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Stomach/reflux problems, so confused and worried

Posted , 7 users are following.

Nirodha
Nirodha

I've had acid reflux for at least the last couple of months and went to the doctor first about six weeks ago because of the awful burning feeling in my throat and mouth, and the dreadful taste/smell that went with it.  I honestly felt I would be breathing fire before long.  I also have a huge stomach after eating, and most of the time now (I am of slim build), and have bowel movements that are not normal for me, ie they are more often and very soft/loose (not diarrhoea), though the colour is about the same I think.  I don't have any stomach pain at all.  The doctor put me on Omeprazole, Domperidone and Gaviscon for suspected gastritis and said I needed an endoscopy at my age (I am 59/f).  It is booked for two weeks from now, but I am too scared to go for it and will probably cancel.  I am in Asia and went to see one last week to "help put my mind at rest".  It put the fear of god into me instead, they don't even use sedatives, just a lidocaine spray and the endoscope looks like a garden hose!  Anyway, after two weeks on the meds I was practically living on the toilet and so stopped taking them.  I think the Domperidone is responsible.  Now I am just taking Gaviscon after meals and am not too bad so far with reflux, but I feel terrible all the time and the burning in my mouth is still there, though probably not as severe as before.  The doctor told me at the appointment to eat regular meals and drink plenty of milk.  I have been looking up gastritis and it seems to me the probable cause is h.pylori?  Why must they do an endoscopy?  Can't they just treat me for h.pylori and see if things improve?  The doctor said he doesn't suspect an ulcer as I have no pain, so what is he doing it for - is there a risk of cancer for example?  Now I don't know what to do.  I am too scared to go for the endoscopy and too scared not to do anything.  What could the problem be??

0 likes, 27 replies

27 Replies

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  • trudie13028
    trudie13028 Nirodha

    Posted

    Hi, i have had a few colonoscopies and gastroscopies,and i feel nothing afterwards, but i can understand your fear of not being knocked out, i wouldnt have it done awake,...no way.... the reason they do it is because they can see much clearer if there is a problem and also take biopsies. Have it done, but make sure you go under to have it done......good luck.
    • Nirodha
      Nirodha trudie13028

      Posted

      Thanks Trudie, but they flatly refuse to put me under - I already tried!  Not even sedatives :-(
  • trudie13028
    trudie13028 Nirodha

    Posted

    I live in Australia and they knock you out, good feeling. Hahaha. I know in the USA they do it while your awake to. Maybe you should come to Australia for it.
  • robert13421
    robert13421 Nirodha

    Posted

    I had same but am diabetic and63the endoscope does not hurt its a little unpleasant but worth having done and you can ask forseditive if you want. I also had colonoscopy and ct scan nothing found .theacid reflux has now settled. I stopped taking ommepresol long term use is bad for u. I used gavisconprescribed by doctor. Because of long term use of anti acids my stomach is now late emptying and I have low sugars all the time and can no longer eat a meal in one go.if you don't go for camera in stomach you won't know could be something small if you had stomach cancer you would have terrible stomach cramps and bloating and intense stomach pain. Have the camera under sedation and get it fixed or it could turn serious best of luck 
    • Nirodha
      Nirodha robert13421

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply Robert.  Glad your reflux problem has settled.  I am taking Gaviscon after meals now and I think it helps, even though I find it slimy and disgusting!  I have a lot of bloating, I look 6 months pregnant most of the time, but no pain in the stomach.  Fear is my worst enemy, and I'm afraid it's winning the battle at the moment. 
  • Gam
    Gam Nirodha

    Posted

    Hi Nirodha.

    I feel your fear of the Endoscopy. I have had Acid Reflux/Gerd for about 10 years now and take 2 Rantidine 150 Tablets per day for it. I've never been for any check up's. When I seen a different doctor once she cut my tablets down and said I would need an endoscopy done but that was the last time I went to see her again as I have a major fear of having it done. I have anxiety and don't even like dentists visits nevermind a camera down there, although I hear mixed things about it, some people don't remember having it done and some do. Could you not possibly get a Barrium Meal done instead if it is the Reflux causing the issue? It's strange they tell you to drink Milk also as I read Milk causes the stomach to produce more Acid. You could ask your doctor to be tested for H.Pylori, I've never had that done, I think these old school doctors are not so clued up on it. You can get tested for it by a simple blood test or breath test.

