1. Community
  2. Gut, bowel and stomach
  3. Abdominal Disorders

Gastritis - Constant severe stomach pain

Posted , 278 users are following.

jenny33426
jenny33426

I wondered if anyone could help me, since about January 2013 I have on and off had a dull ache in my stomach, sometimes flaring up to make me feel sick. I actually put this down to anxiety however in the past few weeks my theory has changed.

About three weeks ago my stomach flared up however to the worst pain I have experienced as yet, made me feel like I was going to be sick constantly and made me not know what to do with myself. I feel like there is a lump in my thought and my stomach feels tender and swollen when flares up feels like my stomach is on fire/knotted up!

The pain was so sever I went to the doctors (2 and a half weeks ago), my doctor felt my stomach and said it felt swollen, I told her the symtoms and she says she thinks I have gastritis and prescribed me with Lansoprazole 30mg tablets to take daily for 1 month, this however to date hasn't helped my stomach at all, the flare up comes and goes however the pain in my stomach is constant and the Lansorprazole is causing terrible upset stomach to the point I am worried to not be near a toilet.

I went back to the doctors on Tuesday 22/10 explained all of the above to her and she said I am to keep taking the tablets and she is happy to see me again in November (once the months course has been taking) however im in dispear with this pain sad HAD ENOUGH OF FEELING ILL and can't help but think the worse

Has anyone experienced symptoms same as above as I feel extremely on my own shouting and no one understanding what im going though

Comments greatfully received.

19 likes, 392 replies

392 Replies

Prev Next
  • heather03376
    heather03376 jenny33426

    Posted

    Hi Jenny,  I've had exactly the same symptoms and pain that you've been experiencing. I also have had an endoscopy and ultrasound and blood tests and all have come back clear.... thank goodness.  I've been suffering from this condition for the past 3 months with intermittant periods of up to 6-10 days of pain free bliss, but then I can feel it coming back and then it's back in full force.  Upper abdomen dull crampling pain in some cases and in others more severe nauseating pain (especially at night in the early hours of night) which stops me from sleeping, or reading or being able to concentrate on anything at all.  I have recently been diagnosed by my doctor as having 'lazy stomach' or otherwise known as gastroparesis. This means that the stomach is not emptying properly and therefore creating pain and discomfort.  I don't have any of the other symptoms of vomiting and feeling full after food, but it seems that that this condition can be different for each person.  Unfortunately there's no cure for this other than medication to help stimulate the stomach muscle to work properly and changing eating habits.  It's a depressing thought that there is no known cure for this.  I'm including a website here for you to look at which has helped me enormously  and perhaps it will be of help to you too.  I can't say that this is what you have, but it certainly sounds exactly the same as my problem.  

    http://livingwithgastroparesis.com/

    http://gicare.com/diets/gastroparesis-diet/

     

    Good luck!!

    • jenny33426
      jenny33426 heather03376

      Posted

      Hello Heather,

      Thank you very much for posting on my thread.  A couple of questins, you say your symptoms are the same as mine, does that include regular upst stomach?  Also how did your doctor diagnose youwith "lazy stomach"?

      Yes i feel for you that there is no cure, however least you have received diagnosis whichhopefully has enabled to help you move forward a bit?

      The only advice I can give is that there may be no cure, however continue to try new things that might ease your syptoms, one thing that I personally find that helps with mine is pepermint tea.  It's mant to be great for your digestive system.  I drink two cups a day - whether its helped i can't say however it doesnt do any harm smile

      Thanks again.

    • heather03376
      heather03376 jenny33426

      Posted

      Hi Jenny,  I can have stomach pain for several days and then it disappears for anything up to 10 days.  Of course, at this point I'm thinking that it's gone, but then slowly but surely I start getting the first rumbles and back it comes. As I said, I had the endoscopy, and ultrasounds and blood tests done and then was referred to a specialist gastroenterologist who confirmed that I had what is known as lazy stomach.

      I also found out today that aloe vera either in juice form or gel (both disgusting) is supposed to work really well.  Also digestive enzymes, probiotics, apple cider vinegar and gentian.  Believe me, I'm going to try them all.  I've been on Motilium (domperidone) for about a month now, but it hasn't really done anything at all, except bring my blood pressure right down low and my pulse rate went down to 48 per min!  I think I'm going to discontinue the pills and stick to natural products from now on to try and find a way to at least manage the situation.  I find the hardest thing is not having anything to take when the stomach cramps set in to try and alleviate the pain  - you feel so helpless.

