Abdominal pain, bloating, and rapid weight gain- NOT PMS!

Well, I cried after reading all the information that has been shared on the subject, mainly because the  battery of tests, pills, antibiotics, doctors and charcocaps really didn't help the situation.  I haven't even been to the doctors yet knowing everything will be a mystery. And no real help is waiting. I know I went through this with severe PMS. I mean the kind that makes you walk that fine line of living through another day.  Remember 20 years ago no one believed in PMS. Well some of  you do.  Well now I'm 53 and look 7 months pregnant.  Sorry to repeat but yes I'm skinny my hole life, exercise, eat right, don't smoke. yata yata.  So I have white hair and a pregnant belly.  Ya embarrassing.  I want to wear a t-shirt that says" I'm a surrogate".  well, i'm making a doctors appt. I guess I'll have to do the clothes thing.  And, ah, well good to have a place to vent.  And I know I'm not crazy just like I wasn't 20 years ago.  Best of Luck to all. Thanks !!!

I am 32.  I look 9 months pregnant.  I'm not pregnant!  I am having hot flashes, night sweats, my period is 2 weeks late.  I have gained 10 plus pounds in 2 weeks

Hello :) I was searching online for people who have had similar symptoms as I have the past few days. Its very interesting how the similar symptoms can be different diagnosis :) I have for many years felt pain in my right side of my stomache near my kidney and it always hurt to wear jeans or press down on it. I never had the money to find out what was wrong with me til finally I was rushed into the ER last night and found that the pain in my side was my ovary! LOL...that is so strange to me and Im searching to find someone out there who is having the same situation. I find it so strange but the doctor said it happens. When your body gets too many hormones in it the ovary can actually wonder around. Here i was thinking it was in a fixed place. ?  ***this post is edited by moderator *** *** private e-mails not allowed*** Please read our Terms of Use

I am 29yrs old.. I have given birth to 4 children.. I am suffering from similar symptoms as everyone else here. I have having major cramping one day and thought that i was just constipated so I took a laxative. It helped for the first time the symptoms appeared. It no longer works no matter how many i take.. :-(  I no longer have sever ab pain, i feel nauseous every once in a while.  I currently am not do, to have my monthly for a few more days and i look like i could give birth at any time.. Its only in my lower ab area... I went to the doctor as well and was told that i am just getting older.  This is causing me to become very depressed.. It is affecting my life in every way.. I am lost here.. i have never had any problems with things that go wrong inside my body everything worked like it was supposed to then in one night it seemed to go wrong..

Brandi Coody West wrote:

I am 32.  I look 9 months pregnant.  I'm not pregnant!  I am having hot flashes, night sweats, my period is 2 weeks late.  I have gained 10 plus pounds in 2 weeks

Brandi, I am 27 and three years ago was diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Failure.  I did not get a period for 7 months, started having terrible hot flashes and night sweats.  After much hormone level testing, that was my diagnosis, basically my hormones were in post menopausal levels.  I have to take estrogen and a progesterone now just to replace the hormones that my ovaries quit producing.  Estrogen pills (Etradiol), NOT Premarin - which is made from pregnant horse urine- and a pill called Medroxyprogesterone which I have to take two weeks per month to create a period in order to avoid endometriosis.  I suggest getting your hormone levels checked.

I have only begun gaining weight in the last year (from a 110 pounds, which was my regular weight for years, to weighing in at about 133 as of yesterday).  I watch what I eat, hit the gym regularly and am very active, but nothing seems to stop my weight gain.  I have also noticed that it is centered in my hips and thighs, as well as my stomach looks a bit pregnant and is hard to the touch.  I thought it was underlying muscle from the gym, but do not think so anymore.  I also have had issues with constant constipation and gas.  Does anyone have any clue what the heck is going on?  I have spoken to doctors, personal trainers, etc. and all they do is look at me funny or say that it is either hormones or my diet.  Well gee thanks guys...Duh!  I am desperate to stop gaining weight and stop looking pregnant...has anyone found something that works?  I am going to go buy some mineral oil in hopes that maybe serious constipation is causing the pregnant look and have been taking Phazyme in hopes that it will also help the bloated look.  It seems to help somewhat, but now to take care of the weight gain...

