H. Pylori Negative Ulcer Wont Go Away!!!

Hi everyone,

Sorry in advance for the long detailed post.

I haven't posted here in a very long time. I suffer from regular headaches and migraines (we're talking like every day) as well as depression and anxiety/panic attacks (but who wouldn't be depressed stuck in bed with a headache all of the time right?).

The reason I bring up the headaches is I just want to mention that I avoid taking any NSAIDs to treat my headaches and migraines. about four years ago I had an endoscopy and they found some small duodenal ulcers. The doctors also took a biopsy and it was negative for H. Pylori. The doctor put me on Rabeprazole (Aciphex) and Ranitidine (Zantac). So I have been taking that for about three or four years, still have bouts of acid reflux. But I still get bouts of terrible burning pain about two inches or so above my belly button. The episodes can last anywhere from twenty minutes to an hour or more and they can be excruciating. They have been happening all along but have been getting worse lately and occurring more frequently.

Normally people are on the antacids for four to six weeks, but because of my acid reflux my doctor has kept me on it, but shouldn't my ulcers have healed after four years? Could it still be the same ulcers, new ones that just keep developing over and over or could it be something different? I am seeing the doctor next week and will ask for an x-ray or something but I am just curious as it seems to be an awfully long time for duodenal ulcers to hang around.

Has anyone experienced this or can anyone offer any insight or speculation? Thanks!

Unfortunately, an x-ray won't help, I would have him schedule a repeat endoscopy. If it's been four years, it's time to repeat it, and see what's going on. That's the only way to see if the ulcers still exist. It might make sense to have your doctor try a different medication. You should try following a GERD-friendly diet, and keep a food journal to see if you can identify your food triggers. Also, try and keep the anxiety under control. It can definitely cause/make your symptoms seem much worse.