        

      I hope the peppermint tea helps you, but I haven't tried that yet.  I've been drinking copious amounts of ginger and chamomile and as you say, none of these herbs can do any harm.  I'm even going to give accupuncture a try too.   I also believe it's so important not to get stressed and anxious when going through a bad spell - it only axacerbates the symptoms.

      Good luck Jenny - it's a hard road, but persevere!  I hope we both get the better of this awful condition !

      Take care smile

      Cheers,

      Heather 

       

    • heather03376
      heather03376 jenny33426

      Posted

      Hi Jenny,  I can have stomach pain for several days and then it disappears for anything up to 10 days.  Of course, at this point I'm thinking that it's gone, but then slowly but surely I start getting the first rumbles and back it comes. As I said, I had the endoscopy, and ultrasounds and blood tests done and then was referred to a specialist gastroenterologist who confirmed that I had what is known as lazy stomach.

      I also found out today that aloe vera either in juice form or gel (both disgusting) is supposed to work really well.  Also digestive enzymes, probiotics, apple cider vinegar and gentian.  Believe me, I'm going to try them all.  I've been on Motilium (domperidone) for about a month now, but it hasn't really done anything at all, except bring my blood pressure right down low and my pulse rate went down to 48 per min!  I think I'm going to discontinue the pills and stick to natural products from now on to try and find a way to at least manage the situation.  I find the hardest thing is not having anything to take when the stomach cramps set in to try and alleviate the pain  - you feel so helpless.

        

      I hope the peppermint tea helps you, but I haven't tried that yet.  I've been drinking copious amounts of ginger and chamomile and as you say, none of these herbs can do any harm.  I'm even going to give accupuncture a try too.   I also believe it's so important not to get stressed and anxious when going through a bad spell - it only axacerbates the symptoms.

      Good luck Jenny - it's a hard road, but persevere!  I hope we both get the better of this awful condition !

      Take care smile

      Cheers,

      Heather 

       

    • jenny33426
      jenny33426 heather03376

      Posted

      Oh right, interesting, I presume this isn't what i have got as would of thought the gastroenterolgist I saw would of spotted it, however who knows! The problem is with the sypmthoms we suffer it could be sooooo many things! So frustrating!

      Oh yes i have heard aloe vera juice/gel is meant to be good for stomachs!  Yes I have also taken probiotics, this did help for the first month, however my body must of got used to them so didn't use to make any difference.  My chemist gave a good tip regarding probiotics, he said to get "Onken Natural Yogurt" as this has millions of live bacteria in (better than tablet form) and to have a tablespoon 3 x a day, again i did find this helped smile

      Yes pepermint tea definately settles the stomach and now im used to the taste i quite enjoy it!

      Yes a very true statement not to get stressed and anxious as this only makes it worse (i know from my experience!)

      Thanks again for sharing your story, yes we must continue to find an answer ay! One thing is certain, when we do we wont take "normal" health for granted again!

       

  • Claud1
    Claud1 jenny33426

    Posted

    Hi Jenny,

    I have an 11 year old daughter.  3 weeks ago she experienced this acute "stabbing" "throbbing" "burning" pain in the top of her stomach right between the ribcage base...and like you also a little to the left.  She has been constantly feeling sick, sleeps 18 hours a day, eats and feels bad again.  her legs have given way, shortness of breath...every thing you describe. After 3 failed attempts at diagnosis from doctors I ended up at A & E (she is doubled over in agony), the pain has moved and she feels it sometimes all over her stomach in different points.  Told it is stomach migraine?!  Ever heard of that!?  But what HAS helped the pain subside is cutting out wheat...she hasnt had bread this week partly because i havent made her sandwiches as she hasnt been to school, plus I have been giving her proper cooked from scratch meals and no instant foods such as nuggets or pizza etc.  Not saying that I always do.  She is living on paracetamol.  My friends thought she shared symptoms of crohns and also suggested acid reflux but neither of those.,  Nor appendix.  In July she had her first abdominal flare up and then the doctors said it was an infection of the base of her oesophagus... due to the fact she had tonsilitits and as i didnt treat it with antibiotics (she has had 3 courses of antibiotics and this time I tried manuka honey and organic lemon), because i'd left it without 'proper medication' the infection had spread further down (yep! thats what hospital said).  The symptoms for this are similar to appendicitis.

