Need Help with Gastritis
 

I am ok for a few days then it hits, last for weeks. I don't know how to control it. :confused:

Seems the only relief I get from the pain is sleep. I can sleep for a few hours then it wakes me up.

Hi Wiix,
I wish I could answer this question for you. Have you had an upper endoscopy or any imaging done on your abdomen? Are you taking any prescription or OTC meds? Do you have pain or nausea or both?

I have had some very wierd things going on with my whole GI tract lately and no one has been able to tell me why, so I can relate to how you're feeling. Zofran and Ginger Ale help me the most. For awhile, I had to eat my main meal at lunchtime and have a meal replacement drink for dinner.

Have you visited your doctor about this? I hope you find some relief soon. I wish I could have helped you more.
Cheryl

Yes, I've had a colonoscopy and they looked into my stomach too. No diagnosis except gastritis. But I've pampered my stomach for so long you'd think by now it would have healed but no. Do I get nausea, sometimes. Do I have pain, more than sometimes, weeks at a time. I get up each morning at about 4:00 to eat and have some tea and pills depending on how I feel. Then I go back to sleep for a few hours. I sleep A LOT. Too much I think. I'm sleeping my life away because of this THING. I can feel myself going downhill physically. Don't feel like doing anything. :(

The Cause is Important
 

Hi Wiix,

I am very sorry for your discomfort. :(

Did your GI specialist or your GP/Family doctor treat you for gastritis after your endoscopy?

Can you think of anything that may be irritating your stomach?

I have to take most of my meds with food or I get gastritis, for instance.

I cannot prescribe a regimen of meds, even OTC. Please contact your physician, as there may be a reason you continue to experience gastritis and your doctors may need to rule out other issues, including pathogens which may cause ulcerations, etc. It's important your treating physician know the gastritis has continued for you.

Please let us know how you are doing? :hug:

Warmly,
DejaVu

I have gone that route. About 6 years ago it started and went to a Dr. Park , a gastroenterologist, who told me I needed a colonoscopy. I had one and he just ignored me after that. I do have pictures of the inside of my stomach, it looks terrible. He gave me something for nausea for a very short while then nothing.

I have been suffering ever since. I take Zantac, which helps a little and anti-motion sickness pills and Tylenol for the pain. It helps for a few hours, time that I sleep. Some days I sleep all day, some days most of the day and I still sleep a night. The zantac and anti motion pills make me very drowsy.

I am having a bad spell right now, been going on for about a week. I hope it lets up soon. I have to go and get some food. :(

This is a long shot... but I will ask it anyway.

Do you use strong peppermints? IceBreakers, Altoids?

I had a massive gastritis attack after ONE Cool Blast Ice Breakers mints. It took days to resolve...Prilosec, milk, and some of my Librax (RX) brought me out if it.

This is the link where I wrote about it here.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread223340.html

Researching this and menthol orally I found that some people have an allergic response to peppermint, and some cannot tolerate the high dose mints that are now sold as candies and breath fresheners. If you consume these mints or some other thing like cinnamon try avoiding them for a while and see if your symptoms lessen.

No, I seldom eat a mint, almost never. I do take Tums but sparingly, only when heartburn come on me quickly. I got into trouble eating too many Tums. My blood calcium level went so high I almost died. They put me in hospital for 2 weeks. I don't remember it, it was scary. I was hallucinating my brains out.

Can't have cinnamon. It really bothers my stomach.

Do they still make Librax? I had that for a while years ago. That stuff is like magic.

This is one area in my body that is in good condition. I take Daily, super digestive enzymes, 30million probiotics and DGL for stomach lining protection....I take ibuprofen and keeping my stomach healthy is so critical. I ended up in the ER years ago with an ulcer so I know DGL after all my research saves people with reflux, gerd and heartburn. It's otc supplement and I share it when I can with others. I've not had the 3 issues but dealt with an ulcer yrs ago from a pharma anti inflammatory med. I've heard others talk about bitters and charcoal but the above works for me.

I just got an RX for this about a year ago. I only use it for drastic symptoms. (I have malrotation of the GI tract).
I agree it is the best-- and over my long life I have taken everything :rolleyes:

I use OTC Imodium now more often, and save the Librax for bad times. I am not seeing it on FDA.gov Orange book.
A generic house bought the brand name and changed the formula a while back, but I like the older generic better.
I am not seeing that Librax brand on FDA site either.
(I can't get the FDA site to do anything for me today-- I wonder if it is down)

This is what was in the new branded Librax...
http://www.drugs.com/cdi/chlordiazep...opolamine.html
It appears to be discontinued.

