Bloating/ascites/fat stomach. (?)

[ThisIsSimplyBeyond]

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?

I think atm a benign cyst is the best I'm hoping for atm - means a medical cause can be found, but one that is relatively easily fixed. My fear atm (apart from obvious concern of it being caused by something scary) is that no cause is found and I'm left to carry on like this 😕

So, today I've requested a copy of the letter that asked the hospital for my US scan, as I'm curious what they actually said I've presented with/what they've asked them to check for

@ThisIsSimplyBeyond whatever happens, they are not going to leave you like this, don't worry about that. You can have the ascites drained off and it will make you so much more comfortable. I have had it done 5 times now and it really is a very small procedure and after a few hours, you won't believe how much better you will feel.

I certainly hope so fizzy.

Here's the request for my US scan, and it was marked as urgent so that's something. Bit worried about my BMI based on those measurements though - comes out as 92!! 🤣🤣

I've just been doing some recreational reading of nice guidelines. I thought the first GP had been focussing so much on my lack of periods that she downplayed the (larger, IMO) issue with my abdomen. But actually on the NICE info for secondary dysmenorrhea, it specifically mentions the possibility of ascites being present, and says that it alone would warrant an urgent referral to gynae oncology.

I don't know what to do with that info right this second, I'm just writing it here so I have it to hand

Whatever the outcome, you really should make a formal complaint. The first GP's management left a lot to be desired (understatement).

Good luck

What height are you? That height is less than 4ft. Is it a typo of 116 instead of 161?

I'm 175cm - I think she measured it while I was sat down 🤣🤣🤣

There are a hell of a lot of typos in that referral. Strangely reassuring. You can feel the speed, if not any accuracy.

@ThisIsSimplyBeyond this is ridiculous, if your scan is next Thursday then someone will have to read it and then you will need another appointment with gynaecology depending on what it shows. I am very familiar with this sort of incompetence I'm afraid. I think for all of it, if it were me now, I would go to A&E, lay it on with a trowel how uncomfortable you are (including breathless) and you will get a CT scan that same day and push it all forward. I know with my diagnosis of OC that time is of the essence, I really don't want to frighten you and it might not be that at all, but at least you will know.

I know how hard this is, I have been there only a few months ago. Feel free to PM me if you need to chat .

@FizzyOrange
I echo what Fizzy said. I would strongly encourage you to go to A&E on the basis that the bloating has increased, and is making you breathless. Don't wish to be alarmist either but after my wife's experience time could be very much of the essence here.

I'm considering it. Feel melodramatic, but if I get worse I have no choice :(

I think you certainly should have been referred to gynae oncology, you fit the criteria.
I echo what other posters have said. I would go to a and e. You will be offered an pelvic ultrasounds least and it will be looked at today.

My mum was diagnosed at a and e, after her useless GP kept fobbing her off for 3 months.
Would it have changed the prognosis, who knows, but the earlier these things are caught the better.

Rule out the serious causes of your swollen belly then look the benign causes, and if it is cancer every day sooner its diagnosed the better.

I have what feels very much like stretching pain in my side. Like being heavily pregnant and the baby stretches, not like a kick but slow and deliberate iyswim?

I'm going to give it a couple of hours (assuming it doesn't get worse) and if it doesn't pass I'm going to ring 111. I know I have the obvious swollen belly already, but I want to rule out as much as possible that this discomfort is just trapped wind or something.

I know how frustrating it is to see someone not doing what they are advised. I'm sorry I'm being a pain :(

Honestly just go to A&E. I still don't understand why you have not been referred under the two week wait but you clearly have a problem and you are clearly not improving.

I was a nurse for many years and would want to investigate this ASAP.

I was a nurse for many years and would want to investigate this ASAP.

Same here.

Really, OP you need to be seen. Get yourself to A&E.

@ThisIsSimplyBeyond

I know how frustrating it is to see someone not doing what they are advised. I'm sorry I'm being a pain :(

No, I get it. DP turned bright yellow and got the run-around from the GP so went to A&E (as advised by loads of people on here and by a nurse from The Liver Trust). He got turned away so I do understand your hesitancy. I would still advise that you do try A&E though.

How are you doing OP?

I rang 111 and "unfortunately" pain in my lower left quadrant flags me for appendicitis, so they ordered me to get to A&E (I'm fairly sure it's not my appendix, but who am I to argue with their flowcharts 😄) The nurse practitioner was not impressed that I'd been sent home with no clue what it was.
Just packing a bag.

Right not left!

Glad you're going in. Flowchart is your friend

Excellent. The NP will have made damn sure that she checked a box for something to get you where she knows you need to be. Good luck!

Good luck OP. I've been following your thread. Thinking of you. X

Good luck & hope you have some answers very soon.

I hope they get you that US today. It's awful you had to wait so long.