This is my first post as I am a newbie, but would really appreciate any advice anyone can give me. I suffer from quite a lot of reflux & have been on a daily dose of 40mg Omeprazole for about 8 years now. I had a stomach ulcer previously, and have been suffering with what I am sure is another ulcer for a week or so now. I saw my doctor yesterday and he agreed, and told me the gastroenterology unit may want to admit me. However, the doc rang them and they were happy to prescribe me 300mg of Ranitidine to take nightly for a few days.
I guess I need to give the ulcer time to heal, but the pain is awful, and I really don't know what to do about it. I am eating hardly anything, as even a little thing like a yoghurt can cause me pain for hours. Most days I am getting by on a piece of toast and a yoghurt or a cup-a-soup, just to make sure I have a little something, but obviously it's not a good idea to carry on like that! My doctor said to ring him in a few days if it's no better, but I really don't want to go into hospital. If anyone has any advice, I would be so grateful
Mel
The following user gives a hug of support to melb41: solofelix (06-29-2011)
Hi, I am so sorry for you. I know how painful they can be as I had one myself. Mine burst and came up through my mouth, it was thought to be higher up in my esophagus.
Have you been tested for H.Pylori, after mine a Biopsy showed H.Pylori
and the GI Dr recons that was what caused mine. They do take awhile to heal as you no doubt have had one in your mouth at some stage and they seem to last ages.
You are on the correct medication so give it awhile to heal. I have AR/GERD for 2.5 yrs now and feel that I have had other Ulcers also.
I find warm milk soothing and you could add a little honey to it. You could also try Scrambled Egg, Warm Rice Pudding. If no improvement in a week to ten days see your Dr again. All the best, Solofelix.
Thank you very much for replying. Sorry it has taken me a while to respond, but I really haven't been very well. I had to go to hospital in the week last week as I was in such pain. The doctor I saw actually thought that I might have gallstones, however I have had an ultrasound scan today, and nothing showed up. Strangely when I first went to the doctors, I wasn't tested for H.Pylori, but the GP I saw at the hospital mentioned this, and I had a temperature, so she gave me antibiotics. I have nearly finished these, and am no better whatsoever. I guess it's back to the docs for more investigations.
Thank you for your suggestions regarding food, it is so hard to know what to eat. I have been eating soup, and just a yoghurt during the day as I don't really feel like anything, and when you know the pain is going to get worse as the day goes on, it kinda puts you off!
Best regards
Mel
I just joined this board, so your question may already have been answered, but
if you have this much pain, you really need an endoscopy to determine whether your
problemis an ulcer or not. If an ulcer, many of them are caused by the h.pylori bacteria
and an antibiotic would be indicated; in additon, a proton pump inhibitor to relieve the
pain. in the meantime, no acid foods, no caffeine or alcohol, sleep with a couple of
pillows to keep your head and esophagus raised. Good luck.
