Abdominal swelling & various other symptoms. What could this be?

Question

Over the past month I have had on & off abdominal swelling. It started in the upper-left portion of my abdomen with occasional burning. Now it has moved to the center of my abdomen, where it feels like someone has punched that spot really hard. It is very tender, swollen, and hurts if I touch it. The pain gets worse after eating. I've also had:

Weight gain
Irritability
Heartburn
Absent menstrual period
Vomiting
Excessive fatigue
Excessive gas and belching
Diarrhea

Any ideas?

I've also been to the doctor, but she thinks that I just have a virus? She didn't do much for me, just prescribed Zantac for my heartburn.

Barium swallow?

How can it be Chron's or an ulcer when all of that is typically associated with weight loss as well? I'm concerned because I have been GAINING weight, but I haven't been eating out of the norm, and I've been having a lot of diaherra.

Answer 1

Sounds like a gastrointestinal disorder. Several of the symptoms suggest that you have something going on with your digestive system. Definitely see a physician. It could be ulcerative colitis or crohns disease. However; extensive tests are needed to diagnose. Don't mess around and wait for the symptoms to subside. If your intestines become torn or if your appendix is inflamed it could cause you major sickness or even death if the toxins are allowed to reach your bloodstream.

Answer 2

You could have so many different problems from gallstone to ulcer to a list of many other things wrong with you.
I suggest you ask the doctor to have an ultrasound done to see what is going on. Make sure he does a complete blood work on you as well.
If the doctor does not help then see another doctor at the ER if you must. Good luck!

PS. Barium swallow is so they can see what is X-rayed. They use that to coat the lining of the stomach so it shows up on X-ray.It is a chalky drink they have you take before the X-ray.

PS again: You CAN gain weight with an ulcer or other problems going on so get the ultra sound.

Answer 3

Hi there, Like someone else said, drink lots of water. Also, if they ache a bit (like mine did), you should try sleeping while holding some balled socks in your hand. My midwife gave me that tip and strangely it works. Try to keep your hands elevated above the level of your heart. And i'd put your rings in the jewellery box till baby's born! Swelling is a symptom of pre-eclampsia so mention it at your next midwife visit. If you experience any other symtoms associated with pre-eclampsia, then make an appointment asap. Other symptoms include headaches, impaired vision, severe pain under ribs, sudden swelling of the face, high bp and protein in urine. Swelling of hands and feet is very common in pregnancy and nothing to worry about on it's own.

Answer 4

I have to ask the obvious.......WHY haven't you gone to the doctor? I mean, really....come on, now.

Sounds like you have an intestinal condition. It could be diverticulitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome.....many things. Only your doctor can order the tests to find out.

Answer 5

Your digestive symptom seems to match those of a gallbladder problem. So read about gallbadder problems and see if your doctor can verify that is or is not the problem.

http://www.webmd.com/hw/gallstones/hw107153.asp?pagenumber=2

Answer 6

Possibly an ovarian problem. Seems like you should have made an appointment with your doctor before now.

Answer 7

could be ittritible bowel sydrome sorry if spelt wrong,,, or a infection go to see your doctor and get checked over,,, will put your mind at ease - good luck

Answer 8

possible miss-carriage or ulcer

Answer 9

could u have appedisidus.....idk how to spell it...but it has to do with your appendix

Answer 10

hernia!