Re: BLEEDING DUODENAL ULCER

Posted By HFHSM.D.-rf on August 11, 1998 at 06:57:18:

In Reply to: BLEEDING DUODENAL ULCER posted by PATTY on August 10, 1998 at 21:49:39:






I had an Endoscopy done Thurs. The Dr could not get the scope into the small intestine past my ulcer. I was having terrible pain until I went on a liquid diet last week. My blood count is still falling
and is 8. Do you think It will have to be removed? I saw a Surgeon last thurs and he had an xray done. It showed it is not totally blocked. I have been on Prilosec since the first of June with no improvment. thanks
_______
Dear Patty,
Most ulcers will stop bleeding without surgical treatment although there are always some patients who require surgery.  The clinical presentation of bleeding can be either black bowel movements or vomiting of blood.  The blood can be red (indicating active bleeding) or brown, resembling coffee grounds(indicating recent previous bleed).  If black stool is the presentation, remember that the stool will be black for several days after the bleeding has stopped.  Your blood counts can drift downward after bleeding has stopped, reflecting re-equilibration of fluids.  A continuous downward trend, however, would suggest ongoing bleeding.
We know that almost all duodenal ulcers are the result of H. pylori infection.  Ask your doctor whether he checked you for this infection and if treatment is planned.  The literature is clear that eradication of the H. pylori infection will substantially reduce the risk of further ulcers.
This information is presented for educational purposes only.  Always consult your personal physician for specific medical questions.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: ulcer, H. pylori, gastrointestinal bleed
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