I sure hope my generic is still around...it works like a charm.
However this search says FDA not approved?
http://www.drugs.com/search.php?sear...Fclidinium&a=1

This is making me very angry... another stupid move by the FDA?

So I found a recent generic list on the FDA site in another place...
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/aboutfd.../ucm183605.pdf
generic librax appears on this list from Valeant

So this leads me to this:
http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed...6-4da1d72b061c

I guess I have to call Walgreen's.

Oops, I got my millions and billions mixed up on the probiotics....I now take Healthy Origins 30Billion CFU's one daily usually. I took Now Foods 8Billion a couple a day for a long time.

And for sure these are needed if one takes abx drugs.

Some drugs are still made but not available in certain countries. I'd really like to get some Librax. :o

Just thought about this too, working with a little dose of baking soda in distilled water when the stomach is uneasy can do wonders. I told this to two friends and they got instant releif, they didn't know about the baking soda remedy. I use baking soda in my coffee grounds for my two cups of daily coffee and it cuts the acid big time. Too much acid can cause a lot of issues....even adding a little baking soda to high acidic foods help... I like Red Mill baking soda as it's more pure vs other stuff with aluminum. When my stomach feels a little off, I go to the baking soda immediately.

Has Your Stomach Ever Healed?
 

I am concerned when you describe your original stomach pictures --taken 6 years ago -- and you describe your ongoing symptoms. Have you had follow-up and has your stomach healed from this during these 6 years?

It's possible you eat foods which upset your stomach. Have you tried keeping a food diary to look for correlations between food intake and symptoms?

While I use digestive enzymes, I am very reticent to suggest them to anyone with such an irritated stomach -- as per the pictures you have mentioned. Please be careful of what you put in your stomach until you know the condition of your stomach.

I feel it's very important to get some specialty follow-up to determine the status of your stomach lining now, 6 years later of continued upsets.

If something helps your gastritis temporarily, fine. Yet, please seek a gastroenterology follow-up.

You might also research the "SCD Lifestyle." This stands for "Specific Carbohydrate Lifestyle." Many people have great luck with learning and adhering to this regimen. Take a look for yourself and see if it's for you?

Temporary relief may also include simethicone, which is available as "Gas-X," etc. See: http://www.medicinenet.com/simethicone/article.htm

You might also research apple cider vinegar and digestion. Some people swear the addition of ACV has helped them tremendously.

Please do see a gastroenterologist for updated follow-up. You want to be sure of the current physical status of your stomach (the pictures you have mentioned, your description of them, makes it sound like something quite serious was going on at last check-up.)

To Our Healing,
DejaVu

Are You Depressed?
 

Oh, also had meant to mention the amount of sleeping you have reported.

Are you feeling depressed?
Is depression a possibility?

Sometimes, when GI systems are having difficulties, neurotransmitters are also affected.

Something to consider?

To Our Healing,
DejaVu

Yes, I have tried everything you mentioned with no results.

And yes, I do think I am depressed. That and the Zantac and anti-nausea pills makes me so tired I can't keep my eyes open. :hug:

No improvement over the past 6 years.

There's Hope
 

I recall prescription antacids (and proton pump inhibitors) also making me fatigued/sleepy and low in mood.

Have you had adequate GI follow-up during the past 6 years?

Is it possible to tell your Primary Care about your depression and obtain a referral for a full evaluation and/or care?

It's very easy to become depressed with any chronic illness/chronic pain.
I hope you don't feel any shame for depression, as it's not a matter of character at all.

I saw this article just today: "Depression Awareness on the Red Carpet"
http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/29/health...eat/index.html

Please consider looking into a G.I. follow-up and a Depression Evaluation/Treatment.

How is your diet these days?
Is there a way to boost your nutrition without further aggravating your stomach?

You are aware of the SCD Lifestyle? Many report drastic GI improvements; yet, not everyone does as well as others.

Truly, my heart goes out to you. :hug:

Hopefully, with strategy and with time -- and lots of helpful input from members here as well as from your doctors -- you will be feeling better relatively soon.

I am sure others will be along with suggestions. :)

To Our Healing,
DejaVu

My diet is quite good except, maybe I don't get enough fruit. I buy a whole watermelon each week and I eat it all. I LOVE watermelon. Sometimes I don't feel too good after I eat it. Maybe I am eating too much at a time but it's so good and sweet. Fruit has been a real disapointment lately. It's either not ripe or too ripe and rots before I get to it. The only viable alternative is fruit in a jar.

I have been eating a lot of fish lately. Not too much beef but lots of chicken and lean pork. Which reminds me I could get apple sauce to go with the pork, that's a fruit. And I LOVE chutney, that's excellent with beef. And it's Mango. :D

Maybe I'll start a food diary.

