I was put on ranitidine for gastritis after I overused NSAIDs by accident, trying to get myself over a flu before a vacation. After that prescription ended (was told to take it for two weeks only), maybe three weeks later, I had a few things happen to really flare up my anxiety and I started struggling with gastritis-like pain, much worse. Have been put on three different PPIs (Tecta/Protonix, Aciphex and now omeprazole). Having lots of problems with fatigue, muscle weakness and muscle pain, and joint inflammation. Terrible headaches that come and go, my period just never arrived this month. I was never given an endoscopy, I was never once given any bloodwork, given no real instruction on how to eat. I'm learning on my own, about meal schedules, bland diets, not drinking too much while eating, staying upright for three hours after eating, sleeping on an angle etc etc. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, which I set up for myself, to insist on some tests because of how off I feel.
I was going to ask to have my magnesium, B12, calcium and iron tested. I inquired at my last appointment to see a GI specialist and was told it wasn't worth my while, as I'd only been on two PPIs so far, so I would be viewed as a very low needs case and would be put on the bottom of the pile.

I'm feeling better in terms of my original symptoms, but not right yet. The symptoms feel different. I don't have pain in the upper part of my stomach anymore, i now just feel crampy and bloated when I feel discomfort, usually lower down. I still have some chest pain but rarely. I read that low stomach acid can also cause that reflux-like chest pain. Is that true? I am feeling really helpless because the doctors just keep handing me more pills and not actually testing me. I'm also so weak and tired, and wonder how out of whack my nutrient absorption is. My lack of period makes me wonder if I've become anemic, or am I just stressed (not pregnant, checked for that already). Ah yes, the stress. I'm always working on that but it's hard, the side effects of the medication and how in pain and achy and tired I feel all the time lately, plus a very stressful caregiving job (I work frontline with people with Alzheimer's full time) plus a work-related back injury that requires physio....and I have papillary conjunctivitis that won't heal (my eye doctor's starting to wonder if it's somehow related to the gastritis or medication since I'm not doing anything to exacerbate it, but it keeps coming back). Lots on my mind. Trying really hard to stay positive, but I do feel like crying pretty much daily. Some days are better than others.

Any advice on what to ask my doctor for, test-wise? I feel like I shouldn't have to bring all my demands to the table, like the doctor should just know to do this stuff...but I've been on PPIs for two months with no tests except for a gall bladder ultrasound to make sure I didn't have stones.