How to tell the difference between weight gain and bloating? It certainly isn’t good for the self esteem. >.>

I would like to share with you something about my current medical situation. Ordinarily I would not do so, as I am an intensely private person, but I now accept that my physical limitations have quite possibly impacted my high school performance in a negative manner, and I feel that it is only fair that you have this information. Therefore, I am reluctantly going to allow access to information that I would never, otherwise, speak of.For the past several years, I have been afflicted by a physical situation that has sometimes interfered with my ability to focus, both in the classroom and out. I do not wish to be too specific about the symptoms of my disease, except to say that they are digestive in nature and sometimes require me to spend long periods of time in the Ladies’ Room. Despite my terrible discomfort, I refused to accept that there might be something wrong with me, and would not seek treatment. I know now that I should have been less determined to suffer in silence and more willing to accept help. Finally, my parents insisted on bringing the matter to the attention of a physician. I was tested, over a period of several weeks, for colon cancer, Crohn’s Disease, intestinal obstructions, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus, Heliocobacter pylori (commonly known as ulcer), celiac sprue (commonly known as wheat allergy), lactose intolerance, gallstones, bile duct stones, sclerosing cholangitis (the narrowing of the bile ducts), “Sphincter of Oddi” dysfunction and pancreatitis. You can imagine how relieved I was to learn that I had none of these terrible diseases.Finally, I received the diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is sometimes known as spastic colon, nervous colon, nervous stomach, mucous colitis and spastic colitis, and is distinguished by abnormal bowel habits, such as diarrhea (loose stools), constipation or sometimes, as in my own case, both. It is well known to experts in this field that periods of stress can intensify the severity of IBS. I have certainly found my busy schedule of six honors/AP classes, Varsity field hockey, swimming and track teams, performing lead roles in three consecutive Spring Musicals, volunteering at the local animal shelter, tutoring at-risk children, and working three evenings a week plus all day Saturday at The Gap to be, at times, stressful, but of course it is impossible to say what has caused me to be afflicted with this very horrible syndrome.Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS or spastic colon) is a diagnosis of exclusion. It is a functional bowel disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, and alteration of bowel habits in the absence of any detectable organic cause.[1] In some cases, the symptoms are relieved by bowel movements.[2] Diarrhea or constipation may predominate, or they may alternate (classified as IBS-D, IBS-C or IBS-A, respectively). IBS may begin after an infection (post-infectious, IBS-PI), a stressful life event, or onset of maturity without any other medical indicators.
Although there is no cure for IBS, there are treatments that attempt to relieve symptoms, including dietary adjustments, medication and psychological interventions. Patient education and a good doctor-patient relationship are also important. Several conditions may present as IBS including celiac disease, Fructose malabsorption,[3] mild infections, parasitic infections like giardiasis, several inflammatory bowel diseases, functional chronic constipation, and chronic functional abdominal pain. In IBS, routine clinical tests yield no abnormalities, though the bowels may be more sensitive to certain stimuli, such as balloon insufflation testing. The exact cause of IBS is unknown. The most common theory is that IBS is a disorder of the interaction between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract, although there may also be abnormalities in the gut flora or the immune system. IBS does not lead to more serious conditions in most patients. But it is a source of chronic pain, fatigue, and other symptoms, and it increases a patient’s medical costs, and contributes to work absenteeism. Researchers have reported that the high prevalence of IBS, in conjunction with increased costs produces a disease with a high societal cost. It is also regarded as a chronic illness and can dramatically affect the quality of a sufferer’s life. In fact, doctors do not know what causes IBS, or why people who share my disease feel the need to have a bowel movement soon after eating, causing diarrhea, or why the prolonged spasm of the large intestine causes stool to stay in one area for too long and get dried out, resulting in small hard stools (constipation). As of today, palliative treatments are only in the experimental stage, and the hard truth is that there is no cure for IBS. It has been very difficult for me to accept this diagnosis at my young age. I do not know what the future will hold for me and other I

I know this may be (TMI) but i’m curious. I’m 8 weeks pregnant and i’ve experienced constipation throughout the past couple of weeks. I just went to the bathroom and had diarrhea. Is this normal or should I be concerned? What i think off set it was the smell of fried fish being cooked by my parents. Any ideas?

I keep reading how terrible it tastes and now I am already dreading it.

Over the past couple of days my cat has lost his voice, and has now developed abdominal pain and sensitivity when scratched under his chin. He heaved whenever touched in those areas. We have just adopted a new kitten which our cat has chased and meowed at a lot. I figured the voice loss could have been due to that, then all these other symptoms emerged. Any suggestions? I’m scared!

I just ate two foods together and my stoch is so bloated. I have sharp pains if i walk around. Any suggestions?

I have had this issue for 2 years now, what is next, I still get intoxicated and bloated and cramping! I don’t have a normal life, and do certain activities because of being so bloated, nothing works I tried laxatives and it takes like about 5 days still or maybe more to have a bowel movement. I eat very healthy run exercise.

abdominal pain feels a bit better when i lay down. not on my period, wondering what it could be. also i had a sharp pain while trying to have sex, i was on top but didnt hurt when we were on our side. p.s not a virgin! lol any thoughts?

I am currently 6 weeks pregnant, and in the past day I have had diarrhea. Its not too bad, but its starting to scare me. I don’t mean to be gross but it is a lime green color. Almost the color of my urine due to prenatal vitamins. Should I be worried? Will it cause a miscarriage?

Preventing morning bloats?
Is it possible to prevent your face from bloating in the morning? To retain that "nighttime" thinness of your face?