I've had follow up with my regular doctor.

I don't feel any shame, until now that you mentioned it. :Hum:

I was wondering if it could possibly be gall stones. Because when I have an attack the pain is excruciating. After a while it feels like it passes and everything is alright again, until the next time. But the nausea comes and goes.

Could someone with DSL do me a favour and look up signs and symptoms of gall bladder attack and post it here. Not the link, the actual words. My computer just won't load anything, it takes me all day to find one thing, I have dial-up. :(

I'd prefer to take care of this problem before I get into depression. That involves medication, which I don't need and counselling which I don't want.

Gall bladder disease has pain in the back and referring to the right shoulder at times. It comes more often when you eat high fat foods. There can be lots of belching and bloating.

If one has stones, they can roll around and block the bile duct... inflaming it. If this happens often enough, the duct can become infected and spread to the pancreas, causing pancreatitis. This is another pain...in the middle of the upper stomach area which may refer to the back as well.

Nausea and vomiting may occur with either of them.
http://www.activebeat.com/your-healt...ladder-attack/

I do have pain in my back. Sometimes it goes up to both shoulders along with pain in the abdomen. And I hear ringing in my ears and weakness when this happens.

I can't load a link. That's why I asked someone to post the text, words, of what it says.

Copyright Rules?
 

Hi Wiix,

I believe mrsD was trying to respond to your request while also observing the copyright rules here.
I have just reviewed the rules and, as I understand this, we cannot do a simple copy and paste. We can give a summary and then provide a link, which I think mrsD has done.

There may be a "workaround" and/or I may be misunderstanding the rule.
I hope a moderator will come along and will comment for all of us. :)

We understand your predicament and will try to help you to get the info you need. :D

Hold on! :hug:

DejaVu

OK. Dum dee dum...

You'd have pain as mrsD mentioned in posts above, including maybe chest pain.
Could have change in bowel movement colour and frequency. Colour change with urine (darker).
Could have jaundice
Could have indigestion, loss of appetite, fever, nausea or vomiting.

There could be more.

In the meantime, wanna have some fun? How about a match? :mf_swordfight:

in reality, I need to do a few chores. :eek:

I'll check back in with you. :D

DejaVu

I finally got to see it. Yes, I do have many of the symptoms. Like gripping pain after a few hours sleep, chalky poop, pain after a meal.

I should get in touch with my doctor but it's Friday now. It'll have to wait til Monday. :(

Hi Wiix,
Glad you have gotten to see the information!
Sorry you have the symptoms.
Glad you will be consulting with your doctor.:)

Warmly,
DejaVu

Yes, I called the office today and asked if I had any test while I was in hospital last year for cholycysitis. She said that would have been an ultrasound. I had it done then with no results. Maybe it's time I have one again. But, I haven't had any pain since last week. But that's how it acts. Here one day and gone the next. I have an appointment with him Oct. 6. Will discuss it with him then.

Hi Wiix,
I haven't been online in a few days, but I've been thinking about you and your stomach. I'm glad you made an appointment. If the ultrasound is clear, ask about a HIDA scan. It can detect things that don't show up on an ultrasound.

I'm glad to hear that your symptoms are improved for now. It's good to have a break.
Cheryl

HIDA Scan. What does that stand for?

HIDA scan-hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan. It's a nuclear scanning test used to diagnose obstruction of the bile ducts, disease of the gallbladder and bile leaks. The doctor who did my upper endoscopy recommended it as a next step if I didn't improve with Prilosec.

I have had 4 tests over the years for gall bladder all negative, yet I still have
"attacks"...

What remains is "sluggish bile"... and this can respond to the amino acid taurine. I use 500mg a day to control this, and it seems to be working.

Most gall stones are cholesterol based. Taurine complexes the cholestrol that is eliminated by the gall bladder, and helps it move thru and out, instead of concentrating in the gall bladder and forming stones.

This is inexpensive and has no side effects that I am aware of.
500mg a day to start, but some people use 1000mg in divided doses.
It is worth a try. I get mine at Puritan's pride.

There is another thing you can do if you think you have gall bladder issues.

1) avoid garlic (and large amounts of onions) -- this is a trigger for bile duct pain

2) avoid opiate pain relievers....these can cause biliary spasms.

2) watch your diet for gassy foods: Cabbage in all its forms, carbonated drinks, celery, pickles and cukes, etc.
Some normal foods high in fructose, will become gassy if your GI bacteria are out of balance. They will ferment things and create gas. Overuse of acid reducing drugs will lower digestion of protein, and lead to gas and fermentation in the bowel...this can come up and reflux painfully.