hello im actually going thru the same thing but i have what is called PCOS WHICH IS Ovarian Cysts AND WHAT MY STEP MOM IS SAYING YOU BETTER GET SEEN AS SOON AS POSIBLE CAUSE IF IT ERUPTED YOU COULD ACTUALLY LOOSE YOUR OVARYS AND MORE AND LYKLY NOT BARE CHILDREN

I want to thank the poster, "Lortiz", as she saved me a trip to the hospital last night.  I was on online desperately searching for a remedy to what was going on with my body, and came across this forum.

3 days ago, I got up and started my day as normal, and as I was walking my dog, I began to feel a sudden gas "bubble" filling up my intestines, and it quickly became worse, to the point that I could feel the pressure in my hips, my entire torso area, and under my ribcage.  I knew it was gas, and so I went home and took Gas-X Maximum Strength.  The pain from the gas pressure was getting worse, and while I was in the shower getting myself ready for work, I suddenly began to feel very light-headed and nauseated.  It was so intense, that I had to climb out of the shower, for fear of falling, dripping wet, and squat down next to the toilet, holding my head down as low as I could.

I thought I was going to throw up, but nothing...just bile.  I went and laid down on my bed, and elevated my feet, and the light-headedness started to subside, but never completely.  I slowly finished getting ready for work.

I get to work, and I felt like a little old lady walking around, for all the pressure built up in my intestines.  It felt as if someone had a sharp object and was poking me with every move I made.  I noticed it was getting hard to breath, as the sharp jabs were pretty intense.  I started to feel so hot, and started breaking out in sweat.  Then came the nausea and light-headedness again.  So I ended up leaving work to go home and lay down.  It was all I could do, to walk through Walgreens, grab some Gatorade and Pepto Bismol, and drive myself home.  I felt fatigued, and it was a chore just taking my work clothing off my body, for the light-headedness.

I couldn't sit or lay down in ANY position, and find comfort.  I couldn't help but moan each time I felt those jabbing gas pressure pains, and my muscles would tense up and be sore.  My husband called to check on me, and I had to stop and take breaths as I talked to him, for all the pressure under my ribcage. 

I continued drinking Gatorade and water, and noticed the Gas-X pills weren't even touching my gas or bloating.  I took a hot bath to try and alleviate the pressure and pain, and then laid down in bed.  I felt my bowels and intestines moving as if I need to pass gas...but nothing would come out, not even belching.  I slowly tossed and turned in bed all night trying to find a comfortable position.  My husband started to get really worried, and thought it might be my appendix or pancreas having problems.  But we don't have health insurance, and I just had a feeling that it was simply trapped gas that couldn't release.

I stayed home from work the next day...going through the same symptoms all day long.  No fever, just light-headed, some nausea, and I didn't dare eat anything.  Just focused on Gatorade and water, hoping to eventually "push" the gas through.  I was starting to wonder if I had a blockage.

I finally ate some food last night, and thought I was starting to have some relief, and then I started feeling very tired and bloated again.  Still no gas passing.  I laid in bed and really started to wonder if I shouldn't go to the ER and find out what's going on with my body.  Finally, I got up out of bed, got on the internet, found this forum, with Lortiz's post about Activated Charcoal tablets, and thought I would give it a try.

