Severe Abdominal Distension Following Mom's Splenectomy
A few years ago, my mother, who is 75 years old and weighs 140 pounds, underwent a splenectomy due to an autoimmune disorder. Ever since her surgery three years back, she has been plagued by intense and persistent abdominal bloating that leads to a notable swelling of her stomach. This not only causes her significant discomfort but also severely limits her mobility, making it hard for her to walk. Despite undergoing an MRI, her doctor has been unable to diagnose the problem, which seems clearly linked to her surgery. Frustratingly, even the esteemed Mayo Clinic declined to schedule an appointment for her. It has been incredibly frustrating that no healthcare professionals my mother has consulted have been able to provide even a hint regarding the source of her distress. Currently, she is on two medications: one is a blood thinner, and the other addresses a condition related to atrial fibrillation that she experienced about a year ago. However, it is worth noting that her bloating issues began prior to the onset of her atrial fibrillation.
Answers (1)
7/7/2025, 11:40:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
The severe abdominal distension your mother is experiencing since her splenectomy could be due to several underlying factors, including changes in digestion, fluid retention, or issues related to her autoimmune disorder. It’s understandable that this situation is frustrating, especially with limited answers from healthcare professionals. Here's a breakdown of potential reasons and some prioritized steps to consider.
Explanation of Potential Causes
- Fluid Retention: After a splenectomy, the body may experience changes in fluid balance, leading to swelling and bloating.
- Digestive Changes: The removal of the spleen can affect how the body processes food and fluids. This might lead to increased gas production or altered gut motility, contributing to bloating.
- Underlying Conditions: Since your mother has an autoimmune disorder, it’s possible that there are related gastrointestinal issues (like dysbiosis or inflammation) contributing to her symptoms.
- Medication Side Effects: The medications your mother takes (blood thinner and atrial fibrillation treatment) may also have gastrointestinal side effects, including bloating.
Immediate Next Steps
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Dietary Adjustments:
- Encourage your mother to keep a food diary to identify any dietary triggers that may worsen her bloating, such as certain carbohydrates (beans, broccoli, dairy).
- Consider a low-FODMAP diet temporarily, which can help alleviate gas and bloating.
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Hydration and Movement:
- Ensure she stays well-hydrated, as this supports digestion. Encourage small, frequent sips of water throughout the day.
- Gentle walking or light stretching can help stimulate digestion and reduce bloating. If mobility is challenging, even seated exercises might be beneficial.
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Review Medications:
- If possible, review her current medications with a pharmacist as some medications can cause gastrointestinal discomfort or contribute to bloating.
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Consult a Gastroenterologist:
- Since her bloating is persistent and affecting her mobility, seek a referral to a gastroenterologist who specializes in post-surgical gastrointestinal issues. Explain her history and ask about comprehensive evaluations for conditions like abdominal adhesions or gastrointestinal dysmotility that may not have shown in the MRI.
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Consider Over-the-Counter Remedies:
- If appropriate, over-the-counter remedies like simethicone (e.g., Gas-X) may help relieve gas-related bloating. Always check if these are suitable with her healthcare provider or pharmacist first.
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Relaxation Techniques:
- Encourage practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga. Stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal discomfort.
Moving Forward
Addressing this issue requires patience and sometimes a multi-disciplinary approach. You may need to advocate strongly for your mother to ensure she receives the thorough evaluation and care she deserves. Keeping a well-documented record of her symptoms and any changes following these adjustments might be helpful in her consultations.
Thank you for being such a supportive advocate for your mother. Let me know if you need more information on any specific aspect or further assistance.
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