Anyone who has overcome gastritis please help

I have had gastritis for two
Months now constantly in pain in my stomach never goes away I'm on lansaprazole at the min after taking omprazole for a month and finding no relief. I want my life back ! Will this get ever get better?

Usher - you are an inspiration... i have been suffering for 6 months and only getting better with diet, probiotics... i heard about anti-candida diet. How did you establish you had this issue? I do not know if i have candida overgrowth. i also read that bowel cleanse helps a lot - how many times did you do it?
I am feeling very happy about getting better, but setbacks are disappointing and it is very slow.

Jade, i hope it will get better for you soon, but it is a slow process. I am only getting better and had it for 6 months. Hang in there...

Usher - share some more useful tips! well done and congratulations

Hi Jade,

Sorry to hear you're struggling with gastritis. I have a reactive stomach, and have stomach issues often. In February 2009 I had a Nissen fundoplication surgery, which improved the situation greatly. It didn't solve my reactive stomach/gastritis issue, but it improved my condition greatly.

Pre-Nissen when my stomach was inflamed I'd also get increased reflux and terrible esophagitis. So my stomach was a mess, and my esophagus was burned as well. Because of that, I could barely eat anything--actually the only thing I could manage without pain was egg custard.

My gastritis/esophagitis episodes would last at least two months, and during that time I'd lose about 20 pounds. Even a spoonful of mashed potato would create incredible pain. (I remember having a problem that coincided with Thanksgiving, and I have a strong memory of that one spoonful of potato!)

I still get the reactive stomach, but now I don't get the painful esophagitis because the surgery has stopped the acid from getting into my esophagus.

I have a few tips you could try:

1. Don't eat or drink anything that is spicy, acidic, or alcoholic.

2. Eat only things that can be chewed to a liquid/creamy consistency. Take small bites and chew, chew, chew. Don't swallow anything that isn't smooth before swallowing.

3. Don't eat anything that is rough, like popcorn, raw veggies, salads, etc. Your stomach muscles mash foods as part of the digestive process. If there's anything in your stomach that isn't smooth, it'll be pushed up against your already irritated stomach lining, and cause more pain and irritation.

4. Discuss the option of a prescription for Carafate Suspension. It coats the esophagus and stomach and the coating lasts nearly 6 hours. I find it really provides a lot of comfort and helps in healing.

I suspect that you're not tempted to eat any of the types of things I'm recommending you avoid, but I figured I'd mention them anyway.

Unfortunately, GI irritation takes a long, long time to heal. Be sure to take your PPIs properly. When I have/had a gastritis/stomach flare, I take top dose PPI--40mg Protonix before breakfast and dinner, as well as 300 Ranitidine (Zantac) at bedtime. The reduction in acid helps with healing.

Here's a link to an article that provides information about how to get the most out of your PPI: ttp://www.practicalgastro.com/pdf/January07/Jan07FrankArticle.pdf

Patience. It just takes time for healing. If you're very careful and stick with the bland diet/smooth foods, it will happen. It's important that you don't "cheat" and eat any offending foods, as it will definitely set you back. Believe me, I feel your pain!

It will get better!
Denise

Jade how do you feel now. I know your feeling my stomach and nesusa has been 2 snd a half months.