enigma3

Does anybody know whether or not Protonix is as effective as something OTC, such as Prilosec for ulcers/gastritis?

I am wondering because I am positive that my ulcers/gastritis has come back again (I am having discomfort across my stomach -above my belly-button, and pain that comes and goes on my upper left side.. oh, and definite nausea off and on for a week or so now). Anyway, I was first diagnosed with an ulcer three years ago, and I noticed the same symptoms start up back in Jan./ Feb. of this year, so (thanks to the help of this board ), I decided to self-medicate with Prilosec, since I read that it helped people with gastritis and ulcers. I took it for the two weeks it said to take it for, and it made me feel like brand new.. I could really tell the difference.

Now that it has been about 3 months since I last took it, my symptoms seem to have returned. I was considering going to see my PCP, but I am almost afraid it would be all for nothing because the last time I saw him, he laughed at me out loud when I told him that I had recently been diagnosed with Lupus (I was seeing him for only the second time ever, and he hadn't even looked at my chart when he came in the room to see me.. I know because he came right out of one door next to me where he was talking w/ another patient, and proceeded directly into my room after the other door shut). So needless to say, he is a complete jerk, and needs to retire before he makes other people who are truly ill (such as myself) feel like they are idiots for being there.

So.. anyhow, I am hoping others have had success with Prilosec (or something else) just as much as Protonix, or if anybody knows how they compare.
Thanks for any info.,

Lisa