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Bloating/ascites/fat stomach. (?)

278 replies

ThisIsSimplyBeyond · 14/04/2021 12:55

Hi

I have a problem with my belly atm. I am concerned it is ascites, yet I feel I am having my concerns minimised because I am also fat. To be clear though, bigger or smaller; my fat has always been on my arse (except for the apron left from post DC), whereas this is all on my abdomen.

So, I am also hardly eating because it makes me feel sick. I basically feel like I'm seven or eight months pregnant, it feels heavy, puts pressure on my bladder, and I can't lay on my front cause it's like lying on a ball. It is so uncomfortable, and it sometimes makes me need to catch my breath. My thyroid has been checked and is fine. Results are the top end of fine, but fine.

I spoke to the dr at the end of March about it and was sent for the bloods for my thyroid. They also checked if I am in menopause as my periods have pretty much stopped (some spotting, that's all). I have now had a second lot of bloods today to (apparently, I didn't see what they are testing) check for PCOS. By the time I actually see a doctor (i have an appt for the end of next week), it will be nearly a month since I first spoke to her. In this time, no one has examined me.

Am I right to be concerned? I feel that because my BMI is high they aren't taking me seriously when I say this "swelling" (or whatever it is) is new. They're just thinking I'm fat. Then with the eating, I know how common it is to assume the fat person is lying when they say they don't eat 🙄
I am worried that my weight is staying pretty stable, despite me not eating enough because of the increased swelling. Even allowing for meds affecting my metabolism, I eat less than one meal a day, and my BMR alone is near 2000 (I'm tall). It is this problem with non-weight-loss that makes me think it is not just bloating (as obviously air wouldn't weigh anything)

So I know it's covid-times and everything takes longer, but IABU to think it should be taken more seriously?

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FizzyOrange · 19/04/2021 12:53

@ThisIsSimplyBeyond are you seeing a different doctor from the one you saw before? I am pleased you have an appointment, that is a step in the right direction.

ThisIsSimplyBeyond · 19/04/2021 12:59

Yes this is my second opinion, it was the practice manager who called me

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Justwingingit2005 · 19/04/2021 13:52

So glad you are getting somewhere Smile

HarrietHardy · 19/04/2021 14:24

Good luck @ThisIsSimplyBeyond. Flowers

I recognise the leg shaving btw - I've had DP shave shave my legs because I thought I could feel the beginnings of another pulmonary embolism, which was all a bit bonkers.

JSL52 · 19/04/2021 15:08

@Torvean ascites are not always caused by drinking too much.

Torvean · 19/04/2021 15:47

Yes but the majority is due to liver disease and the most common reason for that is alcohol. Yes other things can cause it. But that is the most common cause

ThisIsSimplyBeyond · 19/04/2021 15:55

Thank you torvean. I’ve had my LFTs done and they are all fine - so unless something has gone shockingly wrong very quickly, that can at least be ruled out. It may be the most common cause, but there are others.

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ThisIsSimplyBeyond · 19/04/2021 15:58

Bloods are now done. I have a banging headache... can’t get enough fluid down me cause it makes me feel sick. Well I’m drinking “enough” (about three litres a day), except I still seem to be dehydrated :(

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joystir59 · 19/04/2021 17:59

Why on earth you don't just go to A&E I don't know. Hope you get results and answers soon OP

ThisIsSimplyBeyond · 19/04/2021 18:04

Because I've been twice since covid - both times sent by the GP - and been treated like shit. I just don't feel up to dealing with that if I can avoid it. If I absolutely have to, then of course I'll woman up.

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Tanfastic · 19/04/2021 18:31

What did the doctor say? Has he/she referred you for an urgent scan? Felt your tummy? Commented on whether they thinks it's fluid?

Tanfastic · 19/04/2021 18:32

Aah sorry just seen it's just bloods today, doctor tomorrow.

SpeedRunParent · 19/04/2021 21:23

Just wanted to wish you all the best with this. I hope you get the support you deserve from the NHS, there has been lots of good advice from genuinely concerned MN'ers. Just want to add my voice to the support.,

Blackenedsoul · 19/04/2021 21:34

All the best OP, I really hope the get to the bottom of all of this very soon.

ThisIsSimplyBeyond · 20/04/2021 12:43

Well that was much better!!
My ca125 has come back as normal, though the doc did emphasise himself that this wasn’t a definite ruling-out of OC.
He confirmed my swelling is ascites, and said I’m down for an urgent ultrasound referral. He also had a listen to my chest (clear) and heart, and booked me in for an ECG later this week.

OP posts:
Tanfastic · 20/04/2021 12:54

That's good news.

Onwardintotheunknown · 20/04/2021 13:09

Glad you’re getting somewhere :)

joystir59 · 20/04/2021 13:51

You are getting somewhere at last OP. I hope you get through all the planned tests really soon and please feel free to pop on here as and when you need to, to rant or whatever

supercritter · 20/04/2021 14:28

Good to hear. Hope it's easily fixed

CoffeeRunner · 20/04/2021 14:50

Thank you for your update.

I'm so glad to hear the GP is now taking your symptoms seriously.

Floralnomad · 20/04/2021 15:24

That’s very hopeful news about the blood , at least you are getting somewhere now .

DeclineandFall · 20/04/2021 15:54

Relieved to see they are doing something Op, I've been worried about you. Hope it gets sorted soon.

ursuslemonade · 20/04/2021 16:11

I'm glad you are taken seriously this time.

SirVixofVixHall · 20/04/2021 16:49

Glad you are at least on the road to a diagnosis and some help OP.
Flowers Brew

ThisIsSimplyBeyond · 20/04/2021 16:53

Aww, thank you all so much for caring! Had it drilled into me as a child not to bother the doctor and it's hard to unpick

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