    Some very good friends of mine run a natural healing group on a social network site and have suggested oregano as a remedy.  I will try.  I hope you get some resolve out of this.  I keep thinking it is diet and probably wheat/dairy intolerance... Good luck xxx

     

    • rohit33340
      rohit33340 Claud1

      Posted

      I think you should also try homeopathy Along with other medication.

      I had my share of problems with stomachnpain some 12 yrs back. Doctors made me go through all sorts of diagnosis but nothing came out. I was in constant pain and onw day was suggested to go to a very famous honeopathic doctor. And it worked . It went away in a week. And never came back till last week. As soon as I landed in London it started. every morning I don't feel like going to office but staying in bet even doesnot help. I found a homeopathic doctor here and went to him. Taking the medicine from last 2 DayS. Condition improved but still I have kept my fingers crossed. Let see what happens

  • alby1950
    alby1950 jenny33426

    Posted

    ye i have had belly ache for 4 years now all the doctor said was if it had been serious i would of known by now but the point is whats causing it i have had gastroscopy i have slight barrets asophagus burnt by the acid coming up when i lay down also get pain around my ribs like you i am on lansoprazole and gaviscon

    i dont think the lansoprazole is doing any good as i have been on it for 7 wks now

    cant sleep properley hope this might give you some light alby

     

  • philip62497
    philip62497 jenny33426

    Posted

    I have just found this so sorry for being a late commer. I have experienced simmilar to what some of you guys have but here's my story. About July 2014 we actually had hot weather here in the UK and I started having a craving for slat water...pints of it and this went on for 2 weeks. Nothing strange I thought as it was hot etc but suddenly and it was like overnight I swapped from salt to sugar! My cravings had change, my stomach was bloated and I was sleeping after dinner solidly for about 4 hrs waking up having a galss of water then sleeping solid for at least 8 hours. I went to see my GP, they did full bloods on me and called me back in the following day and told me I had pernious anemia (B12 deficiency) and very very low iron. The B12 was sorted with injections and now every 3 months for ever. However went to see consultant who was concerned about some "hard" patches in my stomach as I had complained about bloating and pains there. An endoscapy and colonoscapy later, consultant said all was well expect that I had an inflamed stomach....Gastritis! Currentl;y taking Lansoprazole 30mg tablets untill 19th December 2014 and have to say feeling loads better. Watching what I eat and of course not on coffee, booze, spicy or oily but also found out that choclate is an irritant! So only drinking tea with sugar but no milk and it really is working for me. I also take them 30 mins before breakfast same time near enough every day but also take an iron tablet with my breakfast. Touch wood all seems to be working well so far other than a bit of dehydration which I sort out with lots of water. Hope some of that helps and wish you luck. Will post again after my next check up which is in mid Jan 2015. Oh and biopsy was taken in stomach and colon although consultant only did this to double check all was clear. Nothing at all to worry about and stomach appears to be settling down.Good luck.
  • andy1981
    andy1981 jenny33426

    Posted

    Hi all, not sure if I'm on the right subject here but just wandering if anybody has it had any similar experiences.....?? I have been having really bad 'knawing' and 'burning' pains in my stomach and constantly feel like going sick (not actually doing so) but the most alarming bit of which im hoping people can help with is, this constant feeling of being 'winded' like there's pressure on or under my ribs it's horrible!! Too it off with feeling tired and fatigued a lot it's a real drain on daily life! Had endoscopy and cystoscopy, mild inlfammation and hiatus hernia diagnosed but ive had those a while and these symptoms are quite sudden and not typical for me. I hope everyone on this discussion has some luck with their ailments! ️Thankyou 😀
  • toni32443
    toni32443 jenny33426

    Posted

    Hello, Jenny i know it's been some time since you posted this but I'm going through exactly what you described. I've been out of work for this problem and I just want it fixed. I had a flare up last night and it was one of the bad ones. My stomach has a burning feeling that might be attached to a rock, or a boulder.  Lol but jokes aside I'm feeling like poo!! I've been throwing up so much lately that I've lost 5 lbs in one week. I'm sick and don't know why. Some say ulcers or H pylori.  I go to the doc AGAIN today and I hope I get answers. I'm so nervous that it's something terminal.  Eeek. But please if you can will you give me an update on what's happened to you within the year since you posted?
    • jenny33426
      jenny33426 toni32443

      Posted

      Hello Toni,

      So sorry to read your going through simular.

