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The Kitchen Table

Peptic ulcer?

11 years ago

Does anyone have stomach ulcers? I've been having some discomfort lately and of course I googled and I think I have an ulcer. I am going to make an appointment to see the doctor this week. It's been going on for about a month. Seems strange that I would have an ulcer though since I take pills to block acid because of acid reflux that was damaging my throat. Oh my, just something to worry about.

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Comments (24)

bigack
11 years ago
They say don't google your symptoms, you'll be dead !! Lol
juellie1962
11 years ago
Couldn't agree more bigack!!! I've done it myself many times and always thought the worst! I'm still alive!!! :) LOL
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casey_nfld
Original Author
11 years ago
Ha, I know! When I was having throat problems I thought for sure it was my thyroid. Nope.
alisande
11 years ago
Yesterday I sent this link

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar for Acid Reflux

to a friend who suffers from acid reflux. I do too. Note in the comments below the article, several people mention that their prescription acid-blocking meds don't work very well. Perhaps you're experiencing this too?

I know raw apple cider vinegar is used by several people at the KT for that purpose. I have a big bottle of Bragg's, and have started using it.
Elmer J Fudd
11 years ago
Be sure to see and be treated by a medical doctor, Casey. Given the other problem you describe, seeing a gastroenterologist is probably warranted. Good luck.
mare_wbpa
11 years ago
Karen, have you had your Gall Bladder checked. I think I remember that you have lost some wt lately. Gall Bladder problems often follow wt loss. Your MD will probably order tests to include your GB. If he/she doesn't mention it. I hope it's nothing.
anne_ct
11 years ago
One of the things that people often fail to realize is that pills to prohibit acid reflux also tend to destroy ones good bacteria as well as the bad bacteria. If you're taking OTC acid reflux meds, you need to talk to your Dr regarding the entire affect these meds may have on your overall system. Believe me...they can really do unexpected and irritating harm. Your pain in the tummy may just be a reaction to the meds you're taking now.

AC vinegar does not do that but if you take other prescriptive meds for other problems...like a diuretic or diabetic meds...don't start using the ACV until you've discussed it with your Dr. There can be interactions between your prescription meds and the ACV that might cause harm.

Anne
sjerin
11 years ago
I've read that stopping the reflux meds often gives rebound (worse) symptoms. Did you stop these meds recently? Good to get things checked out with the doctor, as usual.
enjoyingspring
11 years ago
Yes, I was treated for an ulcer 5 years ago. My symptoms were I felt nauseous, had a pain in my right shoulder blade, my stomach was bloated and also my stools were hard and very black.

My doctor treated me with very strong antibiotics, some of the effects of the antibiotics were worse than the ulcer. But all went well and I am fine.

Go to the doctor as soon as possible.
casey_nfld
Original Author
11 years ago
Nope, haven't stopped taking the pills lately, in fact I've been on them for almost 2 years. They are prescription, not OTC.

Thanks for all the advice, I am seeing the doctor this week.
phoggie
11 years ago
My GERD has already gone into Barrert's Esophagus and I take 2 Nexium and 2 Zantac a day. I thought vinegar was something to avoid when you have an acid problem. I am concerned about destroying the good bacteria taking all of this medication.
sjerin
11 years ago
There is new research that shows vinegar is very good for this problem. Try googling the subject. Phoggie, be sure to eat lots of yoghurt and/or take acidophilus capsules.
Jasdip
11 years ago
Susan, you mentioned "raw" cider vinegar. Is that different than the regular stuff from the grocery store?

I was reading about cv yesterday that it's good for pets who have UTI, and even fleas. A neighbour was asking me about it, for her cat.
Elmer J Fudd
11 years ago
Medical research?

Patients (like you and me) should leave the interpretation of health related research results to medical doctors. Such findings always need to be put into context and weighed with other evidence. News outlets (and infotainers) would do a public service by NOT announcing or discussing matters the general public really can't understand.

