IBS?? please help me

I am so confused. I need help figuring out what is wrong with me.  The two Dr's I have suck.

So here goes....

I'm 36, have had 4 children, had my gall bladder out 5 years ago (3 mths after having my 3rd child), had my appendix out 1 1/2 yrs ago (1 1/2 yrs after having my 4th child) and last summer, at the end of July my stomach started swelling everytime I ate.  It does not matter what I eat or how much, my stomach swells out like I'm 8 mths pregnant!  It's ridiculous and embarrassing. 

So 5 mths ago I stopped eating gluten because my symptoms were similar to Celiac disease.  I even got off depression meds (which I had been on for 12 yrs).  That seemed to work for about 1 1/2 mths but the swelling started back.  I still avoid gluten but no matter what I eat, even just fresh fruit or veges, baked chicken, grilled salmon, it all causes my stomach to swell all over, especially at the top.

I've been on WebMD and it suggested IBS....does anyone have my symptoms? 

~ thanks

Do you have any symptoms other than the swelling/gas?

Sorry, I forgot to mention the D.  I am afraid to eat in public because of that.  I have noticed that when I was on the anti-depressant I had a hard time with BM's and in these 5 mths since I stopped the anti-depressant I have constant D.  So with that and the swelling I've been miserable, embarrassed and confused with what's wrong with my body. 

I am going this morning to get some Caltrate to see if the calcium will help with the D.   

thanks!

Hi Taylor, welcome to the boards!

I would definitely recommend talking to your doctor about starting on some probiotics. In time, these may help reduce the constant bloating you feel. There are many strains out there but a lot of people have had success with brands such as VSL#3 (which I take), Culturelle, Nature's Way...I think the most beneficial bacteria found in these supplements are the Bifidobacteria strains. These can be found in most "health food" stores but there's an overwhelming array of them, so make sure you get some good suggestions before diving into the multiple shelves you're sure to find :) Also, make sure when you pick one that you are keeping away from the brands that add things like sorbitol or mannitol (sugar alcohols); these can have a laxative effect. I'm not sure why anyone would use sugar alcohols in preparations for patients with IBS, but it's been done, so we have to be wary consumers!

I have "the most severe case of IBS.they said most people don't have pain or not to the extent that I do and that I am one of those rare cases the 1% that does.I also have the most EXTREME and I do mean extreme symptoms.if u ever wanna feel better bout your situation and experience with your ibs,then talk to me.I can tell you some stories/my experiences that have basically ruined my life and keep me from doing stuff or living the happy active life I used to have.im adhd and hyper and having my ibs get as bad as it has over last few yrs put a stop to eveything.and I've had it since I was young kid.im now 32 in june.long time of dealing with it.but def at its worst last couple yrs.and just so u know.one doc I saw said ibs seems to be common in people that have been abused.they asked me which was wierd coincidence,if I was ever abused and I said yea,severly abused and tortured as a baby/toddler.it was in the papers and was in hospital for long time and my adopt mother that did it all went to prison for 6 months.but this doc said ibs seems to run in people that have gone thru that.I won't ask if anyone was,but just so you all know for yourselfs cuz I thought that was intersting.I aslo have a list of other probs which makes me wonder.but if u wanna talk ibs let me know I've had the worst and most humiliating experiences at home and in public.I notice u all say your either diahrea or constipated.well im not that lucky.I have both and to the very most extreme.I take antispasmodics prilosec and dilaudid for the pain that is wrenching.and I will tell u u know its the worst case when ur in a vehicle freaking out cuz u have to find a bathrm fast and ur not gonna make it.when u r 1 half a sec from havn accident(which would not be fun at all.)u can't even call mine spastic cuz its even worse than that.so u ever wanna know stuff just ask.I have no prob talkn bout it.I know there's other prob in my intestines and they just haven't found it.cuz my cat scan said crohns and landed me in hospital for christmas for 5 days and then every test was fine but I looked up words in reports and basically sayd swelling and inflammation in different areas but yet they say I don't have inflammatory bowel disease when it points to it.and then pain in middle upper and he says I might have chronic pancreatitis.still waiting for test in may 5th.and also sm bowel scope.last 2 tests.and they basically brushing me off to pain clinic now cuz "they don't know why im having all this pain and I been taking dilaudud for it.so I don't know.completely sick of my doc.and if I had insurance I would change.I've also had naseau and naseau meds since dec in hosp up til present.and lost lot of weight.but I just have ibs....yeah rite!im usually right when it comes to my medical hunches and I do my reasearch.

Sarita, you didn't have qualms talking about BMs on here, LOL. Talking on this place does make it easier to talk about that sort of problem to anyone, though.

Besides, most colon procedures are done when you are asleep; you need never know. ;-)

living at the dr's: Bless your heart, I hope you get to find out what is wrong so you can possibly be treated correctly and have a life again.

Sarita & Keriamon: Thanks, that helps...I didn't think of it that way.

UnderstandingThe Cause: Thanks for your input..you're right, I could still have celiac, who knows? So I'm making an appt this week at a GI Specialists Clinic.  

Wish me luck!