First time posting (please bare with me!)
I am a 34 year old, non-smoking, non-drinking, average weight female. For the past few weeks I have been having an almost constant pain in the pit of my stomach. I have been nauseous on and off for this time but no vomiting. Usually this pain is a dull ache - like something is just sitting in there. It is quite uncomfortable. It hurts when I press on it. When I inhale and press my stomach out it also hurts. It does not seem to matter if I eat or not...still there. Occasionally, I get sharp shooting pains through to my back. No fever. I don't take a lot of Advil or other pain relievers (only occasionally for migraines).
I went to the ER a week ago and had blood work done and there was no bacteria present and all the blood work was OK. I was told that it was probably Gastritis and possibly the start of an ulcer. I was put on Nexium. I took that for a couple of days and went and saw my GP. She put me on Tecta instead. I have been avoiding spicy foods, heavy foods, carbonated drinks, coffee, chocolate, high sugar foods, citrus foods, etc. as suggested.
I have been very stressed for the last month or so and have not been looking after my diet (lots of candy or sugary treats,too many chai lattes). I am not a coffee drinker (can't handle the caffeine) but was having several decaf mochas prior to stomach getting really sore. Related?
I also have anxiety and take 112.5mg Effexor for it. Of course this stomach pain is sending my anxiety into overdrive!
Does this diagnoses of gastritis sound correct? If I have no bacteria in blood, could it be caused by stress?? Crummy diet?
If diagnosis sounds right, what should I be eating? Any natural remedy ideas? How long does this last?
I'm open to anything I just want to get my life back and not worry about this. It is freaking me out and I'm trying not to think the worst. I have two little ones and need to be healthy!