Well, my biopsy from the endoscopy came back normal and my Gastro doctor doubts that my gall bladder is the reason for all my digestive problems. I have the ultra sound scheduled for tomorrow, so we will see. I know that these Docs know alot, but they always sound so condescending! Of course he played the old "stress" card. Frankly, I am starting to get offended with the diagnoses of stress for everything that goes wrong with my body. I have never had a problem eating no matter how upset I have been. In fact, I probably guilty of eating more when I get upset. Well, I am going to have to be the one forcing the hands of all my doctors until they listen to what I have to say. At least my endocrinologist is a caring and compassionate woman who is actually trying to get me better!

Hi, foodie. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know what you mean about the docs and condescending. However, my surgeon was great and sympathetic. Read my response to your previous post. And hang in there. Even if the ultrasound is normal, DON'T GIVE UP FINDING AN ANSWER.

My thoughts are with you,
Katie G

Hi Foodie.

I'm confused. I read your post regarding your endoscopy. You said the GI saw some inflammation that might have been brought on by an infection? That infection would be H-Pylori which causes stomach inflammation which is called, "Gastritis", both of which I had as well. Did he exclude H-Pylori, or were you even tested for this? Also, the inflammation, which like I said is gastritis, could be causing your pain. I have this and it's very uncomfortable. Did he mention anything to you about the above. I was just a little confused as to why he didn't mention gastritis if he saw inflammation?

-Jenn

Apparently, the doctor said I tested negative for the HP ulcer infection. He said that it was inflammed due to abdominal distress brought on by possible anxiety! Whatever! The problem with this whole mess is that I was just diagnosed with Hashimoto's, a thyroid disorder so that explains my throat discomfort, but still doesn't explain the digestive problems. My GI doc wants to put me on some kind of anti-spasm medicine. Again, dealing with the symptoms and not the cause. Luckly, my GP was the one who ordered the ultra sound and not the GI doctor. If the ultra sound shows nothing, I'll just have to push for the hida scan. Either way, I am not going away until we figure out what's going on. You are just not well one day and sick as a dog from then on. I am hispanic and have never shied away from spicy food. And even if my body became sensitive to it, it wouldn't just change in a day. Anyway, I am really hoping that the ultra sound shows that I am not off my rocker!

I understand your frustration. Had the hida-scan, ct-scan, ultra sound, x-rays, endoscopy, the whole nine yards, and nothing definitive was found, except inflammation. I ran around just like yourself searching for answers and was simply told it was inflammation of the stomach lining which in definition is called "Gastritis." If you look up the definition of gastritis, you will see. The definition states, inflammation of the stomach lining which is exactly what you have. That is all gastritis means. Inflammation and it will reak havic on your entire GI track and make you feel as though you are dying. It's that painful. I'm sure this is why he wanted you to take the anti-spasmadic and I'm surpeised he didn't advise a PPI. My GI too gave me the anti-spasmadic. It sounds as though he is trying to treat you, but you are still searching for answers when the answer was already given to you. Don't take any of this out of context, but there are many people who don't understand the severity of gastritis and how much pain it really does cause. In order for you to get better, you must find the "Cause" of the gastritis. (The inflammation of the stomach) That's the problem! If you search this board, read the board over at heartburn-help.com, or medhelp.org, you will see many people with the SAME EXACT symptoms as yourself and all the doctors found was inflammation.........Gastritis. I hope you get well soon, but I strongly advise you to stay away from anything spicy, or harsh on the stomach, because this will cause that inflammation to turn into an ulcer.

Good luck and do a little reading. You'll see ;-)
-Jenn

Thanks for the information Toccoah. My GI doesn't seem interested in looking into the cause of the inflammation. He has me on Achiphex and now the anti-spasmodic. I just want to rule out as much as possible before I settle with his conclusion and add another round of medications to my growing pile. I haven't eaten anything remotely spicey, fatty, or anything that can cause any gas in almost a month. I have made my own personal adjustments to my situation. I take my achiphex first thing in the morning and wait two hours to eat something. I am avoiding all dairy, eating as soon as I get home from work and nothing else after that. I did go to the healthfood store and purchased some digestive enzymes to heal my tummy. I'll let you all know how the ultrasound turns out!

It sounds as though you are doing everything right! Good for you. One thing. Just make sure whatever enzyme it is you purchase, it is "Protease" free! If it contains protease, the nutritionist will tell you at the healthfood store, NOT to take it if you have stomach inflammation. (Gastritis) Try to by one without protease, they're out there. Let me know if you can, how the enzymes work and if you think they are helping! Good luck, and please keep me posted.

-Jenn

Jenn,

What does protease do? This all so new to me.

Michelle http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Protease helps aid in the digestion of protein, and will cause the stomach to BURN! If you do a search on protease and gastritis, you will see. You will also find enzymes that are suitable for gastritis or made for gastritis. Here's a quote taken form a website speaking about protease and gastritis.

"Health NOTE: Individuals with extreme cases of Gastritis, Gastric or Duodenal Ulcers should begin their Enzyme Supplementation with a multiple enzyme formula WITHOUT Protease. A gradual transition to a formula with Protease is possible in about a four-week period of time. This is due to the situation that Protease may temporarily have a burning sensation, for individuals with these situations."

I-Jenn

[This message has been edited by moderator1 (edited 09-12-2002).]

Thanks Jenn,

I can run to the healthfood store after work. I just want to do things more naturally. I hate taking all those toxic medicines. I also think that aciphex isn't the best for me. I have a prescription for Prevacid and I think I am going to switch to that. I also picked up some great organic veggie pies that seem to be easy on my tummy, no preservatives!!