OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Guidance: Persistent Bloating and Unexplained Symptoms

**Personal Information:** - **Age:** 21 - **Gender:** Female - **Height:** 172 cm - **Weight:** 75 kg - **Ethnicity:** East African - **Country:** United Kingdom - **Symptoms Duration:** 1.5 years (recently worsening) **Current Health Concerns:** - Chronic constipation - Suspected external hemorrhoids (undiagnosed) - Sharp back pain in the lower midsection - Diagnosed with IBS, although symptoms do not align with typical presentations - **Medications:** Currently taking Dulcolax (temporary use), previously used Lactulose (stopped due to excessive gas and bloating) **Primary Complaint:** I am experiencing severe and ongoing abdominal swelling, resulting in my stomach appearing as though I am 6-9 months pregnant. It feels extremely firm, almost like an unyielding balloon ready to burst. Activities such as coughing or sudden movements are painful, and the weight of my abdomen makes sitting uncomfortable. Adjusting my posture for relief is causing additional strain on my lower back. **Unusual Aspect:** Despite the significant distension, I can actively “suck in” my stomach to achieve a flat appearance. Lying down noticeably reduces the size, beyond what can be attributed to normal fat distribution given my weight. This observation indicates it is not a solid mass or just excess fat; rather, it feels as if my abdominal muscles are excessively tense and cannot loosen. **Neurological Symptoms Being Overlooked:** - **Loss of Bladder Sensation:** I no longer experience the urge to urinate; instead, I go because I am aware it's necessary. A recent examination indicated my bladder was “well distended” at just 274ml, yet I felt no sensation regarding its fullness. After emptying, it went down to 0ml, indicating that the function is intact but the sensation is absent. - **Numbness in Right Leg:** My right leg has frequently been numb and tingling. - **Back Discomfort:** A persistent dragging sensation is felt at my tailbone, alongside sharp pains that occur in my mid-back, especially during yoga poses that involve twisting. **Medical Background:** I have faced chronic constipation for over a year now, which began post-IBS diagnosis (prior to that, my bowel movements were regular, occurring every two days). Lactulose was ineffective and caused painful bloating, hence I switched to Dulcolax, which helps but has not alleviated the abdominal distension. Water intake remains high to aid in clearing out constipation. **Scan Results:** I have had ultrasounds of both the bladder and pelvis that returned normal results; no fibroids or cysts were found, with my uterus appearing healthy and ovaries within normal limits. **Request for Insight:** Has anyone experienced similar symptoms despite receiving normal ultrasound results? My general practitioner attributes it to IBS, but I doubt IBS alone could lead to numbness in my leg or the complete loss of bladder sensation. Even with dietary improvements, I am not seeing a reduction in the swelling. Could this possibly relate to Abdomino-Phrenic Dyssynergia or a nerve/spinal issue? After 1.5 years without clarity, I am feeling exhausted. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on what additional inquiries I should pursue.

Answers (1)

2/17/2026, 12:00:49 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're dealing with a complex and distressing combination of symptoms, which can understandably lead to frustration and concern. The key points from your situation include severe abdominal bloating, chronic constipation, and neurological symptoms like loss of bladder sensation and leg numbness. It's important to address all these aspects systematically.

Explanation

Your symptoms suggest a multifaceted issue that might not solely be attributed to IBS. The severe bloating you describe—feeling firm and distended—along with other symptoms like reduced bladder sensation and leg numbness, might indicate underlying conditions that could involve both gastrointestinal and neurological aspects. Although you've had normal ultrasound results, it’s essential to connect the dots between these various symptoms, as they may point towards a broader issue, possibly involving nerve compression or dysfunction.

Prioritized Next Steps

1. Symptom Diary: Start tracking your daily symptoms, noting when they occur, their severity, and any potential triggers (like certain foods or activities). This can help identify patterns and provide valuable information to your healthcare providers.

2. Diet and Fiber Management: Continue to monitor your diet focusing on high-fiber foods while avoiding excessive gas-producing foods (like beans and carbonated beverages). Consider consulting a registered dietitian who specializes in digestive health for tailored advice.

3. Hydration and Movement: Maintain hydration to assist with constipation but also incorporate gentle physical activity to stimulate bowel function. Sometimes, a simple walk can help alleviate constipation.

4. Posture and Back Care: Consider practicing good posture to relieve back strain and explore gentle stretching or physical therapy focusing on your lower back and core muscles. This may help alleviate some discomfort.

5. Follow Up on Neurological Symptoms: Given your numbness and bladder sensation issues, it's crucial to seek further evaluation from a neurologist. These symptoms need to be assessed to rule out any neurological conditions, as they may not be directly related to your gastrointestinal issues.

6. Explore Other Specialists: If your current healthcare provider attributes your symptoms primarily to IBS, consider asking for a referral to a gastroenterologist who can conduct further tests, such as motility studies or a colonoscopy, to investigate other gastrointestinal disorders.

Reassurance

It’s understandable to feel exhausted and overwhelmed by these ongoing issues. Remember that persistent symptoms like yours warrant thorough investigation, and advocating for your health is important. You deserve a clear understanding of what’s happening in your body, as well as effective management strategies to improve your quality of life.

If you have more questions or need further clarification on specific aspects, feel free to ask. You're taking a positive step by seeking answers, and that is essential in navigating your health journey.