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.
I've come to realise that moments of being pain free and carefree are just that, moments. I'm now experiencing the constant pain I had when I first got gastritis. I'm not convinced its connected to the G. I feel I have two different issues but don't know anything for sure.
I can hardly eat as it gives me pain leaves me hungry through the night and waking with shocking pain. I eat in hope of filling some of the hunger but the pain doesn't go. It's between my belly button and breast bone. I guess its back to the doctor for more tests but where to start?
I don't know how many more times I can go through this roller coaster ride. I'm back to where I was in April 2010. Pain, pain more pain and oh so many tears.
I saw a friend briefly yesterday and he emailed me today that he was commenting to his wife how good I looked and whatever I was doing was working. I read that this morning and cried even more. I'm so tired of being well one day and in the pit of dispair the next.
Sorry to be such a gloomy gus but I've no where else to vent like this. My parents are in Canada and I wish they were closer. They'll be home in a couple of weeks. Silly thing is they don't live near me anyhow but somehow having them in Australia seems more comforting for me.
Thanks for listening to my woes.
Cas
I can hardly eat as it gives me pain leaves me hungry through the night and waking with shocking pain. I eat in hope of filling some of the hunger but the pain doesn't go. It's between my belly button and breast bone. I guess its back to the doctor for more tests but where to start?
I don't know how many more times I can go through this roller coaster ride. I'm back to where I was in April 2010. Pain, pain more pain and oh so many tears.
I saw a friend briefly yesterday and he emailed me today that he was commenting to his wife how good I looked and whatever I was doing was working. I read that this morning and cried even more. I'm so tired of being well one day and in the pit of dispair the next.
Sorry to be such a gloomy gus but I've no where else to vent like this. My parents are in Canada and I wish they were closer. They'll be home in a couple of weeks. Silly thing is they don't live near me anyhow but somehow having them in Australia seems more comforting for me.
Thanks for listening to my woes.
Cas
Cas
I also know the need for support. I try not to lean on my support system too much, but it happens... and that's what they're there for. They know I have been, and will be there forever. Your parents will be happy to hear from you, and that's what they're for.
Hang in there, and just try to accept your emotions as normal under the circumstance. Don't fight them, but also... try not to identify with them as who you are. YOU are not these issues. YOU are not stomach problems or anxiety. They are simply issues that are here currently, and will understandably cause various levels of discomfort from day to day. But, they're not you. This is the concept I'm working on myself the hardest. I'm just starting to crack the surface of this thinking, but it's truly worth adapting. After all, it's the truth. Our emotions are not the truth. Whatever we can do to witness and not identify helps us in so many ways.
Again, easier said than done... but I know we can all get there.
As for your tummy, have you considered a barium swallow X-ray or maybe getting your gall bladder tested? Worth looking into. I did the barium swallow. Not a lot of fun, but comforting to know that my parts are all there and seem to be in good shape. I still have a couple of tests I need to do, but that one gave me a lot of relief, mentally.
Anyway, hang in there... and you're in all of our thoughts.
The pain is easing as I reduce my portions yet again and cut out fats. Not much left but I've been here before so I know I'll somehow find the strength to get through this hurdle.
My hormones are adding to the tears at the moment. Another piece of joy for the occasion!
Still I'll keep testing until I find out what it is and then deal with it.
Thanks for your words. You've both reminded me not to define myself by what my body is going through. I cannot tell you just how much I appreciate the support.
I'll get through this but never alone.
Thanks heaps,
The walking tear duct from Australia,
Cas!
I'm relatively new to this gastritis ordeal. Having read your posts it sounds as though you've really been through the mill for a while.
As Bryan says, you really are not alone. We are going through this together, but it really won't stay the same forever. We've all hit rock bottom with this illness. Yet reading these pages it is clear that there is no shortage of fighting spirit. Keep investigating; gastritis is usually (if not always) caused by an underlying problem. I'm still doing various investigations too. You'll make progress.
Keep fighting!
I think we all find stregth we never knew we had just to get through each day. I know one day I'll be well again or at least have better health than I do now. Its the constant roller coaster ride that is the hard part. We all experience days or weeks of better health and increased optimisim and then out of nowhere we're brought back to earth with a thud. Thats where I am just now.
I will pick up the pieces with the support of my wonderful friends in this group.
Back to the doctor on Tuesday to see where we go from here.
Will keep you posted.
cas
Yes, I know how that thud feels! Just when you think you might be on the road to recovery you get a setback and you have to find extra strength from somewhere. I think you are right though, it will be much more manageable one day and may even go away completely. It seems that very few people have this in its worst form for a lifetime. The intial bout seems to be the greatest hurdle. Good luck at the doctors!
Cas
The pain is almost gone since I restricted my diet to make things more comfortable for myself. I'll plod along in the mean time and hope this new doctor can shed some light on my troubled innards. I spoke with him on the phone and he sounded very nice indeed.
Cas
You've been then before and here you go again, same here, right back to square 1. Out with the potions again.
Tell you what though, a different doc maybe just what you need, a fresh pair of eyes and ears. They all are different, look at my vet. Thinking of you.
Gwen x
my blood was boiling at that horrible excuse of a human being laughing at your distress regarding your beautiful dog. So glad you found a compassionate one, most of them are.
I'm sorry beyond words that you're back in the horrors of the pain again. I pray for you that it will be short lived and it will fast be a memory for you.
I had my ultra sound today. No results till next week and the technician gave nothing away. I'll soldier on until we get to the bottom of it.
We're all in this mess together,
Cas
Oh well. Specialist tomorrow. Hopefully he can shed some light on my woes.
Cas
Cas