      Have you had any tests to date?

      I haven't posted much as unfortunately I haven't any update on my situation sad

      My problem has eased considerably since this time last year, as I used to feel ill every day, now its moved to weekly.

      How i have managed that i don't know, as I say I am still not right however i have done so many things to try and help my problem it could be any of them!

      The only thing that I can think may be causing my flare ups is when I am exhausted, thats when it seems to happen.  Throughout all of the problems I have had i have struggled but continued doing my normal routine, work/socialising/running ect.  It has been hard and brought m e to tears many times but I just didn't want to give up!

      I live a very busy lifestyle and as i say I notice at the moment my flare ups happen when I am at a low.

      Good luck on getting better, don't give up on trying to get to the bottom of it! and if i find any answers I will of course update you.

    • toni32443
      toni32443 jenny33426

      Posted

      Thank you for the reply.  I went to the hospital last week and I had an ultrasound done that showed my gallbladder was fine, I then got an eeg done and that too showed nothing! I got blood work done and it showed that my white blood cell count was high. They said i had something going on but was unsure what "it" was. They sent me home.. sad I stayed home from wrk today because the pain was so bad last night.  I'm trying to reach my doctor but for some odd reason they aren't picking up. I hope this doesn't mean another trip to the E.R 
  • mchoccy
    mchoccy jenny33426

    Posted

    Hi there, I've been reading your discussion and just wondered if you ever had an official diagnosis? I'm currently experiencing severe upper and sometimes left side stomach pain coupled with upper back pain. I've been having problems in this area for nearly a year now. I've had a colonoscopy and an endoscopy along with several ultrasounds and various blood test.  Gastroenterologist was convinced that I'd had an infection that had caused some damage at the beginning of the year as all tests were clear.  I get excruciating churning pain in the upper centre of my stomach just below my ribs and my back. I'm waiting to see the Gastroenterologist again as he thinks this new episode is something different. I really want a ct scan but don't know if I can wait much longer on the nhs. I'm taking pain releif daily and this whole thing seems to be taking over my life.

    Any comments or advice would be gratefully received 

    • andy1981
      andy1981 mchoccy

      Posted

      Hi choccy, is your pain in the pit of your stomach so to speak? Above your belly button and do you have the constant rib pain under both ribs almost like a constant stitch? I get these symptoms you see along side the back pain and everything points to pancreatitis but also if you go for endoscopy you might find you'll have hiatus hernia which I have and causes acid reflux and gerd condition this has all kinds of implications for the stomach area but can all be controlled with right drugs and diet etc. I'm currently trying every investigative avenue but the pain in stomach and ribs is so uncomfortable it's unreal. Please reply and let me know if you have similar woes. Thanks andy. 
    • mchoccy
      mchoccy andy1981

      Posted

      Hi andy - the pain I have is literally under the ribs it is a stitch like/churning that just feels horrendous. I also get a lot of pain to left side of my stomach - almost feels like something is there! Back pain has become intense too - mainly upper back. I'm really worried all the time - my endoscopy was clear back in June but my symptoms have changed so much since then. I've had some bouts of feeling nauseous and diahorrea but these seem to have calmed of recent weeks. Feel like I don't know my own body at the moment. So sorry to hear you are also suffering too - this pain is really the worst. The doctor has given me cocodomol for the pain but I'm not sure it actually helps! Are you taking any medication? 
    • andy1981
      andy1981 mchoccy