    • Nirodha
      Nirodha Gam

      Posted

      Hi Gam.  I share your anxiety of all things medical!  While I am not happy for others who are too scared to get treatment, it is nice to know I am far from alone in this.  I also read that you shouldn't drink milk, but I agree with Trudie's comments.  In fact, when I was young I remember my brother was told to drink a glass of milk before meals because of an ulcer, to "line the stomach".  I just think an endoscopy should follow some more simple tests if they come back a bit dodgy.  I am so scared of the endoscopy - I can't even swallow a pill without gagging.
  • nicknames
    nicknames Nirodha

    Posted

    Nirodha

    i have had acid reflux and an endoscopy.

    Omeprazole had no positive effect. I was in them for 6months. I went to Doctor and he says stay on them. I said why on earth should I they are not working. He said stay on them. I waked out abruptly.  I have found that Doctors never try something natural. Their training virtually bans it! They cannot think outside the box. Many seem to forget their sworn oath!!

    Anyway I went home and started daily taking diluted apply cyder vinegar once a day.  It is the absolute truth that after 5 days I had no more reflux. I have never had it since and I am now 18 month down the line. Previous to the cyder vinegar I had bad reflux and coughed and coughed..for England ..for 2 years. It must be worth you trying it and it has a positive effect on the stomach and intestinal tract. It won't harm you. Remember none of us on here are professional

    J

    • trudie13028
      trudie13028 nicknames

      Posted

      GAM....... milk does NOT cause Acid, milk is an alkaline, its what they tell you to drink,if you swallow acid Or poison... Google it for more information for confirmation of MILK.
    • Nirodha
      Nirodha nicknames

      Posted

      Thanks nicknames.  This sounds a really interesting option.  I did read years ago (and my brother just recently confirmed his wife does it for reflux) that eating a peeled apple last thing at night stops the reflux, so must be something in the "apple" cure.  I am also dead against allopathic medicines and will normally go naturopathic.  It's just this reflux problem seems to warrant something more fast.  I also am suffering from a very increased bowel movement and feel sick and dizzy after food.  I don't have diarrhoea but my stomach feels like I am going to.  Even since yesterday I am very dizzy and get a bit scared as I live alone, especially at night when things always seem worse.
    • nicknames
      nicknames Nirodha

      Posted

      I hope the cyder vinegar fixes something for you Nirodha. Yes it is scary living alone. Do you have helpful neighbours. You can get a small pair of two way radios and press a button to speak...for emergencies rather than having to dial. You will probably never need to use them, but comforting?

      Post your results please. Many on here will be interested. Maybe I was just a lucky one?!

      j

    • Nirodha
      Nirodha nicknames

      Posted

      I will certainly post results.  First have to find the cyder vinegar, as I have never actually looked for it I don't know how easy it is to come by.  I live in Sri Lanka and many things are not readily available - including close neighbours lol!  (I am in a forested area.)    
    • Nirodha
      Nirodha nicknames

      Posted

      By the way nicknames, how much cyder vinegar did you drink, and when did you take it?  You say once a day, so clearly not after each meal.
    • nicknames
      nicknames Nirodha

      Posted

      I hope you find the cyder vinegar in your Country.

       I didn't accurately measure my doses. But say a half egg cupful diluted 

      at 3:1 with water. If too strong for you make it 4:1 or whatever you are comfortable with.

      i drank it in the morning. Time when I did this was not related to a meal

      time. I used organic cyder vinegar.

      For different reasons than for acid reflux I now, before I eat anything I take fresh lemon juice and olive oil mixed. Maybe three table spoonfuls. Later Intake a tablespoon of coconut oil and gold tibia my mouth and swish for 5mins....then swallow.  All this as an aid to better mouth and gut health. It's all easy to do so I don't mind the tastes!!

      James

       

  • michael127
    michael127 Nirodha

    Posted

    Hi Nirodha,  You`ve Gotta Go For The Endoscopy. How Else Will They Find Out Whats Wrong.  Just Make Sure You`re Tongue Is Held Down By The Wooden Gizmo. Your Throat Needs The Lignocaine...Doctors Cannot Guess Whether You Have h.pylon.   0001% Chance Of Cancer.
    • Nirodha
      Nirodha michael127

      Posted

      TONGUE HELD DOWN BY THE WOODEN GIZMO????  Aaaaagh!  They can test for h.pylori just from your breath, I was reading up about it.  Don't know why this can't be my first option.  Breathing sounds pretty simple doesn't it, think even I can do it!
    • michael127
      michael127 Nirodha

      Posted

      Wooden Spatula Then, Just So The Spray Gets To Your Throat.Endoscopy Is Not Too Pleasant. Not Interesed H.pylon Just The Throat Spray If You Can`t Get Knocked Out.
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