Concerns About Persistent Bloating in an Underweight Female (33F)
Greetings! I appreciate you taking a moment to read my message. I’d like to share my experience regarding a troubling health issue. Currently, I’m on the light side, weighing roughly 106 pounds at a height of 5’4”, which gives me a BMI of approximately 18.2. I mention this not to focus on weight but to emphasize that my bloating feels significant and different from what might be typical for someone of my build; it is firm and uncomfortable to the touch. This bloating is noticeable even upon waking, indicating that it is not merely post-meal discomfort, as this particular observation stems from having an empty stomach. Importantly, I am not experiencing any pain or additional gastrointestinal symptoms. There is a history of autoimmune disorders in my family, and I have been dealing with some other troubling symptoms, including extreme fatigue and neuropathy, characterized by unusual numbness, weakness, tremors, and nerve pain. After discussing my situation with my general practitioner, I received reassurance about being healthy and young, implying that it might not be a concern. However, given my family history, they recommended a consultation with a rheumatologist. The rheumatologist conducted a variety of tests, including an ANA panel, complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), along with several specific antibody assessments focusing on autoimmune conditions. The ANA results came back positive with a titer of 1:340; however, only the Ss-B antibody was identified as positive. I was informed that this doesn’t necessarily point to a definitive condition, leaving many options open. Ultimately, the specialists expressed that while my results suggest some underlying issue, without a concrete diagnosis, there are no treatment options available. Their suggestion was to monitor my condition and wait to see if symptoms resolved or worsened. Recently, my bloating has intensified, becoming more frequent despite my attempts at self-management, including undergoing elimination diets for various potential allergens, gluten included. These efforts haven’t yielded the results I hoped for, leading me to suspect that my symptoms may not be related to food sensitivities. Considering my already slim physique, losing additional weight is not a feasible or healthy direction for me. Moreover, I am aware that several autoimmune conditions—such as LADA type 1 diabetes, Addison's disease, mitochondrial disorders, and lupus—are prevalent among my relatives. In addition, I have felt several hard lumps, perhaps two or three, in my lower left abdomen, roughly two inches inside my hip bones. I noticed these about six months ago, and their presence, combined with the ongoing bloating, raises concerns for me, especially given that pronounced bloating can sometimes signify more serious health issues, including ovarian cancer. I would greatly appreciate any insight regarding potential diagnostic paths to pursue. Given the dismissive attitudes I encountered with both my GP and the rheumatologist, I am left feeling uncertain about how to proceed. Any guidance would be invaluable.
Answers (1)
6/24/2025, 2:01:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your detailed concerns. It’s understandable to feel anxious given the combination of persistent bloating, your family history, and the symptoms you've described. Let's break this down and identify some critical actions for you.
Main Points:
- Persistent Bloating and Family History: Your bloating is notable, especially for being firm and occurring even on an empty stomach. Given your background with autoimmune issues and additional symptoms like fatigue and neuropathy, it's essential to pursue further evaluation.
- Unidentified Lumps: The hard lumps in your abdomen and the increasing severity of your bloating are significant and warrant attention.
Explanation:
Bloating often arises from various factors, including gastrointestinal issues, diet sensitivities, and, in some cases, more serious conditions. The presence of autoimmune markers and your family history increases the importance of understanding the underlying causes of your symptoms, especially since autoimmune disorders can manifest in diverse ways.
Your concerns regarding the lumps and bloating are valid, as they can be indicators of various health issues, including gastrointestinal conditions or other systemic problems. It's good that you've been proactive in managing your diet, but since those efforts haven't helped, it might be time to consider broader diagnostic approaches.
Recommended Next Steps:
- Follow-Up Imaging: Request an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan. This can help visualize the lumps and identify any other abnormalities in your abdominal structures.
- Gastroenterology Consultation: Given the persistent bloating and fatigue, a gastroenterologist can provide deeper insights, possibly conducting tests like an upper GI series or an endoscopy if necessary. They can evaluate for conditions such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Autoimmune Condition Monitoring: Continue monitoring your symptoms for changes. Given that your ANA is positive, but without a definitive diagnosis, ask your rheumatologist about follow-up tests or referrals to specialists who focus on your specific symptoms (like endocrinology for potential issues related to LADA or Addison's disease).
- Keep a Symptom Diary: Document your symptoms, including their frequency, duration, and any correlating factors (like diet or stress). This can provide valuable information when discussing your case with specialists.
- Consider Lifestyle Adjustments: Ensure you stay hydrated and consider gentle, easy-to-digest foods to help manage bloating. Avoiding high-fiber foods for a short period may sometimes improve symptoms, but ensure you're still getting essential nutrients.
Final Note:
It can be disheartening to feel dismissed by healthcare providers, but persisting in seeking clarity is crucial. You're your best advocate, and if you feel something isn't right, it's important to continue pursuing answers. Please feel free to reach out if you need more information or support along this journey.
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