Chronic Gastritis

[Sweetater]

Roughly six years ago, one afternoon, I got very nauseated and started throwing up profusely. Three hours later, I was still doing this and was taken to hospital where they gave me intraveneous fluids and phenergan.  I got much better and was sent home.  I assumed that I just had a bit of food poisoning. Since that time, I have had this same episode approximately twelve times. I have had all the usual tests - Upper GI, colonoscopy, endoscopy. Right after this first episode happened, I was told I had a hiatal hernia - it was repaired and I have also had my gallbladder taken out a year after the hernia repair. One year ago, I was diagnosed with IBS (constipation). My doctor put me on Zelnorm which helps with my bloated stomach, but has done nothing for the bouts of throwing up and dehydration.

It starts the same way - my stomach gets bloated, I start experiencing a large amount of gas, I get horrible chills, sudden nausea, then I start throwing up and sometimes I get diarrhea with it.  This will last from 6 to 12 hours. After I had my hernia surgery, it is very hard for me to throw up, so sometimes my body basically goes through the motions, but like I said, I will have extreme diarrhea.  This last episode that I just experienced, I threw up so violently and so hard that I did actually throw up, which was surprising to me and my husband. I always get severely dehydrated - so much so that sometimes I get hospitalized. The doctors at hospital always tell me the same thing, it is gastritis or something I ate.

I am so frustrated because I have had this so called 'gastritis' more in the past six years than most people deal with their whole lives. I am at my wits end.  If you could please give me any enlightment on this, it would be deeply appreciative.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

You have had a pretty comprehensive evaluation with upper and lower endoscopies.  

More uncommon diseases can be considered - including malabsorption syndromes or celiac disease.  Stool tests or blood tests can be considered to evaluate for these possibilities.  

A CT scan can be considered to image the colon for any signs of inflammation.

If the symptoms continue, optimizing treatment for IBS can be considered.  Antibiotics like Rifaximin has recently been shown to help in refractory cases.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

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.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[Sweetater]

I have researched Celiac and others; however, it seems that a common symptom is the diarrhea.  I suffer with constipation - always. It is only when I go through a severe episode of the bouts of severe 'sickness' that I experience the diarrhea, and in my opinion, I think that is just because I can't throw up and it has to come out some other way, i.e, the diarrhea.

I also have another symptom that none of these speak of - severe chills. I absolutely freeze, as though I am running a high fever, but when my temperature is taken, I do not have one.  It evens acts as a fever in that when I start getting better, I start sweating profusely as if the fever is breaking.

I am just so frustrated, so any help from either the doctor or someone out there that goes through this, would be appreciated.

[kd0522]

Celiac does NOT just present with diarrhea.  Constipation is very common.  Unfortunately, there are so many possible symptoms with Celiac that it gets ignored if you don't have the "typical" symptoms.  Ask your doctor for a simple blood test which will test your antibodies for Celiac.  You will need to make sure they give you the right test (I don't remember the test right now, but you can check Celiac.org or another reliable site).  Good luck!  I, too, am having a terrible time getting a diagnosis for my situation. . .It's miserable.

[thewhiz]

I have had many of the same symptoms, though not as severe.  I in fact believe it did begin with actual food poisioning.  I had the severe vomiting and diarrhea with the chills, sweats and nausea after eating in a resturant where the food tasted spoiled...so I only had a little.  2 weeks later it happend again.  Since then I felt sick everyday for over 4 months now.  2 months ago I was put on protonix and it seemed to help the constant nausea.  I still have the chills all the time and sometimes wake up sweating in the night.  I also have like a choking/gagging feeling that sometimes wakes me up in the night as well.  I also am usually constipated and only have diarrhea some of the time.  I am going this morning for a celiac test.  I also have been through a array of tests which have shown me no answers so far, and I share in your frustration. My husband and I have researched extensively on the internet and you are the first person we have found that shares in nearly all symptoms that I have.  I would be very interested is speaking to you further.  

[toufu]

Wow, I have the same symptoms... It started after one night of going out, I had terrible diaheera and nausea after that.. Went to the hospital, they gave me IV and Zantac, felt better...  Now I am constantly getting Nausea after eating, very sensitive to temperature (always feeling very clammy, sweaty, especially when stressed or nerveous).  I am taking Zantac for my heartburn and recently treated for H-Pylori...  I hope this will go away soon...  Did Endocopy and Colonoscopy, CT Scan, blood test, and the only thing the doctor said was I have gastritis...

[Sweetater]

It is so great to hear from others that have similar issues.  I spend my whole day researching the internet to find some type of answer.  Like I said, I was diagnosed with IBS but I really feel that it is not IBS.  I have done a tremendous amount of research and posted items on IBS forums and I haven't found anyone with IBS that has these symtoms. My husband and I were speaking this evening and we realized that I have been going through this for 10 years, not just 6 like previously stated.  I hate it! I guess what I hate most is that it controls my life.  I never know when it is going to hit.  I HAVE to find out something.

'thewhiz' I would very much like to speak with you as well.  I will keep checking daily until you respond back.  I am not sure how or if we can display our 'emails' to just each other...if you know, please let me know.

[thewhiz]

I have gotten the results from my celiac test and it is negative.  It was almost disappointing because at least I would have had an answer.  Does yours come and go or is it constant?  Mine is worse some days, but the chill feeling is almost always around.  I cannot imagine going through this for 10 years. It has been over 4 months and I feel so frustrated.  All of my test have been "fine" so far.  I went to a nutritionist yesterday who deals with healing through diet and holistic alternatives.  Her thoughts were it may be food realted, an irritation or inflammation or possibly parasites.  She suggested a specific diet...eliminating wheat and gluten is part of it(even though she was aware of my negitive celiac test and all of my other tests) and a regiment of specific supplements.  I would be happy to share the specifics with you if you would like.  I am ready to try anything at this point.  I will surely let you know if any of this seems to help in the near future.  Have you been on an acid supressor at all or just the Zelnorm.  You can try to email me at ***@****

[Sweetater]

UPDATE:

After much researching for a new GI doctor.  I found one in Pasadena, Texas - Dr. Darmadi out of Bayshore Hospital.  After seeing him today, I have most assuredly found my new GI doctor.

I have been diagnosed with Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS).  I still have the diagnosis of IBS; however I have the CVS as well.  This diagnosis was made after testing and history evaluation.

Even though CVS is like IBS in that there is no cure, I can now begin on a new regimen of medication to help 'curb' and ease the symptoms of CVS.

If you know of anyone experiencing the symptoms that I wrote of in the first posting, please direct them to this website:  http://www.cvsaonline.org - they can also look at:  http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/cvs/index.htm - it is helpful as well.