Elivmar

After an endoscopy, I was recently diagnosed with distal gastritis. I've always had mild IBS, but typically it doesn't bother me.

Anyway, I saw a gastroenterologist, who performed my exam, and he simply diagnosed me with gastritis. I tested negative for H. Pylori. He said if I have any further pain to come back and see him. He seemed to think it was caused by my overuse of Advil (I get frequent headaches and would take Advil almost every day sometimes). I've obviously stopped using Advil. He also recommended I stop having carbonated beverages, as that seems to make it worse and it annoys my IBS. After my endoscopy I went about a month without drinking or anything. However, my 21st birthday was on the 31st of December, so I figured I'd be fine to have a 3 or 4 drinks after going almost two months without drinking. I did have some carbonated stuff that night, although no medicine. The next day I had intense stomach pains that subsided after a few hours and fully went away within 24.

Since I was away from school, I went to my local doctor to see about what I can do. He prescribed me Ranitidine and Nexium, which I've started taking. However, a few things he said confused me. I have a good prognosis for healing within 4-5 months, which I'm happy about. Obviously I should stay away from even a drop of alcohol during this time. My GI on the other hand, didn't seem to have such an aversion to me drinking. Regardless, I plan on not drinking for ~9 months just to be sure I'm healed.

However, this is my question: After I'm healed, and have seen my GI, will I be able to drink?

I think my GI would say yes, while my primary physician would say I shouldn't. I obviously don't plan on drinking often, but I'd at least like to be able to go out occasionally! I'm planning on giving up Advil for ever pretty much, and I don't foresee myself returning to carbonated beverages (not worth the trouble it causes). I don't believe I necessarily have chronic/recurring gastritis, as it really only agitates me when I'm anxious or drinking something wrong. Additionally, I can still eat virtually anything I want without any kind of pain.

I'm just curious what other people's experiences on this are!

Thank you!