Stomach never settled

[prunyan]

I am a 27 year old male in good shape and I eat healthy. About 8 months ago I started waking up in the middle of the night feeling nausea, but would go away with small meal or glass of milk. Two weeks later woke up in severe abdominal pain.
Now, the pain is gone but I constantly fell nauseated all the time.
I've had an endoscope, only mild inflammation was found, no ulcer or bacteria. Also had ultrasound, blood work all normal.
I've tried taking Nexuim, Aciphex, and Carafate all with little effects.
My appetite is not was it use to be. If I have two alcoholic drinks with dinner I will feel sick for the next two-three days, same with coffee or caffeine. I've always been able to eat or drink anything without ever feeling a mild upset stomach.
Any suggestions how I can enjoy the things I use to while having a settle stomach again.

Thank you,

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The endoscopy is a pretty comprehensive test to evaluate the upper digestive tract.  The ultrasound would evaluate the liver and gallbladder.

At this time, a gastric emptying scan can be considered to evaluate for gastroparesis.  A 24-hr pH study can also be considered to evaluate for GERD.  If the symptoms continue, surgical therapy can be considered.  

These tests can be considered and 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_

[wassupwassabi]

I think ginger is supposed to be effective at settling stomachs, you might give that a try, see if it helps!

[yoshi]

Question No.  19899 :
If milk is mildly acidic, why are people still advised to drink milk when they have gastric pains?
Gastric juice, which consists of hydrochloric acid and an enzyme, pepsin, which breaks down protein, can digest any living tissue, including your stomach and duodenum. Normally, both your stomach and duodenum are bathed constantly in gastric acid. But protective mechanisms, including the work of prostaglandins, which govern secretion of mucus from your stomach lining, and your food and saliva's ability to dilute acid, prevent your stomach from digesting itself. The pH of the human stomach is about 1.8. The pH of fresh milk is between 6.5 and 6.75. After drinking a glass of milk, the stomach's acidity changes. A powerful acid environment is buffered up to a 6.0, so that everything ferments and putrefies for the next four hours. Initially, milk does dilute stomach acid -- but then, acting on the rebound, it prompts the production of even more.

For years, ulcer patients had to survive on a bland diet of boiled fish, rice, milk, and cream. Now we know that while milk coats your stomach and may relieve the ulcer pain temporarily, it may retard the ulcer's healing. The calcium in milk can make you feel worse in the long run by stimulating the production of gastric acid. So can fried foods, citrus fruits, alcohol, caffeine in beverages or in chocolate, decaffeinated coffee, and smoking. Tea seems to particularly stimulate production of gastric juice.

[aly1978]

Prunyan, your symptoms are EXACTLY the same as mine...except mine started about 2 years ago.  I have had every single test possible and even had my gall bladder out.  I have chronic nausea almost all the time but it started after just a drink of alcohol or a glass of wine.  I can no longer drink because if i do i will be nauseous for days...i can no longer have coffee either.  My doctors have no idea what is wrong with me except for a slow stomach (gastroparesis.)
If you find out anything interesting about this weird condition...pls let me know.  In the meantime you should try a gastric emptying test for gastroparesis.  Good luck and just wanted to write to you because i have never heard of anyone with the same problem as me!

[dubabe]

I have had all these similar problems as well - I'm 23, healthy and fit.  Had my gall bladder out 3 months ago, but I'm still extremely nauseous all the time - especially after drinking alcohol or caffeine - it's NO fun.  I also get bad headaches with the stomach ache/nausea - have had tons of tests done.  i'm going in to see my doctor today because my symptoms seem to be getting worse.  I'll let you all know if I find out anything new - most likely not, but we'll cross our fingers!

[helpren]

Found a similar question at the following web site  http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/2630.html
I suspect pancreatitis in my daughter and came across it.  Note that chronic pancreatitis can be difficult to diagnose and blood work can show as normal even though the pancreas is inflamed.  Keep on your doctors for a diagnosis.  We've seen 4 GI's now for my daughter and they give up so easily (they love to go straight to the somatic, behavioral scapegoat).