Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Is this gastritis
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
 |
Is this gastritis
by Japar, Oct 13, 2002 12:00AM
In June my husband was told by the doctor that he had gastritis. He was given Nexium (40mg) per day. The doctor diagnosed this w/out testing. He said if it didn't clear up, he would order a scope. Well, after about a month or two, he started feeling better. His symptoms are: gurgling in the stomach, a full feeling, an uncomfortable feeling while sitting (right side), not really pain just full feeling, burping, bloating and gas. He had to eat bland foods in the beginning and gradually added meats again. I believe my husband developed this due to overuse of aspirin. Recently, the symptoms reappeared last week after he ate eggs fried in shortening. It appears that he cannot tolerate fried foods (deep-fried fish, eggs, etc.). Spicy foods don't bother him, but grease does. He's still on the Nexium. Also, he was stressed last week due to returning from a vacation and also a disagreement we were having. Are these symptoms common to gastritis or could it be a gall bladder? During the first bout, they ran complete tests on his blood. It came back negative (no h. pylori either). They also did a stool sample, no blood was found. He is scheduled to return to the doctor on Wednesday and he will probably order a scope.
Seven years ago I was told I had reflux, no testing. Three years after that time, I had a scope and it was found that I didn't have reflux of any kind, mild gastritis. Although symptoms are similar, treatment is slightly different. I just had a scope again this past summer and have graduated from mild to chronic!
Tell your husband to avoid meat until he completly heals. Avoid caffine, alchohol, spicey foods, tomatoe products, dairy unless it can be tolerated. It's a trial and error so he will need to try foods and if they don't irritate his stomach, it's okay.
Eat small meals. I found Nexium made me worse but if it helps him, fine - not all PPI's work the same for everyone. He should take one first thing in the AM and then again before dinner. Wait at least 2-3 hours before going to bed after the last meal.
But, all this being said, he needs a scope as the first step. After this, post again and let us know what the results are.
Some of the natural things he can do with medication is drink aloe juice before meals, just an ounce or two. Try chewing DGL tables you can find at any health food store. Drink soothing teas after meals. These things may help him feel better.
Make sure it pure aloe juice.
You can dilute with water or juice. Only take a few ounces at a time. You may get initial burning but it will pass in time.
Do you just take the Carafate with a PPI? And, do you find that it makes you bloated?
thanks
Good luck-
Jenn