In need of Expert Opinion - stomach burning.

[InNeedOfExpert]

I have recently been diagnosed with an Ulcer.  However, I am uncertain as to whether the diagnisis was accurate.
I have had heavy amounts of stress these last 2 months due to fear of contraction of HIV or other STD from exposure 6 months ago.  Waiting for tests has been difficult and very stressful.  I received a 5 1/2 month negative test and I have been assured by Medhelp Drs I have nothing to fear with regards to HIV or any STD.  
My local doctor told me that the burning that developed in my stomach roughly 3 weeks ago (5 1/2 months post sexual exposure) was an ulcer brought on by all of the stress of testing.  My anxiety and stress kept me bed-ridden. I had also been doing some heavy drinking on weekends to try and (uneffectively) to hide from the fears.  I also put hot sauce on EVERYTHING and drink coffee every morning.  He gave me 2 weeks of nexium samples to get me through until this week.  My stomach has made VAST improvements...burning has ceased for the most part and I am following strict diet, having my first alcohol this weekend with no real stomach issues following. Still no spicy foods or coffee.  My friends think this doctor is a pill pusher and I fear that his diagnosis (he just felt the upper porion of my stomach between my ribs to make the diagnosis) was not very thorough.  I have only had 1 dark stool bowel movement and my stomach hurts most when I am stressed about test results, etc.
Does the success of nexium treatment mean he was correct? should I get further testing? the pain is simple burning...like a sunburn that does not go away....but it has healed mostly with nexium.
Thank you Sincerely.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Nexium would help GERD, ulcers, and inflammation of the stomach.

If it hasn't been done already, you can consider an upper endoscopy which can give a more conclusive answer.

Other tests to consider would be a 24-hr pH study or an abdominal ultrasound to evaluate for GERD and the liver/gallbladder respectively.  

I would also obtain blood tests to exclude the bacteria H Pylori, which is associated with ulcers and inflammation.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com

[InNeedOfExpert]

I forgot to mention – my stomach burning is accompanied by a ton of light belching.  
It may be worth mentioning that my doctor also gave me zanax and ambien 4 days prior to the onset of my stomach pain to help relieve my anxiety.

My girlfriend’s father (a dermatologist and former internal med doc) told me this weekend he though it sounds more like an acid reflux issue.  He suggested sleeping on inclines and having more tests done by a specialists. Is is possible my doctor is correct and the symptoms are due to extreme stress, alcohol abuse, and spicy food….or do I need further testing?

Thanks again. Hope this paints you a clear picture...let me know of any questions,