Gastritis Support Group
Gastritis is a medical term for inflammation of the lining of the stomach. It means that white blood cells move into the wall of the stomach as a response to some type of injury. Gastritis has many underlying causes, from infection with the bacterium H. pylori, bile reflux, or excessive consumption of alcohol or certain foods or drugs like aspirin.
Hi everyone. Ive been having symptoms for nearly three months that have had me worried about gastritis or chronic pancreatitis. Ive found the conversations on DS very informative, helpful and encouraging, so thank you all.
Im a male in my late 30s and Ive been more than just a social drinker for nearly a decade. In February, I started having some pain and discomfort that got me searching. A few days later, I was at urgent care to start to get some answers (no family doctor at that point). I told them of my history and my fears that it was CP.
Symptoms were lower back stiffness, upper abdominal pressure/pain, and frequent loose pale stool.
They ran bloodwork and did an X-ray. Both were clean, so the Doc told me there is no way I have CP since the bloodwork doesnt lie. He scheduled an abdominal ultrasound to be sure. (Ive since learned that CP often doesnt show up in enzyme levels or US early on.)
US was clean, and the Doc I spoke to figured it was gastritis. He gave me a prescription of Nexium (2x40mg). I quit drinking for a month, went to a bland diet, and I saw some improvement. Stool remained mostly soft and pale, however.
Since then, Ive slipped and had beer on a few occasions. Sometimes Ive gotten away with it. Other times, my symptoms have worsened or returned full on.
Ive got a family doctor now. Shes taken me off of Nexium for three weeks (no OTC acid reducers, either) so that I can do a H. Pylori breath test.
So, now Im waiting on that. My symptoms arent great lately. Upper abdominal burning when it flares up. It sometimes bothers me at night. Ive been constipated which has been combined with bloating and gas. Things seem to worsen when I worry about it and search online (or do I just worry when I am feeling worse?). The worrying might actually be worse than the pain at this point. Ive never had heart burn before, but Ive had pain/pressure in my chest lately that might be acid reflux.
I know that I need further testing for answers, and Im not searching for an online diagnosis. Just sharing my story and Im grateful for any suggestions or insights. Thanks!
Im a male in my late 30s and Ive been more than just a social drinker for nearly a decade. In February, I started having some pain and discomfort that got me searching. A few days later, I was at urgent care to start to get some answers (no family doctor at that point). I told them of my history and my fears that it was CP.
Symptoms were lower back stiffness, upper abdominal pressure/pain, and frequent loose pale stool.
They ran bloodwork and did an X-ray. Both were clean, so the Doc told me there is no way I have CP since the bloodwork doesnt lie. He scheduled an abdominal ultrasound to be sure. (Ive since learned that CP often doesnt show up in enzyme levels or US early on.)
US was clean, and the Doc I spoke to figured it was gastritis. He gave me a prescription of Nexium (2x40mg). I quit drinking for a month, went to a bland diet, and I saw some improvement. Stool remained mostly soft and pale, however.
Since then, Ive slipped and had beer on a few occasions. Sometimes Ive gotten away with it. Other times, my symptoms have worsened or returned full on.
Ive got a family doctor now. Shes taken me off of Nexium for three weeks (no OTC acid reducers, either) so that I can do a H. Pylori breath test.
So, now Im waiting on that. My symptoms arent great lately. Upper abdominal burning when it flares up. It sometimes bothers me at night. Ive been constipated which has been combined with bloating and gas. Things seem to worsen when I worry about it and search online (or do I just worry when I am feeling worse?). The worrying might actually be worse than the pain at this point. Ive never had heart burn before, but Ive had pain/pressure in my chest lately that might be acid reflux.
I know that I need further testing for answers, and Im not searching for an online diagnosis. Just sharing my story and Im grateful for any suggestions or insights. Thanks!
Good luck in finding out what is bothering you. You might try a gluten free alcohol next time you drink, see if you still feel so bad after drinking.
I wouldn't think about drinking again until your symptoms have gone without the need for drugs. Stick to the bland diet for now and sip water if the burning gets bad.
Anxiety can increase stomach acid as well as heighten pain sensitivity in general, so its important to try and keep it under control, though it is obviously hard when you are suffering and have a lot of strange new symptoms. I find relaxation tapes help, things like progressive muscle relaxation.