Is this gastritis

[Japar]

In June my husband was told by the doctor that he had gastritis.  He was given Nexium (40mg) per day. The doctor diagnosed this w/out testing. He said if it didn't clear up, he would order a scope.  Well, after about a month or two, he started feeling better. His symptoms are: gurgling in the stomach, a full feeling, an uncomfortable feeling while sitting (right side), not really pain just full feeling, burping, bloating and gas. He had to eat bland foods in the beginning and gradually added meats again. I believe my husband developed this due to overuse of aspirin.  Recently, the symptoms reappeared last week after he ate eggs fried in shortening. It appears that he cannot tolerate fried foods (deep-fried fish, eggs, etc.). Spicy foods don't bother him, but grease does. He's still on the Nexium.  Also, he was stressed last week due to returning from a vacation and also a disagreement we were having. Are these symptoms common to gastritis or could it be a gall bladder? During the first bout, they ran complete tests on his blood. It came back negative (no h. pylori either). They also did a stool sample, no blood was found.  He is scheduled to return to the doctor on Wednesday and he will probably order a scope.

[nanci]

He needs to be scoped to get a definitive diagnosis.

Seven years ago I was told I had reflux, no testing.  Three years after that time, I had a scope and it was found that I didn't have reflux of any kind, mild gastritis.  Although symptoms are similar, treatment is slightly different.  I just had a scope again this past summer and have graduated from mild to chronic!

Tell your husband to avoid meat until he completly heals.  Avoid caffine, alchohol, spicey foods, tomatoe products, dairy unless it can be tolerated.  It's a trial and error so he will need to try foods and if they don't irritate his stomach, it's okay.

Eat small meals.  I found Nexium made me worse but if it helps him, fine - not all PPI's work the same for everyone.  He should take one first thing in the AM and then again before dinner.  Wait at least 2-3 hours before going to bed after the last meal.

But, all this being said, he needs a scope as the first step.  After this, post again and let us know what the results are.

Some of the natural things he can do with medication is drink aloe juice before meals, just an ounce or two.  Try chewing DGL tables you can find at any health food store.  Drink soothing teas after meals. These things may help him feel better.  

[Medina]

I also have acid indigestion and was wondering if any of you experience the following symptom when you are having an attack...it always happens one to two hours after bedtime. Upon awaking, painful burning in throat, coughing as if congested with some type of bronchitis....but this congestion appears to be brought on by the reflux attack. Then next day, still congested and coughing...goes away by the third day...I wonder if any of you know if there is a way for the acid to enter the brochial passages, because I have trouble breathing during the attack and afterwards for a couple of hours and my chest hurts tremendously....anyone else have this?

[nanci]

Any health food store carries it as well as some grocery stores.
Make sure it pure aloe juice.  

You can dilute with water or juice.  Only take a few ounces at a time.  You may get initial burning but it will pass in time.

[Bionic Granny]

I was recently diagnosed with chronic gastritis and my gastro put me on liquid Carafate four times a day--half an hour before meals and at bedtime. They needed to see if my pain was that and not adhesions. Well the burning,grumbling and hunger pains are almost gone, but the pain remained. The gastritis is being healed with the medicine and diet--no meat, too hard to digest and stays in your stomach too long, so you produce more acid. My daughter is a vegan and she is so healthy. Ask your doctor about the Carafate. Also a friend of mine went to the reflux center in Houston and they put her on it too and has worked wonders. It does hurt to ask him or her about it. Best Wishes.

[MTV]

Where can I find this aloe juice?  I have seen this mentioned on several postings.  My reflux is horrible.  Nexium does not seem to be doing the trick anymore.

[nanci]

I too am taking Carafate (forgot to mention it).  I take one tablet before meals and at bedtime.  I also take Prevacid AM and PM.

Do you just take the Carafate with a PPI?  And, do you find that it makes you bloated?

thanks

[Lynn28]

It sure sounds like gallbladder to me, "Especially" with the right sided pain. Gastritis.......maybe, but get the gallbladder checked. A FULL GI work-up is best by a good gastroenterologist. If you can, make an appt. and skip the GP.

Good luck-
Jenn

[MTV]

Thanks for the info everyone!!!  I too, and thinking of converting to a vegan lifestyle.