      Posted

      Hi choccy thanks for the reply. It seems like you do have similar symptoms, how unfortunate! I presume you also have health anxiety like myself which doesnt help matters at all!!! Do you get the stitch pains on both ribs did you say?? Maybe stabbing pains as such too?? I believe rib pain can radiate to the back and vice versa and can each be the cause of each other's pain if you follow me?  I take co-drydamol prescribed by doctor for pain and omazropole which is a stomach acid inhibitor which is good for keeping acid reflux at bay and helps heal any potential ulcers which could be the case here, it can affect the rib, stomach and back area so ive read. Ive trawled through many a forum or health site and seen so many variations of these symptoms and ailments and what they could be attributed to it just raises more questions. Could be an underlying gastro condition your suffering with but then it could be cardiovascular and that's where your brain Starts to run amok!!!! I don't find gp helpful at all...my advice is to keep pushing for referrals...ive managed to push to go to see gastrologist before Christmas about some more investigative work (camera through back passage, another endoscopy etc) and a referral to a paediatrician for cardio side of things to get some answers! My advice would be to do the same thing and definetely get another endoscopy because things can change and if it is a stomach or peptic ulcer that's causing these problems then that's the only way you'll find out. Maybe you could just go sit in a and e and say you can't take it no more do they run tests quicker....that's exactly what I'll be doing very soon I think!! 
    • mchoccy
      mchoccy andy1981

      Posted

      Hi Andy, thank you for your advice. yes I do I health anxiety which in itself is taking over my life at the present time! Sorry to hear your suffering as much as I am. My GP laughingly thinks I'm depressed - the only thing depressing me is being in constant pain! I did end up in A&E about a month ago. To be honest it was a waste of time as they pumped me full of pain relief and I was so out of it. They did redo my ultrasound and bloods etc which were all clear and then told me to contact my consultant. I do feel this whole thing is becoming a battle - I think I will push for repeat tests as I know feeling like this cannot be normal. Glad to hear you've managedd to get an appointment with your consultant before Christmas. Hope you get some answers - keep me posted 
    • jenny33426
      jenny33426 mchoccy

      Posted

      Hello Choccy,

      I'm so sorry to hear your suffering similar symptoms to me, it's awful sad

      Unfortunately to date I have had a diagnosis, however my symptoms have improved considerably in the last year, I get flare ups weekly now rather than daily! 

      unfortunately the symptoms we experience could mean we have a huge number of different problems, which is why it is a long process of different tests to go thru (process of illimination)

      Have u been tested for h pylori? Something simple the docs can test u for (stool sample) you symptoms are the same as that, also have u tried keeping a food diary? And stripping ur diet back to plain foods to see if that makes a difference? These are things u can do rAther than relying on doctors! 

      Good luck I hope u find the answer soon

    • mchoccy
      mchoccy jenny33426

      Posted

      Hi Jenny

      Thank you - I do hope I get some answers soon too. I have had a stool test and that was ok which is good but frustrating at the same time! I'm now going down the diet route while waiting to see the consultant - I just want to enjoy Christmas without being too uncomfortable. 

      Strange as it sounds it's reassuring to know that you haven't had a definite diagnosis either as I do feel like I'm going mad at times.

      Can I just ask - do you have any back pain? I seem to be suffering with that lately too 😞 glad to here your symptoms have improved though - there's hope!! 

      Take care 

    • jenny33426
      jenny33426 mchoccy

      Posted

      Yes I completely understand, after all the tests I had that come back all clear I was relieved but disappointed at the same time as u just want to know what's wrong!!!

      I only experienced back pain a few times, mone is just severe upper stomach pain/swelling which would also spread to my lower stomach and diarea daily (several times a day)

      Glad to hear ur already changing up ur diet, I also stopped taking any tablets (I never take nurofen anymore as this is hard on ur tummy), I only take paracetamol very occasionally now if I have a migraine I can't shift. I stopped my contraceptive pill all vitamin tablets I was taking too (just in case!)

      I don't drink fizzy drinks anymore either.

      A good thing I would recommend is Onken natural yogurt, tablespoon breakfast lunch and dinner time, it's full of live "good" bacteria (inc acidophilus) - my chemist that is fantastic and knows his stuff recommended it to my.  Basically u could have a imbalance of bad bacteria in ur gut and this will give it a helping hand to bring it back to how it should smile just the one u buy from the supermarket 

      Another thing I also suffer from anxiety , this really does not help our condition, as the mind is extremely powerful and likely to be making u worse. I saw a councillor thru the nhs, this really helped and I took away lots of technics which got me/gets me thru it 

    • j30542
      j30542 mchoccy

      Posted

      could be liver ..? if you google this you can see this can cross the rib cage; only you will know if the pain is where your liver is.. in which case you would have to take milk thistle  (can repair on a cellular level)
Back to top
Prev Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.