or eggs? I have found that I don't have to be off an offending food for long before I can tell that it was bothering me. It might be worth a try--it's harmless and you might just hit on something.

Best of luck with your ultrasound--keep us posted

[Fiddle-Faddle]

I agree with above suggestions, and also think you might want to rule out:

candida infection

Lyme Disease (which can happen ANYWHERE to ANYONE, despite what most doctors say--40% of currently diagnosed Lyme patients do not recall ever having been bitten by a tick nor having had the famous "bull's-eye" rash. I do not have Lyme myself (that I know of), but have seen a student's father recover from it--diagnosed by a positive blood test after having been told for years that it was all in his head, that he couldn't possibly have it if he didn't have the rash, etc.)

Other bacterial infection of the gut

Candida would be my first suspicion, only because you have posted so many DELICIOUS recipes for breads and desserts!

[GFinDC]

It could just be a cyst too. My sister had a cyst in her abdomen for years that enlarged her stomach area. Eventually she had it removed, and no problem at all everything was fine.

[ksymonds84]

Hi David,

Although I feel great gluten free I still battle with IBS from time to time and it doesn't matter what I eat causing gassy distended stomach etc. I also belong to ibsgroup.org when I am having IBS issues, its a great forum like this one, with many intelligent helpful people. You may want to surf there or possibly ask their experts what they think. IBS though not a disorder, it is a syndrome that does cause symptoms that you have mentioned. When I was not totally getting better, my doctor told me that I am dealing with both conditions. I am also the type that will have the gas problems and loose stools over stress as well. Cutting out carbonated beverages, real coffee and other caffeine, fatty and fried foods helps me a great deal along with keeping my stress under control. Hope you find your answers soon!