Do I have an esophageal ulcer?

  : Hello, please help with the following;
  : I am 39 yrs old and have never had problems with GERD or heartburn.  Four months ago, i contracted a stomach virus and I overindulged on an anti-chlorgenic (donnetal) drug.  My stomach virus got better and I immediately started having very bad GERD-like symptoms, probably because I had damaged my LES  with too much of the donnetal (i was taking it every 2 hours).  I took Prilosec for about 3 weeks and all the chest pain/burning symptoms went away.  Recently (3 mos later), the painful esophagael symptoms are back and this time it doesn't seem to be as much in my upper chest as it is in my lower esophagael area.  The pain is pretty much in that one spot, and it hurts pretty bad!  The pain seems to be worst when i'm hungrey or if I've just eaten a very small meal.  The more I eat, the better it feels.  Sitting down or straight up doesn't make any difference in the pain.  I'm scheduled for an upper GI in a few days.  Does this sound like an esophagael ulcer.  I'm very nervous....PLEASE ADVISE!!  I've never had these problems prior to 4 mos ago.
  : THANKS!
  I had same problem. Worse when hungry...only food seemed to help.  Then got worse to the point where I was eating all the time to relieve it.  Was diagnosed with sliding hiatal hernia and GERD.  Was on Pantaloc for 3 months then went off it. (caused headaches). Now I just take Zantac when needed.  Read all about how to control the GERD symptoms (raise head of bed, no spicy foods, eat frequent small meals, ect.) I also started to take a Centrum a day, and a spoonfull of GingerRoot Juice (straight) every morning.  It works.  I can now breath easier, and rarely have symptoms.  On occassion if I overindulge myself I just take a Zantac and I'm fine.  Good Luck!
_Dear Cathy,
The pain that you are experiencing can be associated with gastroesophageal reflux, esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) secondary to pills, infection or inflammation , esophageal ulcer or peptic ulcer disease. An upper GI series can be helpful in diagnosing some of these conditions. If the upper GI series is negative and your symptoms persist despite treatment,an upper GI endoscopy may provide additional useful information in diagnosing the cause of your pain. Omeperazole (Prilosec) or medications like ranitidine (Zantac) or cimetidine (Tagamet) may also relieve your pain. Anti-reflux measures may also be helpful in alleviating your pain.  
The lifestyle modifications that are considered helpful in patients with hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux are called anti-reflux measures. Foods that can decrease lower esophageal sphincter pressure should be avoided. Those foods include: coffee, tea, cola beverages (with and without caffeine), citrus drinks, fatty foods, spicy foods, onions, peppermint and chocolate. Medications such as aspirin or non-steroidal inflammatory agents (for example: ibuprofen, naproxen etc.) can be irritating to the stomach or esophagus. Other medications that decrease lower esophageal sphincter pressure are theophylline and albuterol (medicine for asthma) and calcium channel blockers (such as dilitiazem, nifedipine for high blood pressure and angina). It is important for you to review the list of your medications with your doctor. Other helpful lifestyle changes include: elevating the head of your bed on 4-6 inch cinderblocks or using a wedge under the mattress; not eating at least 3-4 hours before bedtime; eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding smoking and alcohol. I hope you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
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