Painful bloating in stomach - PLEASE HELP

Hi--it appears that Two_Westies is NOT online tonight--let me know if I can be of service ( I'm an FP specializing in GI disorders)

--Dr. Steve

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Definitely! I'll take any help I can get! Thank you for your time.

Thanks Lizzylou--glad to help; a few Q's first though:

-WHEN (exactly) did the painful bloating start?

-Is this a NEW, acute occurrence, or have you been having these episodes for some time now (if so--how long)?

-How long ago was last meal?....what did you eat?

-How you been passing gas today (burps or flatus)?

-When was your last period?...are you on birth control?

Please note that your well-thought out responses to these questions will

greatly assist me in narrowing down the possible diagnoses, so I can reply to you

with more accurate and helpful medical advice.

Thanks, --Dr. Steve, Your Online Family Doctor

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Hey Dr. Steve,
Thanks again for helping me out. I really appreciate you!

- My last period was September 24-28. I should start my next period next Monday or Tuesday. Yes, I am on birth control, but my body reacts strangely to the pill. Some months, I still ovulate. My boyfriend and I had sex (with withdrawal method) on Friday, September 30, the day before I began my new pack of pills.

- I began feeling bloated and such about a week ago. I really started feeling worse (more stomach pain and more noticable bloat) yesterday. My breasts feel larger, but they aren't sore at all.

- No gas, in any form, any more than usual.

- My last meal was spaghetti - around 8:00 p.m. - but these feeling had begun much earlier.

If you need any other information, please let me know. I'll be online! Thank you again!

Hi Lizzy--it's my privilege to help you!

Based on the timings, I very much DOUBT you're pregnant (less than 10% chance, but NOT impossible; in fact, if no menses by next tuesday--DO a preg test).

Based on all the info you gave, there are 2 Hi-probability Diagnoses:

1. Gastritis (most likely): Literally, means "inflammation of the stomach" [explains your symptoms]; here's a free link to more details:

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gastritis/index.htm (this lists the CAUSES of gastritis, and what tests need to be done to confirm it--ask your MD about the tests).

How to self-treat gastritis, initially?:

-Buy OTC Zantac 75mg (any drugstore): take 1 tab 2x/day; this will start healing the gastric inflamm.; NEXT: take Mylicon Antigas Tabs--2 tabs JUST before each meal.

-Also: stick to a Bland diet (No spices; caffeine; alcohol; acidic foods; greasy foods)

-IF sx don't improve signif. within 5-7 days, SEE YOUR MD for Dx tests and/or stronger RX meds.

2. Irritable bowel syndrome [IBS]--less likely ; here's a public link:

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs_ez/ (everything here is pretty self-explanatory; but I would bet my money that you have GASTRITIS, not IBS)

I hope you found this to be helpful-IF SO, please hit **ACCEPT** as you read this Answer, so that I will be credited for my time. THANKS !

Best wishes for speedy recovery Lizzy!

--Dr. Steve

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