GERD? or??

[lynxgal]

Hi.  I have a history of stomach ulcer and h-pylori (10 years ago) .  I have been getting heartburn on and off for years...seems to run in the family on my father's side.  For the last 3 weeks or so the heartburn has been everyday almost all day long.  It can be in the pit of my stomach, behind the breast bone and occasionally it travels from my mid abdomen all the way up into my throat.  I also have nausea sometimes and a sort of constricting discomfort around my sternum to my back.  Lastly burping ALOT.

My father had non Hodgkin lymphoma of the stomach  as well as h-pylori.  It was suspected that my father's father also had stomach cancer but he refused testing (he was 84 at the time and shortly after began palliative care).

My doc rx'd pantaloc for 30 days and a bland diet with a wait and see what happens.  I'm wondering if my symptoms sound like GERD, or another ulcer, or what?  My doc did not comment as to the cause just rx'd meds with no testing.

[selmaS]

Well with a name like badassbill I can not see u allow defeat!!

Keep pushing, as many times as not a dr can say one thing and u may have another...so push for answers and a new dr...

Here is some info I found on the web regarding yeast issues in men:
Other Symptoms
In addition to skin yeast infections, men can experience migraines, gastritis, thickened mucus in the nose and throat, asthma, allergies, joint and muscle pain, and even autoimmune diseases (e.g. fibromyalgia, Crohn's disease) because of systemic yeast infections. One or more of these symptoms can accompany any of the skin conditions. However, a man may not get a specific skin yeast condition, yet still have itching (e.g. scrotum from food allergies).


Stay positive and keep me posted on how u r doing
"selma"

[badassbill]

   My Dr's never mentioned any "rebound" or "ph" test, thats what is so frustrating. I was fine for a month after the antibiotics and that was it. I told docs i felt fine and never heard from them again. i was not re tested, nor was i told anything further about diet or post treatment. I went on a strict acid free, all organic, sugar free diet due to surfing the web and learning about H-pylori on my own. However, i do remember getting into an argument with my daughter shortly after the antibiotics and instantly my stomach bloated and started killing me, and its been downhill from then.
   Im trying to find a good "gi" guy but they are rare in my area. I would think with a PPO, the docs would love to treat me!!
   The yeast thing makes sense because i feel great the day of and the day after i eat a tub of yogurt. The constipation stems from the pain medication and ive learned to deal with it through diet. I eat very high fiber (a boiled cabbage ever other day, 3 organic salads a day, fiber cereal every day, oats, baby food and no cheese or red meat etc).but lately my diet seems like its not working.
The issue i had last night was stinging in my lower left side. Almost felt like lemon juice in my eye, but in my stomach. Brought me to tears and prilosec did not work, i had to take ibuprofen and that started even more problems.
   . Ive been in 7 major accidents where bones were broken and spines and necks were shattered, yet they NEVER held me back, they motivated me to get better and get stronger. I beat paralysis on my own and was striving towards becoming a pro bodybuilder; yet this stomach thing has beat me up and seems as if its breaking my spirit.
   I am going to take your advice. I cant live like this anymore.
Thank you.

[selmaS]

HI Bill...sorry u r having continual issues and I know u r in discomfort as a result.,Drs can be frustrating as they give u a pill and consider u fixed....one cause one issue, so u get another , and so on...it mushrooms into a nightmare sometimes.


Since u were on an antibiotic for ur H.Pylori, can I assume that u r now clear of the H.Pylori?
Next, have they done a PH study to see if the pain u now have is from high or low acid?
If it is low it would explain the pain and the meds r doing u more harm than good.Do not stop them, as u can get what is  called a rebound effect....talk to ur dr about these possibilities.

Next, since u r bloated, it is from ur constipation.....u need to add a stool softener and drink plenty of water...get more fiber in ur diet.

It could be the constipation causing the night sweats as well when ur bladder gets full and there is a full intestine of toxins....

Plus, what can be happening is ur body is drawing the fluids from ur digestive tract causing things to dry up and impact.....I would see about getting a colonoscopy to be sure there is nothing wrong and u get a good cleaning in the process.

Last, from all the antibiotics u were on, it is possible like I may have mentioned that u have a yeast issue and a imbalance of acids/bacteria in ur digestive track....antibiotics kill all bacteria and we need some in order to break down our foods...so this would be  the case if in doing a PH study they find ur acids r too low...a probiotic may be helpful.

And then u would be doing a slow step down  from the GERD meds to avoid the rebound.

I hope this is helpful and u find some relief soon.

"selma"

[badassbill]

I had H-pylori 4 months ago,due mainly to 2400mg of ibuprofen and 150mg of oxycodone, (no acetominiphin) every day for 8 years. I was prescribed 500mg Flagyl, 1000mg Erythromycin a day and 80mg of prilosec a day for 40 days. Still taking the prilosec however still have insane stomach pains at the lower left side of my abdomen, can barely pass gas, i have night sweats (when i have to urinate), bloating and have gained at least 15 pounds in 4 months. I barely eat and when i do, i eat organic, sugar and fat free foods (for the most part). I dont understand how i can gain this much weight while barely eating.I am constantly constipated yet feel great on the rare days im not constipated however they are few and far between. I feel horrible and tired when i eat and get serious hunger within an hour of eating. I dont know whats going on. Im 38, in shape and constantly sick (HIV negative and all blood work is perfect, including pancreas and liver function) at my whits end!!! Can someone help because my doctors are idiots. I cant live on antibiotics and need answers.

[selmaS]

HI..sorry I was never on that med so I have no idea, but good luck...I hope it kicks in quickly : )

[lynxgal]

Yes I would need the referral first.  Feel a little better no vomiting.  Was able to eat a small normal dinner last night!  

The only thing I am noticing is the meds are stopping my burping so I'm a little uncomfortable at the end of the day.  Tried gingerale yesterday but it would not help me burp.  Last night I had a 1/2 a cola to get myself to burp and felt better after.

This morning I'm nauseated but I just took the pill.  Fingers crossed!  Anyone know how long it takes Pantoloc to start working?

[selmaS]

So u do need a referral first?....well, I would see if there is another dr covering for ur while he is on vacation...and get to a GI....the longer u wait the longer to get in....all the vomiting will lead to dehydration and low electrolytes.

"selma"

[lynxgal]

Yes I probably could get a referral from my GP but I just called the office and they are now on vacation until the end of the month.  Not sure if this warrants a visit to urgent care...or if I should just keep taking the meds and see what happens.

[selmaS]

Will ur insurance allow u to be seen by a GI dr?....I really feel u should be seen by a dr that specializes in the digestive tract....

It could be u have something going on with ur Gall Bladder...U need to get some more testing done.

"selma"

[lynxgal]

Thank you for the reply SelmaS.  Yes the doc was my PCP.  He is now on vacation for two weeks.  The nausea has been getting worse and I ate a banana last night...actually about 1/2 of one.  within the hour I was on the verge of vomiting.  I still feel like vomiting this morning.  UGH.  

I thought banana would be considered bland?  Maybe not.