Major stomach pains and uncontrollable heartburn

[Normalisavariantofcrazy]

My GP has 'helpfully' diagnosed me with GERD although sent me for no tests. I've been put on lansoprazole but it's really not doing anything.

I feel sick, in pain, have a horrible hacking cough from post nasal drip caused by the stomach acid (when it's under control the cough stops) but still the GP won't listen.

I spend most days absolutely doubled up with stomach pain and heartburn and my stomach has bloated right out.

I have changed my diet.

How do I convince my GP how bad this is? I feel unheard and left to wallow in an acidy mess!!

Any advice?

[LEMisafucker]

Are you sure you don't have gallstones?

[VegasIsBest]

I was just wondering if it might be gallstones as well. Know from experience what agony they can be.

[Normalisavariantofcrazy]

I have no idea if it's gallstones as I say, I've had no tests done. Would they do anything if it is? How do they tell?

It doesn't warrant an A&E trip I don't think, as I can just about cope but if it gets much worse then it may well end up that way sounds ridiculous as it's 'just' stomach issues

[LEMisafucker]

it all fits my symptoms apart from the coughing however the acid reflux will cause that. Gallstones will give all manner of sypmtoms ranging from mild discomfort to excruciating pain. One time i was in so much pain i couldn't breathe, had to be blue lighted to hospital. I have never been in so much pain! childbirth was a breeze!

A blood test and ultrasound would confirm gallstones.

With regards to your diet, what has changed? Fat is what will cause a flare up of gallbladder pain - i had to cut it out completely. I felt sick most of the time as well. The pain would often go round to my back but would radiate from under my right rib. Worse when laying down. horrible, just horrible.

[StarlightMcKenzie]

I had a peptic ulcer once and it was close to the earlier but pain relief-requesting part of childbirth.

I went to GP twice, ooh and eventually A&E in 36 hours, as I couldn't cope with the pain. Each visit got me something stronger for the pain and the final drugs knocked me out completely for a day after which the acid drugs had started to work.

[Normalisavariantofcrazy]

I'm on a fat free, no white pasta/bread, no citrus or tomatoes or onions or garlic, no fizzy, no alcohol diet

[TippiShagpile]

You really shouldn't have to live your life like this, esp without a proper diagnosis. If you have to go to A and E to get it sorted then do it.

[Normalisavariantofcrazy]

I know, but I feel stupid creating over a bit of heartburn, albeit painful heartburn!

I'm going to try and get in with the GP this week and try again

[TippiShagpile]

Spending your days doubled up in pain isn't normal. Honest.

Please get it seen to OP. It doesn't have to be like this.

[LEMisafucker]

Yes, don't let that carry on - you are basically on a no food at all diet!! that is miserable :( and not good for you. Could you maybe see a different doctor. Ask if it could be gallstones - may i ask how old you are?

[Thecircle]

What strength lanzoperole are you taking??

I have a hiatus hernia which does cause terrible pain and reflux when it flares.

I take 30mg per day when I start to feel pain or reflux and it usually manages it. I did have a pretty bad bout a couple of weeks ago where gp advised me to take 2 lanzoperole a day for up to 3 days.

It will take a while to settle. H pylori is a possibility as is an ulcer. I'd be insisting on a referral if I were you.

You can also take gaviacon/pepto bismal on top of the lanzoperole. And drinking milk helps me also.

You have my sympathy, its not pleasant at all

[Normalisavariantofcrazy]

I'm on one tablet a day (15mg??)

I'm also 30

I've always had reflux issues from when I was a baby but never this bad. It's only since I was pregnant last (which ended at 9 weeks with a mc in august) that it's worsened. My symptoms with the pregnancy were basically horrendous heartburn and post nasal drip.

[MatildaMai]

This sounds exactly like GERD. I had this: terrible, terrible pain, acid coming up from my stomach when I was asleep and going down into my lungs and making me cough... it was awful.

Dr diagnosed GERD and gave me two types of pills. He said it would "kill it". It did.

[Thecircle]

Sorry to hear about the miscarriage, if I were you if up the dose of lanzoperole to at least 30mg a day. If its gastritis caused by reflux it will help and start to settle eventually.

I had the camera down(can't remember its official name) to diagnose hernia.

Hope you get some relief soon

[BuzzardBird]

How long have you been taking the lansoprazole? I say this as they take a few days to kick in. You need to ask your GP to refer you for an endoscope to check the condition of your oesophagus. GERD is extremely uncomfortable and is caused by years of untreated acid reflux which is why is feels different to previous pain. 15mg is a low dose also, I started on double that and only decreased to 15mg after a few years.

Don't suffer, make the appointment

[Normalisavariantofcrazy]

6 weeks or so

[Normalisavariantofcrazy]

I've made the appointment for tomorrow btw. Thanks for your support everyone, I will report back. It's really bad today and all I've been able to stomach is milk

[Normalisavariantofcrazy]

I've been put on 20mg of omeprazole for 4 weeks and told to come back in 6 if it's still the same.

She thinks it's hormonal upset from the miscarried pregnancy, my body still catching up with itself as it were!

[BuzzardBird]

I wouldn't give it 6 weeks, that is too long to go with so much discomfort. If you are not better in a couple of weeks I would go again. It took me about 20 years to get seen properly, I wish I had made more of a fuss rather than have to be on meds for the rest of my natural.

I am sorry to hear about your loss

[Shruti04]

Hi you should concern to a good doctor about your health problem. It might be caused by lifestyle issues.

[Normalisavariantofcrazy]

Thanks, I'm not going to give it 6 weeks. I'm going to give it a week to let the medication kick in then see how I go.

I doubt it's lifestyle, I barely eat, I don't drink alcohol or fizzy drinks and I don't smoke.