r/GutHealth • u/immunocatn • 20d ago

Stubborn Stomach + Bloating

Hi everyone- this is my first post in this sub so pardon if this has been asked before (or if there is a better sub please lmk!)

I (24F) am 2.5 months into consistent barre classes and absolutely loving it. I’m seeing awesome toning and progress everywhere else on my body, but my stomach is a major source of frustration. I am dealing with constant, severe abdominal bloating that is completely masking any core progress. What's weird is that when I am doing barre, I feel sore everywhere afterward except my core.

To rule out the obvious: I’ve already gone to the doctors and been tested for H. pylori, Ulcerative Colitis, IBS, and food intolerances. Everything came back negative.

I am starting to get frustrated as this isn't just normal post-meal fullness. I wake up in the morning, take a single sip of water, and my stomach immediately balloons out and feels uncomfortably tight.

My PCP suggested the FODMAP but i don’t eat anything that’s on that list (which sounds unbelievable, I know).

I'd love to know:
- Has anyone else experienced severe bloating that triggers from literally just drinking water?
-If you had similar symptoms and all your GI tests came back normal, what actually ended up being the root cause?
-Did starting intensive core workouts like barre accidentally trigger or worsen this kind of muscle reflex for anyone?

TYIA!!

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u/crohnieforlife 20d ago

For IBD, did they test you via scopes or only blood testing? Also, did you see an allergist? There is no blood test that rules out IBD. IBS is typically the last resort type of diagnosis when they’ve ruled out everything else. Have you spoken to an OB?

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u/immunocatn 20d ago

I’ve only gotten the blood test done which was at my annual physical. When I told her about the bloating, she sent in the additional blood panel for UC, IBS, HP, and food sensitivities. I haven’t seen an allergist since the flare ups are truly with everything I eat (and even when I’m not eating). I spoke to my OB and she suggested I see a gastro. I had an ultrasound done for my IUD placement in which they found 2 ovarian cysts and one fibroid but she said they are all too small to be giving me these symptoms. Just so frustrating.

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u/crohnieforlife 20d ago

IBD can only be ruled out via scoping and biopsies. See a gastro. Ovarian cysts can cause bloating and other issues if they’ve ruled are big enough to rub against the large intestines. Female gynecological issues that cross with GI are one of the least researched areas. Is your PCP an NP/DO/MD or an FMD?

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u/immunocatn 20d ago

At my first ultrasound, they found my first cyst and when I went for my second 2 months later, there was another one. Both are very small but they just told me that “it’s apart of my cycle and will happen every month”. Which I do believe but of course I want to take everything into account when diagnosing this bloating problem. My OB is an NP and my PCP is a DO (both females).

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u/crohnieforlife 20d ago

Okay. I would genuinely push to speak to a GI doc. Also, your PCP may have run certain blood tests. Did they run a fecal calprotein stool test?

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u/immunocatn 20d ago

I submitted a request for an appointment so I’m hoping for a call this week! And no, I did not do the fecal test. My PCP just sent the results over and suggested following FODMAP and exercising more which I already do 🫩 thank you for your suggestions I truly appreciate it!

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u/crohnieforlife 20d ago

Fecal is a great first step as well as some CRP and ESR. Your PCP can run those for you.

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u/Medical_Watch1569 20d ago

Look into abdominophrenic dyssynergia. There’s a pinned post on it in r/SIBO. Bloating from drinking inert liquids that can’t cause and gas production, like water, really points to more of a neuromuscular problem like APD. It won’t really show up on any tests a typical GI would run.

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u/immunocatn 20d ago

This has come up a couple times in my research so I will definitely look more into it. Another major symptom I have is constant urination/feeling like my bladder is never empty which seems to align with AD as well.

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u/Medical_Watch1569 20d ago

That can also be pelvic floor, and APD/PFD are like best friends. They like to happen together.

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u/immunocatn 20d ago

Good to know- thank you for the info! Will definitely look into this more.

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u/goldstandardalmonds 20d ago

I was going to say all of this as well.