Gastritis Support Group

Hi Annie: Sorry things are not going well. I think from my own experience, patience was everything. I still have odd flares ''out of the blue" even months after being diagnosed, and have to resort to a bland diet for a few days (or even weeks).

I found personally that mashed potatoes, farina cereal, plain toast, pudding (low sugar), plain meats, cooked carrots, and canned pears were my mainstay for several weeks. Yes, the diet gets OLD fast, but it's still healthy. Baked plain fish is good, too. We're all different, though, so it's trial and error, and I hope your new doc is helpful.

Have you tried slippery elm or chamomile tea? i have had good success with them. Also, DGL licorice seems to be helpful for inflammation, but again-check with your doc before you start anything new.

Best of luck!!

What is DGL licorice? My diet is not very healthful -- applesauce, white rice, milk products, cup of noodles and saltine crackers. I am currently on Carafate, Protonix and Tagamet. The Carafate seems to be helping, but I'm still not feeling up to adding anything new. My stomach is still fussy and hurting, so I don't know what else to do.

Annie

It might be best to phone your GI doc's office. I did that, especially just after being diagnosed, and they were very helpful. Ask them for diet suggestions and other ideas, such as their opinion on slippery elm tea, DGL licorice, etc. Check the post here for 'dietary assistance' (search box above) and you'll find many suggestions.

Personally, I had better luck with the DGL licorice, slippery elm or chamomile tea, a little aloe gel and aloe juice in water (not for everyone as the citric acid can be disagreeable, but I lucked out), Carafate, and mastic gum. I later added gingerroot tea, but careful--can be a little strong, so I added water.

Baked or boiled chicken breasts and baked fish work well, along with the other foods I mentioned. I would add only one food at a time, and again, check with your GI doc and ask for suggestions.

It does take time (the hardest part), but be patient and gentle with yourself and take it one day at a time. There was a time I thought I would NEVER feel good again, but --one day at a time does it, and don't be afraid to sit down with your GI doc and ask for specific help on diet, etc.

Best wishes and keep us posted! If you dig back on posts here, they are very helpful.

I bought DGL licorice tablets at Puritan's Pride http://www.puritan.com/ They have a paper catalog or you can order online. Something else that, I believe, coats the stomach, and is taken about 20 minutes before eating, if I recall correctly. But again--check with your doc on this.