There is a new diet for people with bacterial imbalance...it is the FODMAPS diet.
http://www.ibsdiets.org/fodmap-diet/fodmap-food-list/
Some items on this new medically approved diet can be eaten in small quantities occasionally by some people.
I myself think that apples and apple juice are awful, as well as cabbage. Those two things can make me miserable.

Gas pains can be confused with actual GI pathology... so doing some research and food juggling on your own, may reveal some intolerances which you can fix and thereby reduce your discomforts.

Woke up with nausea, it's back. Headache too. Just getting up for a while, taking my anti-motion sickness pill and some Tylenol for the headache should calm that down. I sit up for a while then try to go back to sleep. Sometimes it works, sometimes it gets worse, I don't know. :( Another day down the drain. :o

Food Diary Helpful?
 

Hi Wiix,
Bummer! :(

Have you tried keeping a food diary?
Maybe include foods eaten, time of day?
Maybe include periods of nausea and other symptoms?
Maybe also include your sleeping patterns?

Diaries can be very useful in helping us to recognize patterns we may not otherwise recognize.

I understand the issue may not be low blood sugar; yet, I wonder if low blood sugar interrupts your sleep, since you awaken at 4 am to eat? The earlier posts in this thread re: blood glucose levels, etc., may be helpful with getting your sleeping pattern squared away?

Are you eating meals of protein and complex carbs?
Have you tried smaller meals, more frequently throughout the day, with a small snack of protein (and complex carbs) before you go to sleep at night?

Is the food you are eating upsetting your stomach?
I used to be able to tolerate more types of foods than I can tolerate now.
A food diary had helped me to identify foods which give me symptoms.

Have you looked at the FODMAPS diet, as suggested by mrsD?
I know of many people utilizing this diet for GI issues, with success.

I am hoping keeping a diary and possibly modifying your diet will help you to feel better. As always, consult your physician. Report symptoms/info. to your physician.

I hope you recover quickly and can enjoy your day!

:hug:
DejaVu

Nope, just woke up from nap #1 and still have nausea.

You're right. Maybe it's something I ate yesterday.

I eat only bland food. Balanced meals and snacks.

Do have a problem with constipation though. Go very infrequently or not at all.

Using a new laxative called Smooth Move. It's a tea. Had some yesterday and it worked, well, sort of. But overall hasn't change anything. First time I used it it worked just fine. :D It's made of all natural herbs.

Going to go lay down now and will probably fall asleep again. So goes my days. :o

Maybe it will be gone on the next shift. :(

Oh. Sorry you are not feeling better. :(

I have found many bland foods I used to tolerate are now problematic.
I do not digest them well and/or they give me symptoms.

The key to using stool softeners and/or laxatives may be in using them more consistently, in cases of chronic constipation.

Some find altering diet to include more fiber and staying hydrated very helpful. Adding a healthy oil and regular exercise may also help. I don't know if you are able to tolerate a higher fiber diet or not.

Many swear by their daily prunes. There are lemon-flavored dried prunes which many find more palatable. There was a good recipe on a former forum. I cannot recall the recipe. I think it made a prune-based paste-like remedy, which was eaten. Many found the recipe helpful.

I have heard of "Smooth Move" tea. I have heard people say they like it.

Rest well. feel better.

:hug:
DejaVu

Here's an idea. Do you think massage might help? I feel horrible anyway. It might make me feel better and get those lymph nodes working. I want to exercise but I feel so tired all the time and hurt in some places. Maybe it'll loosen me up a bit. What do you think?

Hi Wiix,

It's quite possible massage may help you to feel better, overall.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-li...e/art-20045743

I hope you can see this link?
It lists types of massage, potential benefits, potential risks, etc.

I used to get regular massages. I had friends practicing for their massage licenses. They had to log so many hours for "practice." Frequent massages were very helpful to me.
I personally feel massage/bodywork is important.
(I just have so many other medical bills to pay first.)

I hope you can see the link?
Massage is contraindicated in some conditions. I hope you can see the list?
:hug:
DejaVu

Does anybody take Zantac? I am wondering if it's ok to take it when I first wake up, in the morning when my symptoms are the worst. I hesitate because it makes me sleep all day but feeling the way I do there isn't much else I can do. :(

Hi Wiix,

I used to take Zantac before I was switched to Zoton (Lansoprazole) many years ago.

If you can manage the side effects it is best to take it when it will be most effective. I know before the switch I relied on multiple doses of Gaviscon every day to supplement the Zantac. The Zoton I am on comes in time release capsules and is infinitely more effective.

Dave.