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Stomach Cancer or Peptic Ulcer?

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Posted 1/20/2015 7:11 AM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone!

I had a nissen fundiplication surgery last March 2014. I have mimicked vomiting on one occasion in July 2014. Then in about October, I started feeling really full and nauseated after eating very very little. Since December I have had numerous vomit mimicking episodes. Some are pretty violent. I also had a constipation issue in which I went two weeks without a bm and only had one until 2 weeks later. Now for about two weeks I have had severe stomach pain that is unrelenting. It gets up to about a 10 when it cramps up on me. Now this is not tummy pain, but high up like where I used to have GERD, but it is different.

Anyway, I am extremely nauseated all the time, and get even worse with violent vomit mimicking episodes especially after I eat. I have been drinking tons of fluids and taking my nausea meds and forcing myself to eat despite my response. I have also been extremely tired as well. The only thing that I find strange is that I have not been losing weight like I would expect considering my poor eating habits.

I am seeing a GI specialist and am getting an upper endoscopy tomorrow afternoon. So, I will most likely either find something out tomorrow or shortly thereafter. I also met with my surgeon who did the nissen, and while he didn't do any exams or any imaging, he said that even though I have had violent vomit mimicking episodes, he doesn't think I have hurt my wrap. I did start burping again, which was something that I have not done since surgery.

I guess it is good that nothing really comes up during one of those episodes. Anyway, there's more, but I don't want to bore with any more details. I looked up the stomach cancer symptoms and I have 7 out of the 9 symptoms, which is only slightly concerning. I am thinking that it is most likely an ulcer. At least that is what I am hoping for.

So my main reason for posting is if there is anyone with similar symptoms out there that have had either cancer or an ulcer or something different? Just curious is all. Thank you for your time. Sorry for the book. :)

Uniandra
Posted 1/20/2015 11:41 AM (GMT 0)
Stomach cancer and even an ulcer are very unlikely. If this was the problem you would have black, congealed blood in your stools, and would be in quite a bit of pain constantly rather than just nausea. You may have gastritis, h pylori or there may be no physical signs of damage. Are you taking PPIs or ant-acids? It may be worth taking them for a while to let your stomach settle. I suffer with nausea frequently and find controlling my diet along with PPIs helps it settle. I avoid sugar & acidic food and drink cabbage juice and it usually improves a lot within a few days.
Posted 1/20/2015 11:59 AM (GMT 0)
Andy,
I actually am in quite a bit of pain (severe actually) all the time. I'm thinking you missed that. :) I have tried ant-acids and Prilosec to no avail. I was on pain meds for a short while, which lightened the pain somewhat. Unfortunately and fortunately, the pain has increased again.
The main reason why my doctor is doing an upper endoscopy is because I have been on naproxen since about April of last year. He is thinking that I might have an ulcer. However, I'm hoping that it is a simple fix. I have also changed my diet, but haven't tried the cabbage juice. Sounds like it is worth a shot in doing. Hopefully, it is just something more mild or maybe they won't see a thing. Maybe it will even go away on its own.

On a different note, I'd like to say that I appreciate your response to my post. You have some helpful advice and helped me realize that I may be over-reacting a bit.

Uniandra :)
Posted 1/20/2015 3:06 PM (GMT 0)
Uniandra:

It sounds like you may have developed gastritis, which is quite common with the prolonged use of Naproxen. Have you taken anything for the constipation issue? The internet is great, but it can also be your worst enemy, take a deep breath and wait for the test results. I'm curious as to whether you have had your gallbladder tested?

Good Luck and Stay Calm --

Sharon
Posted 1/20/2015 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sharon,

Yes, I have tried everything that is pretty much over the counter as well as that which was prescribed to me from the doctor for my constipation issue. There is one thing that is currently helping, which is a med the doctor gave me. Also, she told me to take citrucel to help with my fiber intake. I had increased my fiber intake, but my doctor said that it might not be enough. She additionally told me that if the issue doesn't regulate soon, to go back in and see her.
Thank you for the advice on remaining calm. :)

Uniandra
Posted 1/21/2015 2:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hello again,

I had my upper endoscopy today, and the doctor discovered an ulcer. He is doing a biopsy, which is checking for two things: H. pilori (whatever its called) and stomach cancer). So I will find out if the current course of action is the only action that needs to be taken which is an increase of my ppi. I do not have to change my diet or anything like that, so I'm assuming that the ulcer isn't too bad, even though I'm in a ton of pain.

Anyway, I just thought I"d give an update. I will also give an update on the biopsy as well. They said that it can take up to two weeks. It is no biggy, because I am not worried. I just got some answers, so I can take a breather now. :)

Uniandra
Posted 1/21/2015 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
Uniandra:

Hopefully, you'll be able to get the ulcer under control. My first endoscopy showed ulcers and I also tested positive for the H pylori bacteria. If you do have H pylori you will be treated with large doses of antibiotics, usually two or three for a period of a few weeks. I have to admit, all those antibiotics were horrible and I was retested to make sure the infection had cleared up.

By the way, I had my Nissen in April of 2014.

Good luck with the biopsy results.

Sharon
Posted 1/21/2015 5:17 PM (GMT 0)
Sharon,

I am so hoping that I don't test positive for the H. Pylori. I don't want to have to take another medication on top of my other meds. I just want the pain to go away! Oh well, it will in time.

Anyway, I hope your nissen went well.

Thank you for your well wishes.

Uniandra
Posted 1/22/2015 9:25 PM (GMT 0)
Uniandra,
I had an ulcer due to H. Pylori several years ago. The treatment was a short period (4 or 5 days, I think) of taking a large amount of antibiotics and lots of rest. It worked without any complications and haven't had a problem with that since. Getting rid of that stomach pain was wonderful!
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