Part of how science advances is by one researcher questioning and trying to disprove results others have found. As a consequence, study conclusions are often later found to be false, misleading, or just plain wrong.
emma
11 years ago
Sounds like the meds are rebounding on you making the problem worse, they sure did on me. It was only tested for 3 or 4 weeks, they don't know what will happen taken long term. Stop taking it and try Tums, 3 after every meal. I vary what I take, soda in warm water after one meal and a Pepcid AC or tums, depending how severe the problem is. The pepcid AC has an acid blocker with a tum, but not as powerful so don't take it all the time. I have indigestion so bad, when I go for a walk it feels like I am having a heart attack. MY pain is caused by trapped gas. Be careful of other anti acids most have aluminum in them.
jemdandy
11 years ago
Don't forget that not long ago, it was discovered that some stomach ulcers were caused by an infection. Before this, it was thought that bacteria could not exist in the stomach owing to its potential for excreting strong acid, but they found a 'bug' that did exist on and in the stomach walls. This condition was treatable with an antibiotic. Some long term cases that were not responding to the usual treatments, were cured in a few days by an antibiotic.

By all means, see your doctor; The sooner the better.
yayagal
11 years ago
I know this fellow is selling a book but this site gives more info on the problem than the Mayo site so it could be as simple a matter as low potassium as 50% of Americans are deficient. Read below.
http://drhyman.com/blog/2010/07/17/3-simple-steps-to-eliminate-heartburn-and-acid-reflux/#close
susanjf_gw
11 years ago
glad you're seeing your doc...my dad suffered for years and it took a out patient stay for them to find it...it was hidden in a fold of the stomach lining...but this was many years ago and now they have found so much more information...(including the anti-bios mentioned)

do remember there are many factors and we've just gone thru the holidays, with more food/stress than usual....let us know what they find....
Elmer J Fudd
11 years ago
yayagal, not only is he selling a book, he's also not a credentialed specialist. But a huckster, yes!

The most knowledgeable specialists tend to be in big practices and are in or affiliated with medical schools. This guy is in a small town in a solo practice. I'm not sure his information is worth paying any attention to, but maybe so.
linda_6
11 years ago
I had the scanning done on my stomach and my doctor recommended a prescription of Nexium. She said there was a little irritation there. Last January my insurance wouldn't cover it so I bought the over the counter Nexium which is 24 mg. I was ok for a few months then my pain started up again. I was taking one pill a day. My primary care did get me back on the prescription one which is 40mg. I'm hoping this year I don't have any problems with the prescription. I'm 63 yrs old and hope I don't have any more problems.
alisande
11 years ago
Jasdip, yes, raw (unfiltered) apple cider vinegar is different from the usual supermarket product. Bragg is a good brand. I buy it online or from my health food store. Shake before using, and no need to refrigerate.

Vitacost has a good price.
nod702
11 years ago
My wife was treated for peptic ulcer fo about a year until she saw another doctor. Turned out it was her gall bladder.

No more problems after they removed it.
emma
11 years ago
Linda be watchful of any allergy/side effects problems with nexium. I took one of the over the counter PPIs for about 4 months, didn't realize what it was and that it was causing itchy scalp and my stomach to get worse. As soon as I realized my problem I quit the meds, but it was to late, the side effects will not go away. Now my head itches like crazy and if I don't treat it with a steroid lotion I have sores on my scalp and have already lost half of my hair.
morz8 - Washington Coast
11 years ago
Casy, I'm glad you're seeing your doctor, it's not likely we can help you when there are so many variables in something like this.

My sis didn't have stomach discomfort, she was just plain tired. After one dinner at her house, I was worried about her, she looked so worn out trying to straighten up the kitchen (with my help) after the meal.

She was very anemic. Scopes from the bottom up and top down revealed a stomach ulcer she had no idea she had. She rarely drinks alchohol, doesn't take aspirin or nsaid products, eats well, doesn't particularly stress about stuff....just one of those things. Prescription iron supplement (temporary) and an antibiotic (also temporary, just a course of several days) straightened her right up. It hasn't come back in three years.

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