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Questions about Gastritis, can you help?

I had my gallbladder removed 2 weeks ago.  The Surgeon advised me today that I also have gastritis and put me on Zantac.  I have been on Nexium for over a month and although it helped, I am  still having pain and discomfort.  Any suggestions, insights or advise in dealing with gastritis?  I would appreciate any tips.
tks so much!
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Avatar universal
Hi.

My gastritis was confirmed by endoscopy in April. I had an HP breath test that showed negative... are HP breath tests reliable?

The abdominal ultrasound was done just to make sure there was no physical signs of problems with my organs.

I hadn't been taking any meds prior to my stomach problems.
As I said in my previous post, I reckon stress has been the main culprit.

As for the pain in the pit of my stomach I can relate to that but only during an "attack". My day to day pain is general indigestion type feelings, today quite a lot of gas.

Funny I went to my GP with very very mild stomach problems in Jan, I think meds can make you worse as I'm now suffering big time :-(

I will let you know how I get on with the gastro bloke.

Bye for now.
- Noo
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Avatar universal
I'm not sure if there are any other things that could cause gastritis (Diseases) other than HP, but I do know that a bad gallbladder can cause upper abdominal pain. My GI is sending me for a Hida-Scan to test the functioning of my gallbladder. Any more tests and I'm going to glow....(Radiation ;) Were you tested for HP and did an endoscopy confirm your gastritis or was gastritis just "Suggested"? I'm taking protonix, but stopped a few weeks ago as I was feeling really good, but all day today my stomach has been driving me NUTS! The ONLY symptom I have is a chronic pain in my upper abdomen. (Pit of the stomach, especially if I push in.....ouch!) Is this area sore for you as well? LMAO, this is just too much to take anymore, I swear. It's enough to drive one crazy. I don't see my GI for another 3 weeks. I'm going to request one more test. The gastric emptying test as sometimes I think that maybe my stomach is not emptying properly. This would cause the same pain as well. Gastritis can be caused by alcohol, anti-inflammatory drugs, advil, asprin, etc, etc. Smoking, over indulgence of food and spicy hot foods as well, and stress. lets face it, everything good in life causes gastritis ;-)  Definitely keep me posted as to what your GI has to say, and for you Kate, I would definitely make an appt with a Gastroenterologist and NOT a GP. Get checked for H-Pylori. It sounds as though you need some GI testing. How long have you had gastritis now?

-Jenifer
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Avatar universal
Hi,
I have not been diagnosed with anything, yet, but I know I have gas/stomach digestive issues!  I always have had stomach problems, but in the last 6-7 months the bloating has gone out of control!  I look like I'm pregant some days and my tummy sticks out so much it hurts, but it's solid.  I am just 28 and have had a flat stomach all my life, friends demean my complaints by telling me this is signs of aging.  I did get a physical recently and told my not so helpful doctor about my concerns he put me on Pepcid perscription strength, it's helped a little over the past 3 weeks, but I don't want to take a drug for the rest of my life to take the edge off!
Help!  I do like to drink (wine/vodaka) but  I don't go crazy with it.  My eating habits have not change too much in the past few years.  I do smoke however and am under lots of stress, which I know contributes to my problem.  Also I have had displacia (pre-cancer cells) in my utris and had several procedures with obgyn in the past year, but I see her so much that everything is healing down there.
How are you tested for gastritis?  Some of the meds offered sound like major side effects involved (yuck) can't you just change your diet?  I really don;t know much about all this so please bear with me. Any info is appreciated.
sincerely,
Kate
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Avatar universal
Thx for the reply :-)

I do find a burp after food... but I wouldn't have said excessively when I'm ok. Maybe I've forgotten what normal is!
During an "attack" of stomach pain/soreness I definitely burp more often but not satisfying ones.

I'm really bothered by the repeating "attacks" cos' I'm just getting my head round to the fact that "I might actually be getting better" then I have a 2-3 day set back.
My last set back however was after a couple of pints of beer :-(
So maybe not suprising... but is that all it takes?

I think I annoy my mates a bit too, as I do complain. Its difficult not to.

I eating very regularly at the moment perhaps 4 snacks and 1 main meal a day. I'm also eating plenty of yogurt and taking probiotics. The yogurt definitely helps.

I am taking the ranitidine everyday (h2 blocker) sometimes only 100mg, on bad days 200mg. Are you on meds at the moment? Although I don't feel like I have acid. I don't have an HH so maybe I don't feel it.

I see my Gastro consultant this Thursday, I'm gonna grill him on every aspect of gastritis! I have a list of questions lol.

Have you read anywhere whether gastritis is caused by any functional problem with the gallblabber, liver of pancreas?
Or does it just exist as a singular condition?

I presume your gastritis is getting better? I'll be a year for you soon :-( Thats awful I really hope you get better soon.

kateums, I believe my gastritis is due to a job role change at work and trying to do too much. I circuit train twice a week, play five-a-side once a week and am doing considerable amounts of
DIY. I was going out drinking Friday and Saturday nights (not huge amounts) and usually Wednesday. I think my condition was just a matter of time.
Try and reduce your stress and "be good" for a month or two.
Eat a healtier diet, no alcohol, drink water, take probiotics and rest. If you sit at work all day (like myself) try and do a little exercise everyday. Just some suggestions, all of the above have helped me.

