Stomach Problems

2 Weeks Ago Woke Up in the morning with sudden stomach pain.
Had endoscopy with 3 biopsies which came back that i had gastritis. For the last month i've been taking 40mg of nexium 2x a day. Right After the endoscopy the doctor said he saw no signs of acid reflux and to stop taking the nexium. He did prescribe Nulev to see if that would help with the stomach pain. I've taken that as needed helps sometimes and sometimes it doesn't. My stomach is still bothering me on occassion. Not severe pain but discomfort. Today passed dark stools 2x. Didn't see any red blood but stools were med dark.
About 4 days ago went to pain clinc for undiagnosised upper left back pain and left side chest pain that i've had for 3 months. I told him about the stomach issue and he changed my meds that i was taking for pain(Skelaxin,Gabitril, and Zanaflex)(which really didn't work anyway) to 2x a day Norgesic Comp Forte (Orphenadrine Comp Forte TabMyl)(which works sometimes and sometimes it doesn't). I also noticed today that after eating seemed to cause more pain especially in upper left side of back. Have had some light occasional sharp pains in my lower right side about 2 in above my belt. What could be causing all this assuming the biopsies showed normal except for gastritis.
Is this possible a reaction to the drugs?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Norgesic has aspirin in it and certainly can be a culprit in your gastritis.  I suggest stopping this medication since it can worsen your gastritis.  

It seems that the gastritis has to be resolved to help your symptoms.  If you drink alcohol, I suggest stopping.  I would also make sure that you are tested for H Pylori since this is a treatable cause of gastritis.  

If you continue to have this discomfort that worsens when you eat, you may want to consider an ultrasound to see if there is any problems with the gall bladder and CT scan/pancreatic enzymes to evaluate for pancreatitis.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[Gastro_interest]

I have mild gastritis as well, but it's caused by gastroparesis, something that can be diagnosed with a Gastric Emptying Study.  Maybe something to consider.