Chronic (?) stomach discomfort
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| Sat, 01-20-2007 - 11:39am |
Hi, everyone. I would like some input on a stomach issue. First, let me say that I have been treated off and on for reflux since about 2004. I had an endoscopy in April of 2006 that showed everything as being fine. Started off with Prevacid (worked great, but my insurance company would not pay for it after a few months - so doctor switched me to Nexium (developed what appeared to be an allergic reaction to it), so after the April test, was put on Aciphex.
The first of August, I had a stomach upset after lunch one day, and for the next 2 months I was nauseated EVERY DAY! I never threw up, but just a miserable - what I would call - low grade nausea. In 8 weeks, I lost 15 pounds because I was just miserable and would only eat very bland foods. During this time I saw my internist - he ordered an abdominal ultrasound done, which showed nothing but a possible gallstone (very small). Went to recommended surgeon, he had a HIDA (?) test performed - and my gallbladder was working at over 90% (he said that was wonderful!) So no gallbladder problem. My gastro doctor said it was just reflux and changed me to Ranitidine - 300 mgs (that is a lot, isn't it?) once a day. By this time it was end of September. Still no improvement.
October - no improvement but weight loss has stopped and I was determined to eat, even though I still would have the low grade nausea almost every day. Then on October 18, I ended up in the hospital with pneumonia. That was a shock because I almost never even have a cold! Anyway, high dose antibiotic while in hospital 2 days, then more for 10 days at home. Guess what? The nausea went away while I was taking the antibiotic and stayed away for almost two months.
But now, this week, it has started up again. During early October, my gastro did the h-pylori test and it came out negative for that.
I guess I just want to know if anyone can see something in this situation that rings a bell on what could be going on. If I could describe the "nausea", it makes me think of what an alka seltzer does when it hits the glass of water (weird analogy but about as close as I can come). I really would like to get off the ranitidine because of what they say about the relationship of these types of medicines to women and osteoporosis.
Thanks for any suggestions/comments.

How awful to have the nausea return, especially after thinking that it was maybe gone for good. Your analogy made sense to me, but I've had hard-to-describe nausea at times. My dh will ask me "What did you do/eat?, "like I somehow cause the problem.

<Thanks for responding, Elise. It is disappointing - on the other hand, I can be thankful it is not totally disabling, as so many others have to deal with. It would just be nice to know the cause and be able to fix it --- I am a fixer by nature (grin)!
Have a great day!
Florify is a natural supplement that I take. It is great for digestive health. I have a friend who has had all sort of trouble with her stomach. She had nausea, cramps, etc. She had numerous tests and had taken several different prescription drugs, all to no avail. She started taking it. After a month of taking it , the symptoms quit.
It helps balance intestinal flora (bacteria) with 5 billion colonies of "good" flora (known as probiotics by scientists). Its two probiotics resist stomach acid and boost "good" flora levels. It also includes a blend of FOS calcium phosphate, and green tea extract to help nourish and encourage probiotic growth and assist with absorption. Florify even enhances your ability to better absorb the nutrients from your food and dietary supplements. It costs $13.49 for a 30 day supply. It is certainly worth a try. I assure you it won't hurt you. Let me know if you want more information.
Moya
Thanks, Moya. I had just read an article this morning in a Prevention magazine about probotics and how they would help some people with stomach problems. I will check into that.
I really worry about staying on the ranitidine that I am on for my stomach issue. The recent news about proton pump inhibitors causing pneumonia was weird, especially as I had been on them for about two years when I ended up in the hospital with pneumonia in October! I want off them, but when I try to stop, my reflux pain comes back pretty quickly!
But I count my blessings as other than that and this little nausea problem, I am pretty healthy.
Have a great week!