Reflux or gallstones and work party

[woowoo22]

Please can someone let me know what they think.

I've had 4 attacks recently of:
back pain which is very very sore, just under shoulder blades
hot and fevery
nausea
am sick, then feel better

The doctor thinks it is either reflux or gallstones and has booked me in for a scan/blood tests etc.

Am not eating fatty foods and trying to eat very lightly (obese therefore this is a good thing).

I have my work party this week and am worried about an attack coming on during the party. I usually drink in moderation at these things but am wondering if I should drink at all? Is alcohol likely to bring on an attack?

Have been very stressed lately due to separating from ex, sitting a professional qualification and becoming a lone parent to DS.

Also worried that the Christmas meal in general will bring on an attack, but also thinking everyone will be too pissed to notice if I"m eating all the food or not.

Should I take Gaviscon before the meal?!?!

[woowoo22]

A wee bump

[woowoo22]

Anyone??!!

[nikki1978]

Its hard to say without knowing if it is reflux or gallstones. I get bad reflux and I have gallstones but don't think I have had an attack of that as they sound very painful. I would stay away from anything but water as fizzy drinks irritate my stomach as much as alcohol does. Food wise sometimes I can eat loads of crap and am fine and sometimes anything will set me off but especially eating too much and fatty rich foods are the worst.

[nikki1978]

Can't he give you some omeprazole while you are waiting?

[woowoo22]

Thanks Nikki - she didn't mention that, is it a painkiller? Or antacid?

[woowoo22]

Thanks Nikki - she didn't mention that, is it a painkiller? Or antacid?

[ChristmasJumperWearer]

Drinking a cold bottle of lager set off a massive gallstone attack once for me (am now post-op).

I don't recall having problems with the odd glass of wine, but probably best not to drink too much in case you do have an attack.

[woowoo22]

I think I'll go for a spritzer and take it slow. Thanks for the replies

[gingeroots]

omeprazole stops/greatly reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes .
similar job done by ranatadine which you can buy v cheaply at supermarkets - normally marked indigestion tablets ,tho they are fairly low dose .
And gaviscon also good for reflux .

so these would help if it's gastric reflux or I guess gastritis .Wouldn't help with gall bladder issues .

I think some of key triggers for reflux are coffe ,tea ,alcohol ,tomatoes .

Good luck

[Bproud]

Hi, I also suffer with reflux.
First thing is to try not to worry about it. If you are tense you may feel worse.
Have a small snack (a banana?) before you go out, so you don't get too hungry if the meal is served late.
I would stick to soft drinks, not fizzy or too acid (not orange juice). Try to eat the meal slowly, stop before you start feeling full.
To be fair probably no-one will notice what you are eating or drinking (or not).
If you think gaviscon helps, then yes take some before you go out.
I hope you feel better soon.

[woowoo22]

Thanks everyone - love MN