Mild CHRONIC GASTRITIS- Upper left abdomen pain

How did your GI doc appointment go?

Good, I hope!

Denise

Hello Danny,

I'm sorry to hear that the carafate isn't doing much.  Keep taking it as directed (per your GI docs instructions) and really be aware of what you eat and wait the correct time after taking Carafate (mine is 30 minutes, two tsp. every 6 hours) before you eat or drink.  about your TSH Level.  I'm not sure where you live or what labs are doing your tests, but I have high TSH levels (Hashimoto's thyroiditis).  Normal ranges here in US labs are .3 to 4.0 (of course each lab may differ slightly).  I am no doc but your TSH level is high which means your thyroid is underactive and not producing enough of your thyroid hormone.  Are you on sythroid, levoxyl or Armour Throid (this is not prescribed much any more)?  That needs to get in balance.  Your meds may need to be adjusted.  I'm sorry you are still feeling poorly.  I too, am not much better but I did see new GI doc (who I love) and I was right about the Dexilant having a negative effect on my body.  First of all, my dose (60 mg - I only weight 120lbs) was way to high for me.  I also don't do well on other PPI's.  Apparently, they have the opposite effect on my gut -  they put me into super high acid productioin instead of reducing (hah, Lucky me, right?)  Oh well, pretty much, doc agreed that I need to let my body rest from all meds and PPIs and just kept me on Carafate and zantac 150 2 x day for a week.  I see him again next week.  Today I felt that upper ab pain again on and off (not as severe, but I am having nausea now since I added some chicken back into my diet.  I was getting so week from just eating oatmeals, bananas and water.  My doc told me to "EAT".  At least for now until we figure more out. 

He is also questioning original EDP paths on me and I'm guessing we'll be having some more tests in the next few weeks.  Although my gut still hurts on and off, I at least don't have all the horrible side effects of the PPI's.  But, I do need to be on something so we'll hopefully figure it out. 

Also, don't worry about the yellow color of stool, DITTO HERE TOO.  Freaked me out, but it's from the PPI's.  My GI said the same as yours about not worrying unless there is dark, tarry stuff.

I am as frustated and scared as you and I'm sure many others on this board.  I think after 2 months of this, I'm beginning to realize this is a trial and error for the right treatment.  I see my guy next week and I am going to ask for at least an abdominal ultrasound or CAT to see what else, if anything, the first GI may have missed.

Hello Danny!

As I mentioned in a previous post, new GI doc informed me that I am an individual that CANNOT take PPI's for acid reflux.  The put me in to hyperacid rebound.  Lucky me, right!?  lol - anyway, I have many of the same symptoms you have now, but mine of occurred since I started the ppi's almost three months.  I am now off the Dexilant for 10 days, but have been informed that ppi withdrawal can last up to 4 - 8 weeks once stopped.  So I am still having horrible symptoms of reflux (which the ppi caused in me) on and off.  Today was not a good day.  Since all the antacids, ppi's, etc. my IBS has kicked in (I've had this for over 40 years on and off). So i felt pretty bad today.  Two day before that I finally started to feel like myself again, almost.

I follow-up with new GI doc tomorrow and we work on our plan.  He wanted my system to try to clear itself before putting me on any new meds. He also questions the original pathology report (he didn't do the scope himself, the other GI did) because he felt it was somewhat "vague".  But needs all reports, paths, slides, etc. to look at himself since he is my new doc.  He is considering something called Donotal (which I think is for long-standing IBS - not sure, I'm not a doc) since he believes my inflammation in the esophagus may be caused by the IBs. He'll let me know what additional tests I need.

I will post again after my visit with the new GI.  Have you tried Manuka honey in hot water?  Also, try Aloe Vera (George's Active Aloe is the best when it comes to having no taste. It's like drinking water).  Aloe Vera juice has been proven to be effective on reflux inflammation but you do need to start slowly with lower dosage so it won't cause diarrhea.  Also have you tried chewing gum (not any mint flavors) about 30 minutes after a meal 2x day.  Google the research.  It seems to raise the ph level in saliva which helps neutralize stomach acids.  It's worth a try.  I will admit the DGL licorice chewables have done nothing for me.  I hate licorice anyway - :o)

Do you IBS? sound like a lott of the "potty" issues may be related to that and all the meds.  It's horrible what these meds can do to our bodies.  Check with your doc about possible IBS, too.  There is something they can give you (of course another med, but very mild and very, very effective in stopping the stomach pains and diarrhea) called Levsin SL 125.  Wow, your Thyroid is all over the page.  You need to get that under control.  Possibly with an endocrinolgist for a while.  Thyroid issues wreak havoc on our bodies.  Has the carafate solution given you any relief.  I swear, that's good stuff, just wish it lastedlonger. Please note again, I am not a doctor so everyone needs to check with the docs before they try any new suggestions.

Good Luck Danny.  I will lift you up in my prayer tonight along with all on the forum.  Bless you and have a good quiet tummy evening.

Hi, Danny

I'm glad you are getting some answers.  Giardia can make someone very ill.  My son had it when he was alittle boy and fell in a stream filled with deer poop!  Yuck.  Did your docs figure out that your ab pain is from the bacteria? 

I am off ppis now for 1 month but still having horrible acid rebound most days of the week.  Usually about 5 days I'm miserable.  What I justcannot understand isthat I had none of these acid symptoms before the ppi's.  I am following low acid diet to a tee, now on zantac 150 2xday, carafate (if I need it for the ab pain).  I don't know what else to do.  New GI doc said my body needs to get back to where it was before the ppis but I cannot treat the reflux I am experiencing now with PPI's. This is insance.  I want to cry.  I am living on oatmeal, High Alkaline water, a few root vegetables and almong milk.  I've lost 10 pounds in 6 weeks and I really don't think I can afford to lose much more.  I feel so weak all the time.

I am meeting with new GI guy again this morning to schedule some additional tests.  Thanks for asking.  I hope you feel better soon.  With your new DX does that rule out GERD?  I hope so for you.

I tried to reduce my ppi and the burning got worse, the nausea got very bad and my throat started hurting and burning

u are so lucky that your reflux has stopped, I can not get mine to calm down at all

I have presure in my chest constatly, and the food feels like it's not going down and just sits in my chest