Chronic Gastritis?

[Lynn28]

I would just like to know if anyone here has ever been diagnosed with chronic gastritis?
Last year and endoscope revealed gastritis due to h-pylori. All meds were taken and a year later no relief. So last friday I went and had another endoscope and the biopsy reavealed no bacteria, BUT showed "Chronic Gastritis". So far the way my doctor has been treating it hasn't worked.... AT ALL.
Mainly just antacids. I'll be looking soon for another gastro doctor, BUT would love to speak with other people who have had this to see how they were treated and if they ever got better. It's such a painful thing to have and mentally it has drained me. Any input would be so gratful.  Much Thanks!

[Lynn28]

If nex. didn't work, most likely priol will not either. None help for me. They say the cause is do to a bacteria that is not being found. I've read this in one of the journals. It also states that gastritis should not be treated with antacids, BUT antibiotics instead! I'll be bring all of these articles with me to new gastro. doctor. I am NOT giving up ;-)

[karie]

Suggested to try Aciphex and Elavil for pain.
How can it burn in ones throat and stomach for so many hours. Unfortunately I could not achieve extreme pain with Ph 20 hr. test, I could only eat a little as always and it recorded acid But nothing like those tearful days.
Why do our stomachs do this and why can't they heal if we follow all the data suggested ?
Anyone try Acupuncture? Or a ND ?
I wanted to try Prilosec But told if Nexium did not help then it would not either ?
Thanks

[PM]

Yes, I was wondering what happened to you.  I think you, I,and a few others are in a small percentage of Chronic Gastritis suffers.  It is good to hear you still have hope and are searching.  I spend most of my free time trying to figure this thing out.  I think the reason I have had so many test run is because of the fever.  I have had the following in relation to Gastritis:

CT Scan of Abdomen.
3 Endoscope over last 5 yrs.
ultrasound of abdomen
hida scan
24 hr. ph test
Upper and lower GI
Having colonoscopy in 2 weeks (I have pain under my stomach too).  The doc thinks maybe colotis could be the cause of my problems.
blood test checking gastrin levels, pancrease, liver, etc.
I do have a postive ANA which could mean autoimmune involvement, but I don't want speculation... I want answers and help.

I am running out of test, but I am thinking of (2) others I may request over the next yr.  One that tests the amount of time it takes for food to leave your stomach (I saw something on this site about this condition).  I am also thinking MRI.  I have heard of some weird things being found on MRI as a last result.  Such as an artery being clamped, so not enough blood was getting through.  You would almost have to think that after so long this is something "out of the ordinary".  

I have had your symptoms before, but it usually goes away after a few minutes  or hours.  At it's worst I have found that the excessive gas that comes with gastritis can be the most painful thing.  How serious is your Gastritis?  Can you eat more than bland foods?  Are you weak?  Are you able to keep your job? I have my job, but only because I have a good employer who is understanding.

I so desperately want this nightmare to end.  I have actually been dreaming of eating normal foods.  Please stay in touch and again it is great to have some understanding company.  Is it against the policy on this site to give out personal email addresses?  I have been to lazy to read it again.  

Melissa

[PM]

Just wanted to answer your questions...
No DGL didn't help.  Anything that hits my stomach without the meds causes more discomfort and problems.  That doesn't mean it will not work for you though.  
The Carafate made me dizzy too for the first couple of months, but my body adjusted.  
My Gastritis was diagnosed through endoscope (sp?) I had the helio- bacteria in 1996 and underwent the treatment of antibotics and used prevacid along with them.  I did recover for awhile, but was never really the same.  Then in Jan. 2001 it came back 2 fold.  1996 was nothing compared to this pain and it is still with me almost  1 1/2yrs. later.  
I take Tums in addition to my current meds on the really bad days.  It can give some refief, but I try not to take them a lot because they can cause bad constipation (another of my wonderful friends).  
Bile can cause some of the same problems as acid, but mine is definetly acid.  We did the 24 hr PH test.  Apparently, my acid likes to live in my throat also.  I have sores in my throat from reflux.  
I can relate to your flu comment.  It is as if you are always fighting something.  As I mentioned in the earlier posting, the Met-Rx bars made a big difference.  It was the first time that I could get some real vitamins in my body.  I mean, I haven't had fruits or many vegs. in over a yr.  Your body needs those vitamins.  

Oops, missed one.  Haven't tried Chinese Herbs.  Someone told me of a herb they purchased in China called Vitamin U.  This friend said it did wonders, but I can't find it in the States.  No one has heard of it.  No luck searching the internet either.

Hope this helps....

[Lynn28]

THANK GOD!! That's all I have to say ;-)  I've been EVERYWHERE on the web and absolutely forget that I posted here. Lastnight I came upon it again. Up until now I was really begining to think that I was truly the only one suffering with this. In a way it's nice to see that I'm finally not alone. In one sense anyway. Now I don't know where to start!

It's been about two years now that I have have had this pain. When my doctor diagnosed it last year it was simply gastritis. I was only given one course of antibiotics. Ever since it's been just acid reducers which for me arn't working. Three weeks ago I had another endoscope along with the breath test and was told both were negative for the bacteria. I've been doing so much research and reading that I've learned a lot. The main thing I've learned is I'm NOT giving up and I'm NOT living with this. I refuse to be told that. Gastritis is caused by SOMETHING. There are so many different bacterias that could cause chronic gastritis and in my research and journal readings, gastritis isn't something that should be left alone. The cause has to be found and SHOULD be. I've also read that when the correct cause is found, gastritis will indeed clear up...For good! So I'm on a mission ;-)  

I'll be seeing another doctor in two weeks and I can't wait. So far the only tests that were performed on me by my current doctor are, abdominal ct-scan as well as ultra sound. PM, I've heard you mention that you've gone through loads of testing. I would love to hear what they were. Perhaps I could mention them to my doctor. PM, you are DEFINITELY correct about one thing. We are definitely TOO young for this condition. It's not normal. It's fuuny, you and I are taking the same medication. At least one anyway. I was given carafate and famotidine. The carafate I stopped. It made me way too constipated and I just didn't trust the long term use. Still nothing has really helped me. I have to ask you a question about symptoms. It seems as though my main symptoms and complaints aren't really normal (as per my doctor)
for gastritis. My main complaint is this. Whenever I stand for longer than 5min the pain starts and I have to sit. If I walk for too long I'll have to stop. It's almost like a dull pain begins deep in the pit of my stomach and I'll also begin to get out of breath. Does this sound familiar at all in any way? This is the number one thing that gets me. I'm thankful I have others here to share my pain with. It's nice to know we're not all alone.  Sorry this is so lengthy. It's SO nice to know there are others to share with.

Look foward to hearing from everyone,
-Jenifer

[Lynn28]

If you'd like, e-mail me here and than I'll send you my e-mail address.
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I'll fill you in on all the details ;)