Help needed with reflux and gastric symptoms please!

[MerryInthechelseahotel]

I went to the Gp a few weeks ago with the following symptoms: reflux, feeling full and very bloated, vague discomfort/pain in abdomen especially under the left rib. Eating to try and relieve pain and going mainly for cereal/ toast with no real appetite for other food but definitely still eating meals sometimes.

The GP wanted to test me for helicobactor but for two weeks prior to the test I had to stay off my omeprazole which I've been on for reflux for years. She did give me some ranitidine instead. Anyway over those two weeks my reflux was much worse but I perservered as I knew it was important. During this time co incidentally I lost two teeth. They just fell out without warning and when I went to the dentist she said I needed four fillings which is really unusual for me. I am 58 though and thought maybe it is an age thing but now I'm wondering if it is my reflux that has caused all my dental problems obviously not just in the past couple of weeks but over the years.

I'm now back on my omeprazole but my reflux is so much worse than it was and I constantly have a bad taste in my mouth. I have an appointment arranged for next Thursday but I'm really struggling at the thought of waiting so long. It makes sense to wait though because my blood tests and the test for helicobactor should be all back by then. I'm doing what I can taking omeprazole twice a day, no coffee, no alcohol, small meals. Has anyone any suggestions and do you agree it's not really any point getting an appointment with a different doctor/nurse before next Thursday?

Have you ever had a period of taking anti-inflammatories? Has the doctor ruled out an ulcer?

I've not liked taking anti inflammatory pills for as long as I remember as they upset my stomach. I've sometime had to take them though and have taken omeprazole twice a day but not taken them for ages. She didn't mention an ulcer but I think she was thinking along those lines but this reflux is really bad.

I found bread made my reflux much worse. I found it hard to swallow it and would always have pain afterwards. Could you cut down on that?

I've been through the mill with these types of symptoms too. I had unbearable reflux, even on omeprazole, but it appears to have gone at the moment, as fast as it appeared. I cannot think what has caused the difference in symptoms but I am not taking anything apart from Gaviscon occasionally.

I have lost weight (deliberately) and no longer wear anything tight at the waistband. One other thing that struck me was would you be better with 'soft food' in case it is a gastritis type thing; I lived on chicken, mashed potatoes, carrots and things like rice pudding, yogourt and honey, and berries. I thought that toast and cereals might be a bit 'scratchy' on the stomach. I did get a lot better but I now have symptoms of an ulcer (lots of burning) and I have an endoscopy scheduled soon.

I do think it is best to see the same GP if you can - would the addition of gaviscon help in the interim to get you through to the appointment?Have you taken out, citrus, tomatoes, fatty food, spices, onions, garlic, chocolate? I know that tends to leave a very restrictive diet but it does tend to make a difference to me.

I actually tested negative for hpylori.

Best wishes to you.

Thank you so much that is all really helpful. I'm busy at the moment but will answer later.

I would ask for a referral to the hospital. I had your symptoms on and off for years. I was initiallly diagnosed with hiatus hernia but it was actually gall stones. I had my gall bladder out recently.

For diet try and avoid fat and large meals - keep a food diary to see what the triggers are. Coffee was a trigger for me, as was bananas at one point and certain breads.

You are right about the bread. I will stay off it and see. I am struggling at the moment. I hope it doesn't last too long!

I had all of those same symptoms when my thyroid started acting up. Still take 20mg omeprazole, tried to come off it when i upped my thyroxine and stomach wasnt as bad but within a day or so was really bad with reflux.

Maybe a suggestion to check thyroid? Check out this

I still have what feels like ibs now and again but it all settled down after my tsh levels came down

They did the helicobacter test on me too but going through years of feeling shit i def think its all conected in some way to my thyroid, just another avenue to pursue

I certainly ticked a few boxes on that list of thyroid symptoms. I'm wondering if that was one of the blood tests she did.

I could have written your post, it's been on/off for years. In the end after having the camera down etc I paid privately for an allergen test and it was gluten. Amongst a few other things!
My diet has changed over the past 3 months and it's quite amazing how my tummy pain has too. I haven't touched ranatidine either.

Maybe have a look at your diet?! Good luck op!