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 all,
In March, I had to have an endoscopy done for other heath problems (looking for signs of GERD); it was discovered that I didn't have GERD but that I DID have mild Gastritis. I had no pain at the time...until the end of April. I was out walking with my husband one evening, got home and all of a sudden I felt like I had a really bad heartburn. I took some Tums and went to sleep only to wake up to the agonizing pain. I waited about a week before I sought help (I'm stubborn). My doctor was on vacation for two weeks so I went to an Urgent Care center- long story short, two Urgent Care and two ER visits later and I really got no help. I have Norco for the pain, although I'm not sure if it's doing more harm than good, I'm taking Omaprazole (sp?), Mylanta, Tums and Licorice supplements and I've been trying to eat a very clean diet. I've even completely cut out my love...coffee.
Still can't get the pain to go away.
I had a two week period where I felt AMAZING. No pain and my energy was at max. But it came back after a stressful event and now it seems like nothing I do is working.
It feels like the WORST indigestion ever. Right in the middle of my stomach, under the breastbone and above the belly button. It just sits there 24/7, some days aren't as bad as others but it's always there.
What else is worth trying? Suggestions appreciated. Thanks!
I have been fighting gastritis for about 8 months now, got diagnosed in mid may and was on the meds (including omeprazole) for about 3 months... I found that the nausea started to go after 4 to 6 weeks, but for some strange reason at the time I only had a little bit of burning which eventually went after about the same time. Fast forward to now and about 3 weeks ago I came off the PPI cold turkey, and am now back with a LOT of the horrible burning..but I am sure that when I go to see my GP on monday she will advise to go back on the meds for about another 6 weeks. You will proberbly have to stay on the meds for a few months (although everyone varies), but you may be getting bad indigestion with the PPi like I had as they really decrease the acid in your stomach. I changed 3 times eventually having lansaprozol...but I don't want to go back on them as they caused the side effects including depression/stomach ache and indigestion!! Maybe check out with the GP about the meds side affects, but hang in there...you will get better..it's a long road and can take ages, but if you read back on some of the posts you'll see that it is curable and so long as you follow the good diet and meds and advise of a good DR you will get through it. Keep us posted and I'll keep update of my visit to the DR (again!!)...Prays to all :)
I wasn't nor am I now taking any other medications other than everything I've been trying for this particular problem. Tests came back clear of GERD when the endoscopy was done. I have absolutely no idea what caused this.
Yes, I'm a smoker, but what's funny is that I was trying to quit when this started and was two weeks smoke free at the time. I haven't had alcohol in over two years, I exercise, way pretty healthy and I'm not obese (before losing weight from this, I was only 112lbs).
How long do you think it typically takes to heal? This all started at the end of April but I've only been in the PPI for 3 weeks now. I'm getting discouraged because I'm still in a lot of pain after all this time.
I will definitely look into all of your suggestions. I know everyone is different but they're worth a shot. I appreciate it very much.
G.I. appointment on the 24th, I'm hoping he can give me some hope. At this point, I feel like I'm never going to get better and live a normal life again.
Again, thank you for your help and reassuring words. I'm happy to have found this group and know that I'm not alone. I've never had a pain like this before and was convinced I was dying lol
I turned down PPI's and take ranitidine 150mg am and pm and Zinc Carso (Pepzin GI), I find at night time Mastic Gum capsules stop pain and don't forget to raise your bed head.
Yes, the pain is AWFUL (I think that's putting it mildly). I've never experienced pain like this...and if I'm menstruating, too, it's almost too much to want to go on. Mine seems to not want to budge, other than a two week period where I felt amazing and was able to eat whatever I wanted. I wanted to go out and take on the world because I felt so good. Then one stressful event and BAM, right back to being knocked down.
My doctor has be taking a PPI twice daily, thirty minutes before eating. It's not the worst in the world, but I often find that I have trouble making sure I eat right after that thirty minutes is up. I often don't get around to eating until an hour or two after taking it, simply because other things pop up that need my attention. I tried raising my bed but I found that I couldn't get comfortable at all. I never used to be a stomach sleeper but ever since this started, I sleep on my stomach every night because I've found that the pressure actually helps ease the pain; just enough to allow me to actually fall asleep..otherwise, I'd be up all night in pain and uncomfortable.
I'm trying me best to stick to a clean diet, although I'm not exactly sure what I should and shouldn't be eating. While researching online, I find contradicting statements about what to stay away from. One article says I can't have Garlic or Onions but another article will say that both of those are good for Gastritis...?? It's so confusing. I'm taking my PPI twice daily, trying to eat several small meals a day as opposed to what I used to do which was eating only one meal a day (two on good days), as well as not eating any later than three hours before sleep. I try to take Mylanta a few times a day and Tums before I go to bed. I've added in Milk of Magnesia once a week (usually Monday mornings) to clear my system out. My workout routine has been interrupted by this whole thing but I still try to get in a few good miles of walking every day. I typically get about 7-8 hours of sleep each night; although my body isn't allowing me to sleep in AT ALL these days (my weekends aren't as relaxing lol).
I tried taking the Ranitidine before the Omaprazole but it really messed with my stomach. I will definitely look into the Zinc Carso and Mastic Gum though; thank you for the suggestions.
Gastristis can really mess a person up. I honestly wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.
Thanks again for all the advice, everyone. I wish you all relief soon <3