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Original poster

Possible Stomach Ulcers ????

13 replies

kel4mum · 29/09/2010 21:40

4 weeks ago I started getting heartburn which developed into chronic indigestion. After taking Antacids for a week I went to the doctor and described my symptoms. He asked me to do a stool sample as he wanted to check for Helicabactor Pylori Infection. After waiting 5 days the results came back as negitive. However the symptoms persist and have now got worse. I am taking a medication called Lansoprazole, which is a Proton Pump Inhibitor and this is still not helping. I also take Gaviscon after meals. The doctor now wants me to have a Barium Swallow X-Ray and Endoscopy, as the doc believes I may have a stomach ulcer. I am so nervous about these test but know it is important to have them done. My other symptoms include hard to swallow as it feels like I have a lump in my throat, belching, hiccups, burning sensation in my upper GI and I am now vomiting. Has anyone experienced symptoms like this who could possibly give me advice or reassurance, or has anyone had the tests I need to have???

OP posts:
Kayteee · 29/09/2010 22:36

Firstly, Barium Swallow is easy. Just drinking a sweet drink, then like a normal x-ray. Endoscopy not so easy but over very quickly, will give you more details if you want. The main thing is that once you've had these tests you can rule out anything nasty.

Stillcounting · 30/09/2010 18:41

Hi Kel4mum

Sorry you are feeling unwell. It's grim isn't it.

Not much help but I have exactly the same symptoms as you and I am dreading an endoscopy so much that I am avoiding having one. Ridiculous I know.

No worries if not - but if you want some mututal on-line support/hand-holding through the procedures and to exchange info etc then we could stay in touch via the Mumsnet in-box facility (near log-out & print at the very top of the screen). I think the Mnsnet team have access to them but not the rest of the world!

Hope you find a solution soon [makes mental note to self to book doctor's appt!]

Stillcounting · 30/09/2010 18:42

sorry - typing too fast - that should have read 'mutual'

gremlindolphin · 30/09/2010 21:27

Hi I had similar last year and tested negative for Helibactor but the Dr started treating me for ulcers anyway before we got the results ie 2 antibiotics and omnipraxole and it worked. I very occasionally take gaviscon after a big rich meal but other than that back to normal.

Stillcounting · 30/09/2010 21:38

Thanks for the info Gremlindolphin - that's good to know. Glad it worked and that you are feeling better! Must stop being such a wimp and get treated ...

Original poster
kel4mum · 30/09/2010 23:08

Thank you so much ladies for the kind words.

Stillcounting- I am so glad not to be the only one going through this, this illness sometimes makes me feel isolated and very low. It would be fantastic to have someone to talk to who knew exactly how I am feeling...thank you x

Now time for an update.....Went back to the doctors this morning as symptoms were not improving and only getting worse. I almost burst into tears as I am finding this so hard to cope with as well as looking after 4 children. Anyway the long and short of it is, that I have been put on the emergency list at my local hospital. The doc has requested that I have my tests done in two weeks rather than waiting 2 months as things are not getting better, he also wants to rule out Cancer. However he did say that he didn't think it was Cancer but it would ensure that I would be seen to a lot quicker.

So ladies it looks like I will have tests done some time next week...not sure how I feel about that but I so need to have it done.

Kayteee- If you have any advice or knowledge on what to expect from a Endoscopy I would be ever so grateful.

OP posts:
Stillcounting · 01/10/2010 08:28

Hi Kel4 mum,

Gosh, no wonder you are finding it difficult to cope with 4 dc. I am struggling with only one!

Well done for going back to the doctor's yesterday and I am so glad that you don't have to wait 8 weeks for your tests.

I know it is a horrible thing to have to face but you are definitely doing the right thing!!

I have sent you a message via the Mnsnet facility about endoscopy (not that I am an expert but my father had to have several).

I have been to the doctor and was given strong antacids and told that the next step - should they not work - would be an endoscopy and I have been like a jelly-fish ever since and not gone back!! You have spurred me on to arrange another doctor's appt! So thank you very much for the encouragement.

Good luck with it all!

Kayteee · 01/10/2010 21:14

You are offered sedation for endoscopies. I actually decided, after much worrying, not to be sedated. I don't really know what came over me but I kind of wanted to be in control, iykwim. The worst bit is swallowing the thing, which is uncomfortable especially if your gag reflex is strong. I concentrated on my breathing, which really helped it go down. I know it sounds daft but I imagined it was a piece of spaghetti, lol! Actually once you've swallowed it, you can't really feel anything much, just some faint butterfly type sensations. A bit like a baby moving gently around, but no pain.
Obviously if you opt for sedation it'll be easier though.
It's over very very quickly, 2 minutes in my case!! especially if you make it easy for them by remaining as calm as you can. I have noticed it was the patients who panicked that had the most difficulty with it.
Try to think how good you'll feel afterwards too. You will have a sore throat for a day or so but that wears off. Maybe book yourself up a nice treat to look forward to Grin
I worked myself up into such a state beforehand and it really wasn't as bad as I'd feared. hth.
good luck with it.

Original poster
kel4mum · 02/10/2010 12:49

Kayteee, I think the thing that bothers me is that one of my symptoms is finding it hard to swallow...lol

I think I will defo ask to be sedated Hmm

I have already heard from the hospital and I am booked in for a gastroscopy on Wednesday 13th October...Confused

Thanks for all your support, and Stillcounting make sure you get down to the doctors!

OP posts:
Kayteee · 04/10/2010 16:58

I had the 'lump in the throat' sensation too. That won't effect the endoscopy though, infact a few days afterwards my throat actually began to clear...no idea if it was the tube going down or not that helped, but I like to think something positive came out of it. That and knowing the reults showed nothing abnormal Grin
All the best for the 13th..I'll send some 'brave vibes' to you on the day Smile

Stillcounting · 04/10/2010 17:22

kel4mum that's exactly what I was worried about so good to read your positive post Kaytee

Yes, we'll definitely be thinking of you on the 13th and sending positive thoughts kel4mum!!

I haven't made my doc's appt yet, but I will, I will .....

(I have lump in throat sensation too but only late evening)

Stillcountingthewarlocks · 29/10/2010 09:32

How did you get on the 13th Kel4mum? I'm sorry I didn't get back on here to ask before now.

Hope you are OK?

atswimtwolengths · 29/10/2010 10:42

I had those symptoms alongside with black poo at times - that was what made me google it all and find it was an ulcer.

I'd been taking a lot of anti-inflammatories for arthritis and the doctor hadn't prescribed Omaprazole alongside it.

Like you, I really didn't want an endoscopy and have just been taking Omaprazole every day. However, if I don't take them, the symptoms come straight back (not the poo though, thank god.)

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