Questions about gastritis
Posted , 15 users are following.
Hey everyone, I've posted this on another forum, but I'd like to get as much help as I can. I'd just to like to know from this community's personal experiences whether or not my doctor is correct in the diagnosis of gastritis or If I sholud be concerned, because my anxiety won't let me believe I have anything other than stomach cancer. I've been suffering with gastritis/duodenitis type symptoms for a little over 3 months now. I'd say my lifestyle was high risk for gastritis - poor eating habits, frequent cigarette smoking, terrible anxiety and a cocaine habit that lasted around 6 months, though that's now behind me. The symptoms I've been experiencing seem terrible, but I've been to my family doctor probably 5 times throughout the three months, as well as once to the ER two nights ago.The physician said the same thing as my family doctor: there's no reason to think I have anything other than gastritis being made worse by my anxiety. I get, most often, nausea and burning from my stomach, sometimes down to my navel. The nausea can get really severe, when it flares up it comes and goes in intervals of about 30 seconds and then flaring down for 1-5 minutes. I have yet to vomit as a result of this. There is not much pain, just the burning and nausea. drinking water seems to help. These episodes seem to last 3-5 days followed by a period of feeling not as bad. These symptoms are combined with a ton of gas, and either constipation or very frequent bowel movements. Bowel movements tend to burn a lot, especially when my stomach is flaring up. I have a lot of trouble eating and the flare ups are usually associated with eating. I don't appear to be passing blood in any way, though it seems like the stool sometimes has a yellowy/green substance in it(possibly bile). My stomach appears to get much worse with my anxiety and things seem to triggering my anxiety incredibly easily, especially my symptoms. I have new anxiety medication(Ciprolex) which I am too afraid to start out of fear that it may upset my stomach. I am 18 years old for reference with no history of stomach cancer in the family. I've been taking tecta as well as 2 zantac a day but they only provide limited relief. I am absolutely mortified that I have stomach cancer and can't get the thought out of my head. Any input/advice/reassurance would be greatly appreciated as the symptoms are having a horrible effect on my mental health. Thanks for reading and hope to hear back from someone soon!
1 like, 20 replies
derek76
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jed709
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derek76
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As you have no doubt Googled stomach cancer is not very common in this country for males it is 5.3 cases per 100,000 of the population and most of them are over 70.
jenny33426
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I am sorry to read that your going through a rough time, I two have been suffering very similar symptoms as you since October last year so for about 5 1/2 months, I have had endoscopy, colonoscopy blood tests stool tests and ultrasounds, all clear.
However I am still suffering, the only advise I can give going through it myself is try not to self diagnose... it definitely causes more anxiety and worry which is not needed when your going through enough pain as it is! Try and just look forward to the endoscopy etc.
The problem with the symptoms that you and I are experiencing is that it could literally be soooooooo many things, so really its a process of illumination
For the time being, if I was you try a plain diet, and keep a food diary and a note of when it flares up as it could be food related.
My specialist told recommended I take Acidophilus tablets (from Holland and barrat) they are basically good bacteria tablets and help your stomach (I noticed a massive difference when I started taking these)
I hope this helps
(btw re: stomach cancer, I had the same thoughts like Im sure the majority of us do that have stomach problems, but as Derek said its very unlikely as it something more common in older people)
Good luck and I hope you find the course.
derek76
Posted
Best advice I ever had from a GP is 'patient power' They don't like patients phoning their secretaries but the message always gets to the consultant.
I was once quoted 26 to see a consultant. My GP got it down to 21 weeks and said that was the best he could do. I phoned the consultants secretary and said that (many similar symptoms to yours) that I was in pain and it was unreasonable to have such a wait and asked about getting any last minute cancellations. This was on a Friday morning. She phoned back in the afternoon and offered me 8.45 on the Tuesday morning.
I got a registrar who welcomed me with, "So you think you have cancer"
I replied that I did not think that but was in considerable pain that needed investigating.
Needless to say all of the tests and X-Rays proved more or less negative.
jed709
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jenny33426
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I received counselling last year (through the nhs) I found this extremely helpful and a good place to talk out your problems with somebody independent! I also brought a book online (was recommended by my nurse that there are great books on anxiety that would be good to read) I can't remember the name of the one I read but there is so many and im sure there all quite similar!
That's as far as I have got with my anxiety unfortunately, I think its something I have to learn to live with, I find deep breathing helps but as I say im still suffering with my stomach and still suffer with anxiety - WHEN I find out the answer ( I am determined I will!) I will of course let your know! lol
One word of advise, I have tried to carry on my life as normal, I still always go to work no matter how rubbish I feel, I still go out with friends again no matter how ill I feel etc etc as I know if I stopped any of this I would become a recloose!
lisa38100
Posted
I'm in a similar position with stomach pain lasting 5 months. GP prescribed Omeprazole but I didn't get on well with it as it caused upset stomach. Booked in for an endoscopy in a weeks time. Of course my health anxiety had been through the roof. Hoping that the diagnosis will be Gerd or gastritis. I'm a non smoker, non drinker and have always eaten healthily so hope that's in my favour. Been under a lot of stress at work so maybe an ulcer. Been tested for H pylori and that wad clear. All blood tests clear.
Guest
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Here's a Patient UK leaflet : patient.info/doctor/Bowel-Ischaemia.htm
Lay off the nose / pipe candy
jed709
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In other news, my anxiety has driven me to the er 3 times in the last 4 days. I've been told the same thing each time: my crippling anxiety has been causing my symptoms. I've been a lot worse, having panic attacks frequently and simply being unable to shake the thought of stomach cancer. No endoscopy yet, but they gave me an ultrasound that showed nothing with my stomach or gallbladder so that helps a bit. I have now been reassured by 5 different medical professionals that I don't have it and according to data online the odds of me having stomach cancer at this age are literally about 1 in a million, so I'm twice as likely to get hit by lightning. My symptoms have been worsening but have improved as of today, something in my blood work indicated I might have mono so I have to get a monospot done. I've read that mono can attack the gi tract causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, so this could certainly account for my worsened symptoms over the last few days. Does anyone have any experience with this? I've got an appointment with a a well reviewed psychiatrist, so hopefully he can helps control my anxiety and in turn, my physical symptoms. I noticed myself not feeling ill while speaking to the doctors so I can only assume my anxiety is playing a major role.
Guest
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jed709
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Guest
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al1ce jed709
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JOSETILE jed709
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