Stomach, Ulcers, Gastric Bypass Forum - Very Painful Stomach

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Q: Very Painful Stomach - Possible Ulcer left of the esophagus

asked by: rosscouk on August 24th, 2007

New User

Hi there,

I have been experiencing lots of pain at the top of my stomach, just down and to the left of the esophagus and possibly just under the rib cage.

I have had helicobacter pylori before and it was treated with antibiotics about five years ago. A stool sample has showed no hp this time. However the pain is still severe. It is a gnawing pain, that is there almost constantly and I am also starting to feel sick from time to time. I suppose eating helps a little but quite soon afterwards the pain is back. I seem to burp quite alot. The doctor has me taking 40mg of omeprazole, although I am not sure if it is best to take it at night or first thing in the morning.

I have stopped all tea, coffee, alcohol and spicy food and tried to cut out all suger. Although I have been eating bio yogurts. I don't know if I should or should not be doing this. Does anyone know?

I have now been referred for an endoscopy but I don't know how soon that will be and I not sure I can wait with the pain.

Does this sound like an ulcer?
Could it be something else?
What should/shouldn't I be eating?

The pain is quite bad, what are my chances of perforating an ulcer if I do have one? I think I am quite stressed, which makes my stomach worse, which then makes me stressed, I feel locked in the cycle.

Thanks for any help

Replies(8)

Peale

replied on August 25th, 2007

New User

If you're taking ANY kind of NSAIDS (ibuprofen, Aleve, aspirin) stop taking them immediately. These drugs work by inhibiting a chemical responsible for inflammation. This same chemical, however, is the same one responsible for maintaining your stomach/intestinal lining! So when you take it your body won't repair damage to your intestines.

rosscouk

replied on August 25th, 2007

New User

Thanks Peale,

I was taking Ibuprofen for suspected Trigeminal Neuralgia but I must of stopped about 2 to 3 months ago now. I am not sure why the pain has come on so severely now.

Are there any foods that will help? I am obviously avoiding the obvious of alcohol, spicy foods. The pain does not seem to be any better despite being on 40mg of omeprazole for the last two weeks. If anything, the last two days have been more painful than ever.

I have been eating plenty of bio yoghurts, I don't know if that is a good idea or not. Stomach feels very bloated, I seem to be constantly munching on antiacid tablets.

Thanks.

Peale

replied on August 25th, 2007

New User

Seeing a doctor is very important. An endoscope will hopefully provide some answers.

rosscouk

replied on August 25th, 2007

New User

I have seen a doctor and they have referred me for the endoscope, I don't know how long that will be. Could be a while.

Peale

replied on August 25th, 2007

New User

I'm guessing you're in the UK? Good on them for the free health care, bad on them for making you wait. Of course, likely your doctor could push you further along in the queue if they felt it was necessary, but often times they don't feel that it's "life-threatening" so you have to wait.

Are you taking anything else besides the acid reducers? I know you're taking antacids. Try some Pepto-Bismol. It coats the ulcer, protecting it from further acid damage (take it like 20 minutes before a meal, and again before you go down for sleep).

Best to consult with your doctor for truly professional advice.

rosscouk

replied on August 26th, 2007

New User

Thanks Peale,

Yes I am in the UK. I am hoping the wait won't be to long. We have something in the uk called Gaviscon, which is in a liquid form. I wonder if its the same thing. I'll have a look around for some pepto bismol aswell. Can't be that hard to find.

rosscouk

replied on September 12th, 2007

New User

Hi there,

I was hoping after three weeks my stomach would be feeling better. However, it is still very painful. As I have been taking 40mg of proton pump inhibitors a day I haven't had much acid reflux. My esophagus is still very painful, feels almost swollen. It woke me last night and it was a real gnawing pain, couldn't go back to sleep for nearly two hours and two doses of pepto bismol. Does that sound like an ulcer or osophagitis ot both?

I am eating like a monk, no tea or coffee and no alcohol or spicey foods. I thought things would get better, but no. Quite down about it.

Any advice gratefully received.

Peale

replied on September 12th, 2007

New User

I wish I had some advice. Hopefully your appt with the doctor will provide you some answers.

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