My husband ran to Walgreens about 11pm last night and found some for me.  I took two capsules as directed, with water, and by 2am this morning, I was finally passing gas and the bloating began to subside.  Not to sound gross, but I was finally able to pass gass the remainder of the morning, have some small bowel movements, and the bloating is almost completely gone now.  I feel well enough to return to work today!  So I can't say enough about the Activated Charcoal capsules.  It's like a miracle for me, and it can't hurt you try it.  It's also a detoxifier, but as Lortiz mentioned, if you are on any medications, be sure to take them 2 HOURS prior to using the charcoal, or 2 HOURS after taking the charcoal, as it will cause your medication not to work properly and lose it's effect.  The directions suggest taking the charcoal with a meal to help prevent the gas and bloating, and you can also use it anytime, like in my case.  I had never experienced anything like this in my life, and thanks to the charcoal, I am doing MUCH better now.  THANK YOU LORTIZ!!!  GOD BLESS YOU!!!

I forgot to mention, that I am 40 years old, never been able to have children (3 miscarriages in past years), and started to wonder after reading these posts if I wasn't having PMS or ovary issues, as my cycle is due to start in one week or less. By no means am I a doctor or expert on what is going on with you other ladies, but the charcoal capsules are a natural and safe remedy, and will clean out your digestive system...so it can't hurt to try. I would be interested to know if the charcoal helped anyone else. I hope that the ladies that have been through so many visits to their doctor, and the many xrays and procedures done, are able to find some help and relief. This is a terrible way to feel, and although our situations may be different, I hope the charcoal can help someone else out there.

I am 38, mother of five, stable weight since I reached adulthood. I have been perfectly healthy up to this point, with absolutely zero health issues whatsoever. I am now experiencing similar symptoms (unexplained weight gain 15+ lbs, abdominal bloating that mimics pregnancy, gas day and night, occasional nausea), except I have only had crippling abnominal pain once or twice, where I could not get up and move around. Otherwise I just feel very "heavy" and my stomach sticks way out. I can feel my stomach rumbling around occasionally, but it's not painful, however, sometimes the rumbling is enough to register at night while I am sleeping. I do wake at times with extreme pains, but i never wake myself up enough to figure out where the pain is originating. I feel like I have lots of something in my abdomen, behind my abdominal muscles, but I have regular bowel movements and have never been constipated, so I can't figure it out. I am also very depressed. I have gained some fat on my thighs and abdominal area, which will not come off no matter what I do. The only way I have found to stop by weight from continuing to skyrocket is to exercise intensely 2 hours a day and basically starve myself (1500-1700 calories.) I did this consistently for 6 months (Jan-Jun). I lost only 4 of the pounds, but by June I had NO energy. I had to cut down my exercise to 90 minutes, do it very slowly, and for the rest of the day I felt like a sloth trying to move under water. I couldn't do anything except lay on the couch. So, I bagged the 1500 calories and 2 hours of exercise, got my energy back, but gained the 4 pounds plus more, and am back to this severe bloating and rapid weight gain problem. Because I'm 5'-2" and have weighed around 105 my entire adult life with little effort, 15 and counting extra pounds is a lot for my small frame. I have become a hermit and only leave the house to interact with people 1x/week for church. I can't bear the thought of being in a social setting, because of my gas, my weight gain and my stomach sticking out. When I do go out I have to really suck in my abs the whole time, otherwise I know people will ask me if I'm pregnant, and I wouldn't be able to bear it. My hands and feet also fall asleep a lot if I am not always moving around. I have thoughts of suicide, although I never actually would do it.  The reason for my depressed mood is that my life now (hermit, fat, physically compromised) is so different from what it was even a year ago. I've never been slowed down by physical ailments, and been so big that I couldn't exercise easily.  (I've run on average 28-35 miles for the last 20+ years).  Now it's difficult for me to get around my neighborhood, because of the extra weight.  I've had my thyroid and hormone levels checked, they are supposedly normal. Does anyone on the blog have any advice? (I'm going to try the coal treatment, but that seems to only treat the symptom, not the underlying origin of the cause.)

I'm so sorry you are going through this. Could your metabolism be slower as a result of any medications you are taking? Check the side-effects. Wishing you the best.

