Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyMSTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does anybody else get abdominal bloating with horrible trapped gas? I have been buying gas X .

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
New Brockton, AL

This seems to be a new problem starting in the last 6 months. My abdomen feels and looks distended at times. And the horrible cramps when I need to go to the bathroom. I definitely need to get a referral to a new Gastrointestinal Dr. No it is not cancer; at least it wasn't a year ago with my last upper endoscopy, and colonoscopy . Ugh. All that showed was widespread inflammation throughout my stomach. Which my Gastrointestinal Doctor said was MS related . Anyone else have this bloating though… read more

September 8
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Many community members related to the struggle of abdominal bloating, trapped gas, and painful cramps, sharing that these GI issues can be... Read more

Many community members related to the struggle of abdominal bloating, trapped gas, and painful cramps, sharing that these GI issues can be deeply exhausting and disruptive to daily life. Several members offered practical strategies that helped them find relief, including cutting out dairy or gluten, trying fennel tea, using enemas for bowel support, and working with a GI specialist to adjust medications. A recurring theme was the importance of staying on top of regular colonoscopies and endoscopies, listening to your body, and finding comfort in knowing others in the MS community are navigating the same challenges.

A MyMSTeam Member

I do have the same. Mine is accompanied with watery stool. I quit eating gluten and that has helped a lot. Pretty much as close to normal as I can get.

September 8
A MyMSTeam Member

Fennel tea can sometimes help.

September 8
A MyMSTeam Member

I have similar issues, my stomach bloats and I look 6 months pregnant. This happens Everyday. Some days are worse than others. I have given up dairy totally and that has helped immensely. When it gets very bad I go gluten free. I have had loads of blood tests for celiac and had endoscopy and colonoscopy. Nothing detected. It gave me some comfort knowing that I don’t have colon cancer. I’ve noticed that when I’m stressed it gets worse. Thanks Randi4 I forgot about fennel, that works to a certain amount.
I’d love to hear of anybody’s advice on this. I think if I didn’t have abdominal issues ms would be easier to handle. I’m looking forward to hearing people’s ideas on this.

September 9
A MyMSTeam Member

I have to, but when I had my first colonoscopy at 50 to my surprise I had to have a colon resection because I had adenomas in my colon around my appendix. Don’t let that scare you just make sure you keep up with your colonoscopy and endoscopy my grandfather had colon cancer and he didn’t tell anyone he was feeling bad please take care of yourself and due diligence please I have gas a lot and it does make you feel bad make sure to watch your diet especially dairy hope you get better I’m sorry for a long letter🧑🙏

September 8
MyMSTeam

Yes, absolutely — and you are far from alone in this. Bloating, distension, and abdominal cramps are really common complaints among people with MS. One MyMSTeam member described it perfectly: "When I eat, the food just sits in my stomach, causing terrible pain and bloating. I look pregnant at times!"

These symptoms can be Show Full Answer

Yes, absolutely — and you are far from alone in this. Bloating, distension, and abdominal cramps are really common complaints among people with MS. One MyMSTeam member described it perfectly: "When I eat, the food just sits in my stomach, causing terrible pain and bloating. I look pregnant at times!"

These symptoms can be linked to a condition called gastroparesis, which is more common in MS than many people realize. It happens when the stomach muscles don't work properly, causing food to move through the digestive system more slowly than it should. MS can disrupt the nerve signals that control digestion, which explains why so many of these gut issues are MS-related, just as your GI doctor mentioned. Some common experiences shared by MyMSTeam members include:

- Nausea, dry heaves, and bloating
- Sharp stabbing or dull aching pains from chest to lower waist
- Feeling full after just a few bites
- Constant discomfort and reflux

The cramping around bathroom time can also be tied to how MS affects the muscles of the pelvic floor and the natural reflexes that move food through the lower digestive tract. Getting that GI referral sounds like a really smart move, especially since symptoms have changed over the last 6 months. A gastric emptying study is one way doctors can check whether gastroparesis is playing a role. It's worth noting that gastroparesis can sometimes take years to get properly diagnosed, so being persistent and advocating for yourself matters a lot here.

September 8

Related Questions

View All

Sharp pain in side; couldn't breathe

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Winfield, AL
January 14, 2017

Gas and bloating without eating

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Los Angeles, CA
September 21, 2024

Aging With MS: Advice From Those Who Have Been There
6 Facts To Know Before Buying Vitamins for MS
Just Diagnosed With MS — Now What? 9 First Steps