Big tummy - advice please

[Sarahpaula]

I don't know what to do with my large stomach. I have had a large stomach for most of my adult life, I have been mistaken as pregnant so many times, but lately it seems to be getting even bigger.

I have gone to the doctor numerous times about stomach bloating- they sent me for a colonoscopy, there was nothing found there. They did a urine test one time and said that I had a mild intestine infection and gave me tablets for that. My stomach just seems to be getting bigger. So many people think i am pregnant. My body is such an odd shape. I am not sure what to do. As I am not in severe pain - the doctors dont treat it as urgent when I go in, and take a "lets try this " approach . I am starting to think maybe it is a cyst?

Could you ask for a ct scan maybe?

Have you done stomach muscle toning exercises?

That looks like severe diastasis recti to me. Have you had babies? You'd probably need a tummy tuck and extensive muscle repair to fix it but it's quite risky and a very brutal procedure with a long recovery.

Have you tried eliminating food groups ie take out dairy for a couple weeks, then try wheat etc? I’m generally slim (pre-lockdown) but can bloat horrendous with a large tummy when I’ve eaten things such as bread too often.

www.isitcoeliacdisease.org
No one should cut out wheat unless they've already had a coeliac test

@chubbyhotchoc I have never had any babies.

I don't blame the doctors for not taking more action, as I know they have to treat more urgent cases, but I am starting to get worried - that something is wrong and I need to take more action myself.

I an going to look at private practices near me, and see if I can pay for a private scan. I just don't know what it could be!

@Sarahpaula that does seem a bit strange. You normally see tummies like that with people with torn muscles from pregnancy. I'd def investigate with scans and allergies as others have suggested then.

Oh yes they tested me for coeliac disease aswell and I don't have that.

@TerryChoc that is a good idea with eliminating food groups, and to see that way if any particular food affects me.

Also, an allergy test is a good idea

There's a thing called Whole30 which advises you how to eliminate food intolerances. After the private scan/ultrasound you could also consider a private DEXA imaging scan and a consultation with a naturopath who specialises in colon health/intolerances.

If you can grab the fat or it goes into rolls when you sit down, then it is just where your body stores the fat.
Do you take any regular exercise?
If its more tight like a drum and can't be grabbed then that's different.

@LovingLola

Could you ask for a ct scan maybe?

Yep, I’d push for a scan or try and get one privately.

Perhaps you could stick to a low calorie diet for a while and record what’s been eaten along with measurements of tummy/weight - if you can show them that you are putting on mass around your middle despite eating a restricted diet, or perhaps growing in tummy size whilst losing weight even they may be more convinced to send for a scan rather than dismissing as abdominal fat or bloating? (I am not a Dr so someone might come and give better advice on this approach but I think I’d want it investigated - as you say, it seems plausible it could be a cyst or similar).

Also @Sarahpaula please don’t think doctors have more important cases, you are important and so is your worry, you’re going with a real problem. I would definitely explore intolerances. Hope you find a solution.

Ask your GP to specifically rule out ovarian cancer. Bloating that comes and goes is not a warning sign but constant bloating can be.

@sadie9 thanks very much for the reply. I had got kind of used to it myself.

But just a combination of things got me worried. I was in the USA on holiday before lockdown and two people there thought I was pregnant. I have just visited my mother for the first time in a eight months and she said "god almighty you look nine months pregnant".

I am about a sixe 14 now, I have been really slim , size 8 and still had a very big belly. People have been thinking I was pregnant since I was 18 . I am mid thirties now. I am going to check for allergies, and try eliminating different foods

Definitely arrange for a private scan just to put your mind at rest if nothing else, I recently had a private scan cost me €130 (Ireland) so probably a little cheaper in UK.

@Sarahpaula if your weight has fluctuated that much then it may well be torn muscles.

Please push for an ultrasound to rule out ovarian cancer. It’s very rare so highly unlikely but I was diagnosed yesterday and my only symptom was a large, distended tummy. You can also request a ca125 blood test. As I said it’s probably not but you need to rule it out as it’s so often missed. Good luck

@Ballsto2020

Please push for an ultrasound to rule out ovarian cancer. It’s very rare so highly unlikely but I was diagnosed yesterday and my only symptom was a large, distended tummy. You can also request a ca125 blood test. As I said it’s probably not but you need to rule it out as it’s so often missed. Good luck

Hope you have lots of support around you at this time.

@Sarahpaula

Have they checked you for fibroids. Large fibroids can make you look pregnant. I had them and had a very large belly as a result.

If it is fibroids there are various options available to you.

My tummy’s like that too. Please get checked for Ovarian cancer (ultrasound and CA125 blood test).

@Ballsto2020

i know this is an old post, but did you ever find out what this was??

I’m going through the exact same thing, my stomach looks exactly like this and they can’t find anything

You’d be better off starting your own thread @MissCalifornia101

Updating an old thread like this is potentially very upsetting - anything could have happened to the OP.

Ive had a stomach like this for years!! I have a history of lower back pain so have never exercised and have zero core muscles - nothing sinister at play, just no strong supportive muscles to pull my stomach taught - and im about 3 stone overweight so that also doesn't help!!!