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Posted 9/30/2013 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
I have been suffering reflux for 5 months now. When I had an endoscopy in August I was diagnosed with mild gastritis over the whole stomach and a small (1cm) hernia.

What I am wondering, is the gastritis alone enough to cause reflux?

If so is there a chance that it could heal and the reflux would just stop?
Posted 9/30/2013 8:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi noelle3

It kind of depends on your diet and the fact that a hernia causes gerd and gastritis but it's the chicken and egg question, which came first ? When I had my endoscopy last year, I had terrible bloating issues, feeling of fullness after a few bites and the feeling the food took a terribly long time in digesting. I had terrible upper abdominal pain and non acidic reflux and stinging and burning pains in my stomach. My gastro said I had mild fundal gastritis which I think is quite common with hernias. After 9 months my symptoms have calmed down to become more manageable with drugs but in comparison to the beginning stages,I never want to go through that again. If you eat bland foods, bananas, toast, rice, porridge, chicken, fish, no fancy sauces, your symptoms will improve immensely.
Posted 10/1/2013 10:53 AM (GMT 0)
Carafate is good for gastritis.
Posted 10/1/2013 11:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jamosca, I have been sticking religiously to a bland diet for months now. I also take Vit. D, cod liver oil and calcium supplements. I am also taking Esomprazole (Nexium) which I would say is only helping by about 20% ... but I'll take any help no matter how small at the moment. Night-time is the worse for me, as it is for most reflux sufferers.

The thing is that I have osteoporosis, so there is no way I can stay on the PPIs long term in case I incur a fracture as they don't allow enough calcium to be absorbed into the bones. So at the moment medication seems to be only a bandaid as it doesn't cure the problem .. only controls the symptoms.

Hi DOGGBONES, I've read about Carafate and I wondered why neither the Gastro consultant or my GP advised it. When I next see either I will ask about it. Do you have/had gastritis, and has it helped you?

The other thing is, how do you know when gastritis is healed? I have a fear that I will end up having surgery and that the gastritis will remain unhealed.
Posted 10/1/2013 2:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Noelle,

Welcome to Healing Well!  I have a reactive stomach and often get mild gastritis.  In fact, at one time I was hospitalized with HORRIBLE gastritis that kicked up my reflux and also created havoc with my lungs/asthma.

Yes, gastritis can create a situation where reflux is more likely.  At least that's the way I always experienced the problem.  In my case, it seems that the gastritis always created more acid to send up to my esophagus and lungs. 

Some GI docs aren't sold on the effectiveness of Carafate, but I can tell you that as a person who deals with a reactive stomach/gastritis, it is highly effective, and helps a lot. It was developed to help heal ulcers.  I saw a new GI doc recently and he said something like "many of us aren't so sure that Carafate is effective".  That could be your situation. Still, I suspect you could request a prescription and give it a try. 

I always have it on hand, and it helps me tremendously.  I've used the tablet form, but the suspension is by far the best.  If you have good prescription insurance go that route, since it's very expensive.  The tablets are generic, and you can put them in a shot glass or medicine cup, add a little water, stir, and throw it back like a shot. Get the suspension if possible, though. 

Carafate is challenging to take.  You need to take it an hour before eating anything, and two hours before (or after) taking medication.  Also, I believe it needs a half-hour space between Carafate and antacids.  I find it helps if I take one dose when I get up to use the bathroom in the wee hours of the morning.  That way it's well before my morning meds and breakfast.

Be sure to stay away from foods that are rough and scratchy (raw veggies, popcorn, etc.) when you're having gastritis issues.  The stomach muscles churn the stomach during digestion, and those things scratch the already irritated stomach lining.  Stick with your bland diet...have you tried egg custard?  I had enough reflux to create very painful eating, and when things were at their worst, egg custard was the only thing I could tolerate.

Good luck to you.   I feel your pain! turn

Hang in there, and best wishes!

Denise

Posted 10/1/2013 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
Noelle,

I have had gastritis and still get it from time to time. For me, it's a burning in the stomach but not the throat or chest (typical heartburn symptoms). I had to "fight" with my dr to give me a dx but I wouldn't shut up until he did. Dencha really has said it all, she is the HW "carafate queen". Hope this helps.

Posted 10/1/2013 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Denise

Oh my, so you still get reflux caused by gastritis despite having had the Nissen? This is something that concerns me.

Thank you for the positive feedback on Carafate. I fully intend to discuss this with my doctor. I am in the UK, so am hoping I can get it on the NHS.

Yes, I have been sticking to a bland diet. However, I decided to veer a little off course this lunch-time and had a wholemeal bread sandwich, instead of plain white ... big mistake! ... too fibrous!
No, I have never tried egg custard, but I will.

I hope they'll be able to get to the bottom of what's causing my reflux. I'm still waiting for an appointment for my 24hr. PH test.

Thank you for the welcome and the well wishes :)
Posted 10/1/2013 4:10 PM (GMT 0)
hi Noelle,

No...I don't get reflux like I did prior to my Nissen, but I still get gastritis, because I have a reactive stomach. A Nissen doesn't stop gastritis...just reduces the reflux. The carafate is for the reactive stomach.

Good luck with your search for answers.

Denise
Posted 10/1/2013 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
Denise, thanks for clarifying ... that's good to know!
Posted 10/1/2013 6:56 PM (GMT 0)
My doctor in the UK prescribed sucralfate (carafate) when I had gastritis along with omeprazole and domperidone. Was hard to take with all the meds I was on and gave up on it. The omeprazole seemed to fix the burning in my stomach in the end. I have some sucralfate left in the cupboard and seeing as I have mild burning in my stomach again I might give it another shot.
Posted 10/2/2013 3:05 AM (GMT 0)
I take nexium 40mg, reglan and carafate plus liver and iron supplement for anemia as well as the b12 shot for 5 weeks.ls a heartburn and general indigestion (also constipation) common for gastritis also sometimes its hard to burp after eating. Some days are better than others I'm very confused and scared what will happen after I get off the medicine . Please post some advice.
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