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.

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Taking a break from meds

littlemart
littlemart
When things start going better and I notice an improvement I take a little break from most medications. I notice that I actually do feel somewhat better without all the chemicals etc. This is true for my other issues also.

Does anyone think that maybe we can get along ( at least for awhile ) without the OTC stuff and the prescriptions? Can we "heal" ourselves to a point that we can lay off all the meds until we see what helps and what doesn't?

I'm pretty sensitive to medications. Even vitamins can upset my stomach sometimes. All I know is that I keep a daily journal of what I'm taking and how I'm feeling. The days I try to help myself along with various pills etc are the days I feel worse.

I know this falls into the experimentation category, but isn't that how science finds the right combinations for us anyway?

A little input please. Thanks.
herrlehmann
herrlehmann
It depends on the medications. I think it's good not to take so many, but the PPI/H2 Blocker which are necessary with Gastritis cannot be paused. You have to take them every day with no break or they won't work. (it's another subject when your Gastritis is caused by too less acid)
littlemart
littlemart
herrlehmann Thanks again. I am pretty sure I am not producing enough acid, although I get a lot of burning in my sternum and throat. I'll never understand. I am taking the Pepzin GI every day, but have layed off the Zantac for a few days. How will we know when our gastritis is "healed" or under control? Will we need another endoscopy?
herrlehmann
herrlehmann
Did you get tested if you haven't enough acid? If yes you have to take HCL Betain
littlemart
littlemart
They did the manometry and PH test and if I understand it right, it did not show a lot of acid. But my LES is not closing properly.
smilelikeyoumeanit
smilelikeyoumeanit
Yes it is my understanding that an endoscopy would confirm healing.

I'm sorry you have such a complex situation with so many conditions to deal with & many meds (& probably side-effects). I'm not surprised you feel so confused about what is working & what is not.

Probably the key to any meaningful experimentation in your situation is just change 1 thing at a time.
shihonage
shihonage
Yeah, uh... we're not doctors here, and we don't know exactly what drugs you're on. For example you could be on something that prevents your arteries from clotting and thus prevents a potential heart attack.

Please be careful about your choices.

Do you have any family member who can get you to your physician? I get the feeling from you that you're trapped, somehow.
littlemart
littlemart
Guys I'm really careful about my meds. I'm not taking anything that is critical to my life. I am not really trapped, just have days that I don't feel like I can drive very far and we are outside of the city by about 30 minutes. My husband can drive, but he's also not steady. Our son is very close and is always willing to help. Thanks for the concern. I realize none of us are doctors, but I've found that patients are much more in touch with our various problems. In fact, I trust nurse practitioners more than the doctors. My autoimmune problems are tricky. The MS makes everything else seem worse. So I do have to be careful about all the combinations of medicines. And with MS.. there is no cure..only some symptom aids. And they are not great. I never know if my dizziness is from the MS or just from the meds. Seems like every drug causes dizziness or fatigue for me. I am NOT totally disabled. Still walking. Still have a somewhat normal daily life. But it is a struggle. Now this gastritis came on and WOW... another trial. So many of my problems originate with the MS. Thanks for all the help. I trust you guys. You have all been through a lot and seem to have studied the problem and know what works for you.
Lesleygm
Lesleygm
littlemart..

It is hard to know what med is causing what issue and this is frustrating. If you have a poorly functioning esophageal valve due to your MS it is likely your are having atypical and typical heartburn. it sounds like that to me. Propping up while sleeping will help you with the heartburn type symptoms.