How do you cope with the burning???

[mochamommy0816]

Hi, I'm new to the boards and don't really have a diagnosis yet. I'm a 44 year old otherwise healthy female.   I've had one visit with a gastro who thinks I have something stomach and acid-related based on symptoms, history, and limited other tests.  I won't go into my other symptoms, but have posted them on the general gastroenterology board (and colon board - which I really don't think it's colon anymore). I am scheduled for an endoscopy tomorrow.

My question is just about COPING with the pain and symptoms until they find out what is going on and treatment can begin.  I've been dealing with this for five weeks now, which I know is a drop in the bucket compared to what some people on this board have been dealing with.   I honestly don't know how people do it long-term.  I am in so much pain.  It's hard to believe one area of the body having pain can cause you to feel so rotten all over.   The doctor gave me a sample pack of Nexium to start on (which I've been on for three days) until we can get the testing underway, and I've found minimal relief with the liquid Gaviscon.   Anything else that might help - both physically and emotionally?  I'm really, really at a low point right now with this.  Up until early December when I had a bug - and was also under extreme stress - which set this thing off, I have been very healthy (44 years old, two young kids, non-smoker, non-drinker, exercise religiously 4x a week, very healthy diet).  It's gotten me down in so many ways.

I would appreciate any thoughts and/or comments.

[mochamommy0816]

Hi, Flycaster 305 -  thanks for your reply!  I will try elevation and see if it helps.   After my endo yesterday, the doctor doesn't think GERD, but gastritis.  I understand some of the symptoms are similar, so I'm sure some of the tips that help with GERD will also help me.  I am on day 5 of the nexium, which I can't tell yet if it is going to work or not :((( I'm going to post and see how long it has taken for others.  If i need to wait a while longer, I certainly will.............but if it isn't going to work, I really want to find what will, you know???

They found two polyps on the endoscopy which the doc says appear to be nothing to worry about, but of course I am waiting on the official pathology report.

[Flycaster305]

I'm sorry to hear of your stressful situation.  I'd elevate your bed headboard with about six inches of rise, best achieved with concrete blocks or wood.  Continue to take the meds.  Take your Nexium about 1/2 to one hour before eating, that is very, very important.  Don't eat for three to four hours before bedtime.  

It sounds like your questions will be answered with the Endo tomorrow.  Many of us on this board have experience with this study, hopefully you will let us know how it goes.  Best wishes, and keep us informed.