Anyway enough of my rantings :-) its late here in the uk.

thx
-noo



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Avatar universal
PS-

Do you find you belch a lot, especially after eating?
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Avatar universal
That's really funny you mention the greasy foods and how they seem to help. I've started back on a normal diet and have found that for some strange reason as well, that greasy foods help. Odd huh? They really do!!!! Your symptoms are so much like my own. I think that you're doing a good job at helping yourself to get better, and beings it just started in Jan. I would say to give it some more time. Definitely too early. I know what you mean about being around friends who are able to drink and eat as they please. It's super frustrating especially when you're so young. My girlfriends call every weekend ready to roll, and sometimes I'll go and others I just have to pass up. I sit around and watch them drink and have a ball while we are out, and I'm sipping away at my water. When I start to feel sorry for myself, this is what I think. Things could be a lot worse, and I just thank god everyday for at least allowing me to eat, breath and be merry. Alcohol and spicy foods aren't everything ;-) I'll get back and you will too, and even than I think I'll really watch myself and perhaps I'll sip a glass of wine every
"now and than" as well, but I'll never go back to the way I was as I wouldn't want this to return. Are you taking your PPI faithfully? Also, are you eating several small meals a day rather than one or two big ones? I honestly think you just need to give yourself more time. Watch what you eat and drink. I for one just drink water and at times will dilute my OJ with water as well. I also drink cold green tea which helps the stomach linning to heal. I brew the bags and just add ice, and honey...Yummy ;)  If I can be of any help, just ask. It takes time, but you'll get there. What bothers you the most?

-Jennifer
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Avatar universal
I had my gallbladder removed 2-21-01 it was the most excruciating pain afterwards.Even my c-section didnt feel as bad. The main thing I can warn you about is a thing called postcholycystectomy syndrome it feels like having gallstones all over again.Mine just started 3 days ago. Well be careful it only gets worse before it gets better.
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Avatar universal
thanks everyone for your comments.  I have been on Zantac for just a week now, I have had no side effects and the pain in my stomach is not as bad.  Hopefully it will clear up soon.
thanks again.
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Avatar universal
Hi.
I have had an endoscopy and abdominal ultrasound and they found nothing other than Gastritis. Negative for HP.
I've been on Lansoprazole (prevacid) and subsequently Zantac (Ranitidine).
I managed 3wks on 30mgs of Lansoprazole but had terrible abdominal pain, cramps etc. After a break of 2 months (managing to get by) I was put on Zantac. I've now been on Zantac for 6 weeks.

My symptoms are presssure/soreness just below the breastbone.
But I'm also having pains in my sides/ribs about level with the breatbone. Is this common with Gastritis or a side effect of Zantac?
(I can't manage the 300mg pescribed otherwise I get chest tightness. I usually take 100mg to 200mg per day over two doses).

I cannot seem to identify any "plain "foods that cause pain. I avoid all spicy, chilli type foods regardless. Any suggestions for a good diet? I take probiotics everyday. Suprisingly greasy/junk food seems to help me - bizarre.

Also I have "attacks"... I can usually manage 7-10 days with mild pain then get a killer 2 days... and the cycle repeats.
Has anyone experienced this?

Is severe hunger pain in the morning common aswell?
I also get a burping sensation but then no "real" burp...
(I sort of end up air swallowing).

I'm tired of this suffering. It started in Jan this year.
Problem is my social circle doesn't help. I'm 32M and in the uk and everyone is drinking and eating what they like around me.
I've hardly had any alcohol for 6 months and I'm still suffering.
:-(

Toccoah it would be nice to hear your opinions and any "solutions" in detail.

My only recommendation is a HOT WATER BOTTLE I'm afraid. I find it really helps.

Good luck to anyone with this complaint cos' my last 6 months have been hell.

- noo
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Avatar universal
Hi again...I had side effects from Prevacid, Protonix, and Nexium.  The main one being a headache...especially with the Nexium.  So far with the Carafate I've had no side effects and I'm finally starting to feel better.  I think because it has a "coating" nature and it soothes my aching stomach.  The tests I've had to date...blood tests that showed positive H. pylori (which I was treated for), CAT scan of the abdomen (normal), Upper GI and numerous blood tests checking my pancreas and liver functions (all normal).  It has been recommended to me to have an endoscopy, however, I'm not interested in that right now.  Hope you find this information helpful.  Take care and God bless!
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Avatar universal
Gastritis can take a "Long" time to heal. It ALL depends on your strict DIET, (taking care of your stomach as if you were feeding a baby)and the proper meds. Have they checked you for H-Pylori?
(which causes gastritis) I've had gastritis since last August and was treated for HP. I was on protonix because all others failed and this worked great!!! I also followed a VERY strict diet for WEEKS and WEEKS. It takes plenty, and plenty of time.

-Jennifer
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Avatar universal
Hi Steph
Your pain sounds like the pain I had a few days after I had my gallbladder removed (and before)  the surgeon told me today that it would go away within 8 weeks.  So yours may still go.
My pain now is in the middle of the rib cage where both sides meet.  Sometimes it goes to my back.  At times it is very sharp pain but always there aching.  You can touch the area and it hurts.  They thought it was an ulcer but tests confirmed Gastritis.   Have they scheduled you for any further tests or are they waiting to see if your pain gets better?  Did you have any side effects to any of the meds you have tried?
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Avatar universal
Hi S...I had my gallbladder removed one month ago and I believe I too am suffering from gastritis.  My main symptoms are pain mostly in the left side/ribs/back and sometimes under my ribs on the left side.  I also at times feel like I have a lump in my throat.  I've tried Nexium, Prevacid, over the counter Pepcid and Gas X.  Nothing has helped me!  My doctor just put me on Carafate and this seems to help more than anything I've tried so far.  What are your symptoms?
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