We have had the same experience it seems, very frustrating. I found a solution by attending a gym, low impact and definitely, drinking more water.I did lose the weight. However, due to other probs, had to give up gym. Problem as returned and I have had numerous tests. Bowel movement varies to the extreme and I do not like what I see in the toilet, stools are weird, rarely normal in colour or size.My rapid weight gain is unbelievable. Thanks for your information, will try anything!!

Im too tired of the discomfort and pain of the bloating, wind and weight gain. Ive been tested for ovarian cancer and although i do have IBS it does not seem to be this....doing everything to assist with IBS has not halped these other symptoms. doctors dont know either. If someone comes up with something Id love to read and try it!  I tried sprilina, which is about the time all this started, because i neede energy...people with IBS shouldnt take sprirlina...found that out. but still, over a year later, no change, even when i eat all the right things, drink yukult, and use natural constipation meds.  someone must make a break through soon.  I too dont go out for dinner etc any more, its too limiting and too embarrassing...I dont want to live like this but nothing seems to work!!! good luck someone in a break through!!

I've just come across this post. Are you still checking this forum, guest from 2/27/07? If so, I wanted to let you know of my experience. I had very similar symptoms but they would come and go. One of the first times, which was extreme, I was hospitalized for several days. Lots of tests, nothing discovered. Over the period of a year or so, I had every test in the book; it was a mystery to doctors. Very discouraging. And after a while I think the doctors get discouraged :). They didn't know what else to test for or what it could be. (I think they might prefer to think it's in your head... but of course it isn't.) Eventually, I relied on myself to keep journals, track what I ate, when my period was, notice any possible connection I could think of.

I too have been haveing this problem for many months now almost over a year to be exact. I started having sharp pounding pains on the left side of my lower abdomen. I went to a DR about it and she sent me to have an ultrasound (it cost me over $1000.00!) They found nothing, so then she wanted to run a series of allergie tests and blood test and order other different pannels to see what was going on with me. I know from the DR's point of view she wanted to rule out all posibble issues such as ovarian cysts, cancer etc.. but she should have ran all the cheep affordable tests first in my opinion.

I remembered someone once said I could be allergic to Gluten (protein found in wheat and flour) so I decided to just not eat any wheat or flour products for a while and see if the pain goes away. It did for some time and then when I would just eat wheat a few hours later I'd hurt in my lower left side again.

However, I still have the problem of bloating and feeling fat or looking prego as many other women describe on here. I looked up some things on what would cause this and determined it can be caused to eating yeasty foods. Mushrooms, bread (even gluten free bread, pasta's etc..) have yeast in it and after you eat too much yeast it rises in your tummy as bread risies in an oven. So I've limited yeast in my diet... even wine and beer (red bridge is a gluten free beer - but has yeast in it) it sucks it's like I have an eating disorder as my husband describes it because all i can really eat without hurting or being severly bloated is water, tea, fruits and veggies, rice, beans, some meat and well lol that's about it -  deffinatly a very healthy diet and I do make sure it is well balanced but still sucks.

I did got to the store and get the "Charco Caps", but they do cause constapation and being constapated can make you bloat too! So I bought a "Colon Cleanz" by body gold  to flush me out first then I'll take the choco caps and see how things go from there. I deffinatly do not like to have this problem a few days before I start my period also.. strange this happens now. I'll be 30 in 2 months and before I was 29 I never had these kind of problems - ever. I truly blame it all on the food industry, I swear the way the FDA has altered our food by genetically engerneering, cross-polinating, ripening fruits and veggies with chemicals, and allowing certain products one would never eat alone into our creams, sauces, spices, cooking ware (tephlon) etc... it's a wonder why anyone is able to function at all. They want us to get sick so we are forced to go to the DR and have a bill. I really think there is a mastermind behind it all and were puppits for them to play with.

"If you can't pronounce it or understand the food lable don't eat it!"

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