Duodenitis, heartburn, seems to cause anxiety, thoughts?
Posted , 6 users are following.
Hello all, new here. Short version: a CT scan showed I have duodenitis, and I have daily discomfort and I'm still figuring out how to manage it.
I've been sick since late December, initially with some abdominal discomfort, moderate fever, mouth ulcers, inflamed gums, cold sore -- the fever lasted 4 1/2 days, mostly at night, and it was difficult to eat solid food for a week. Now a few weeks later all of the issues have resolved except abdominal issues. I have been having pain in the upper left hand side of my abdomen, usually at night, off and on since about December 27th or 28th, intially only a little noticeable at night.
I had a CT scan revealing duodenitis, and perhaps some stomach distention. I've been put on pepcid twice a day, and have eliminated a lot of possible triggers from my diet. My most severe symptoms have not returned the last couple of weeks, but I have cramping, heartburn, indigestion, burning/throbbing in the throat, sometimes feeling cold or feeling flush in the face, some gas, etc, off and on since starting pepcid. I actually feel like the heartburn is worse since starting pepcid, but the duodenal pain seems to have improved. I'm waiting to hear back on an H. Pylori test, most of my blood tests look normal, and my CT scan showed most of my other organs looked normal.
This has been exhausting already, and at this point I'm hoping I test positive for something or have a diagnosis I can do something about. My doctor is still optimistic, and thinks that as long as I limit my diet and take care of myself, this may yet resolve itself (she said it may take three more months to heal). Do these symptoms sound like a more specific diagnosis? Any tips for managing it?
Thank you!
0 likes, 10 replies
pippa58442 TravelerSix
Posted
TravelerSix pippa58442
Posted
Okay, I'll ask about that. I'm a little reluctant to switch to a PPI just from the side effects and issues I've heard about, but that may be what I need.
I'd also been suggested Mylanta with gas relief, but that seemed to make me feel worse sometimes as well (at least it didn't give me any relief). It seems like some of the regular advice for GERD-type symptoms is different from issues with duodenitis, for one I do better when I am not on an empty stomach, so I'm still trying to figure out how to manage not overeating but not eating too little either while on my bland diet.
pippa58442 TravelerSix
Posted
TravelerSix pippa58442
Posted
Thanks -- I've been pretty good about small meals and snacking, I think I'm doing a little better this week than last. One day at a time.
lilian05079 TravelerSix
Posted
HPylori tends to occupy the gut and duodenum....hence duodenitis....and cause all the symptoms you describe..wait for the HP test result and if you get a +ve result you will be treated with antibiotics......best wishes...
TravelerSix lilian05079
Posted
Thank you, I'm hoping for something along those lines that can more easily be treated.
anon5683 TravelerSix
Posted
I had HP and had some of those symptoms. Deffinately a lot of anxiety, bowel issues, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, abdominal pain, etc... Our gut actually has more neurotransmitters then our brain so it makes sense that imbalances their could lead to psycological issues. Most symtopms cleared up completely with a 28 day tripple therapy but two years later and I am still having upper left quadrant pain!
I've had multiple blood tests, stool test an endoscopy, ultrasounds, and an abdominal MRI... Thinking of doing the CT scan though as my pain is not clearing up despite gentle diet n being very good to myself! Hope you find some relief soon!
anon5683 TravelerSix
Posted
Other then that eating organic, whole foods and eliminating sugar, wheat, chemical aditives etc has helped a lot. Unfortunately I have not been able to get all the way better yet! Hopefully you will have more luck!
TravelerSix anon5683
Posted
I'm still waiting for test results. I think I have the diet working okay, it's just frustrating that it is so bland (until I got sick, I ate tons of spicy foods, especially the last 15 years or so). I hope that you find a better resolution, it does not sound good.
My issue the last week has been a burning feeling on the outside of my neck, then burning under my ears, and today up on the sides of my head. I'm not sure if this is tied to the gut issues or a reaction to pepcid or something else, but it's a learning experience I guess.
pippa58442 TravelerSix
Posted