Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

I can't believe I have FINALLY found someone who shares these symptoms with me! I have posted many times on this board and the IBS Self Help board regarding these two symptoms. When I mention the shortness of breath to my primary doctor, he just kind of looks puzzled and shakes his head. I told my GI doctor about the shortness of breath and he said, well.... I guess I could refer you to a pulmonary specialist. Are you KIDDING me? There is nothing wrong with my lungs except for my bloated belly pushing on them.
This is basically how I feel most of the time, sometimes worse, sometimes better. I feel as though I am short of breath; it is an effort to take a complete deep breath. I have a feeling of pressure or abdominal bloating. My belly gets visibly distended. It is almost like I have a giant elastic band around my diaphragm and lower ribs. I often have what feels like a uterine contraction even when it is not even close to that time of month. I went to my GYN because I was sure that these symptoms must be GYN related. He did I pelvic ultrasound which was normal except that it showed a 5cm uterine fibroid. My GYN insists that a fibroid that size would not cause these symptoms.
I wish I could offer you a solution to this, but I am still trying to figure it out myself. I have had these symptoms along with my IBS-C for about a year now. Nothing else has developed and it has never gotten worse, so I am attributing it to IBS. Sorry to go on so, I am just SO relieved to hear someone else with this shortness of breath thing. Thanks for listening. artist

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