Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: Dancinggirl on April 28, 2015, 03:13:46 PM
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I've been having persistent discomfort and burning across my abdomen/diaphragm and have been on PPI drugs for a suspected stomach ulcer. My GP has now referred me for an endoscopy and the thought of this is really worrying me. I had a cystoscopy last year and though this was uncomfortable it was bearable. I can tolerate most things at the dentist but having impressions done for crowns often makes me gag badly. I can't eat spaghetti or anything slimy because it makes me gag. The though of this camera going down my throat is frightening me a bit - I've fullishly looked at stuff on the internet with people reporting some nasty experiences. Apparently sedation can make you difficult to control so makes it more difficult for the doctor doing the procedure.
I know this is a routine procedure and I can probably have sedation but I'd like to hear some positive stuff and/or recommendations about the best option.
Has anyone had an Endoscopy? Did you have sedation together with the throat numbing? Did anyone find the numbing enough to stop you gagging without the sedation?
DG x
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Well for starters I would be discussing my worries with the Dept. concerned asking lots of questions. I believe that a sedation is available and don't read what others complain about …….. ask the people in the Dept. how people are likely to react, they will be dealing with patients every day ;)
Once you get the endo out of the way it will probably turn out to be a hiatus hernia ::) which is a common complaint with ladies of a 'certain age'.
I'm the same - there are certain food stuffs that I can't face …….. due to texture.
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Thanks CKLD - I'm hoping it's something minor like that. I don't get acid in my throat or anything - it's a nasty burn across my diaphragm which sometimes penetrates through to my back and up to my left shoulder. The PPIs seem to be helping but I still find I wake in the small hours with burning sometimes - it comes and goes through the day and when I'm empty it tends to burn. I'm eating small amounts often and avoiding foods that might aggravate. As my older sister has Crohn's and my younger sister had Ulcerative colitis I'm naturally bit concerned.
I will quizz the department when I get a chance before the procedure. DG x
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Give them a ring and see if they have someone you can talk to if you can't go along before, maybe there's an e-mail facility? Don't wait or you will feel more nervous ;)
Are you able to sleep with bed tilted to avoid the burning sensation?
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Hi Dancinggirl,
My sister paid privately and had a general anaesthetic - maybe the way to go if you are really worried. The second time she had numbing and sedation and didn't remember anything afterwards. She did say that it said in her notes that she had resisted the procedure, but I don't think she remembered anything about that.
Jenna x
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Thank you CKLD and Jenna.
CKLD - sitting up doesn't make any difference - I'm sitting at the computer at the moment and it's burning now - I've just had a fennel tea to try and calm things.
Jenna - I've just spent a fortune on getting a root canal done privately and I had to pay to see a private gynae to get put back on HRT so can't justify having this done privately. I will probably go for sedation but I don't like the idea that I will be out of control and perhaps difficult to handle while sedated - although I expect they are used to that.
I pride myself on being a practical person and don't generally get anxious about things - it's just my problem with gagging that worries me. DG x
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sparkle - thank you so much - that was really helpful. I wouldn't be at all surprised to be told I had a hiatus hernia - that's what I'm 'sort of' hoping. AS for gall stones - I believe it is a different type of pain - more severe and for particular bouts of time and the pain radiates up to the right shoulder - however if they rule out anything with the stomach I expect that may be the next avenue they go down in getting to the bottom of this issue.
DG x
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Hi Dancing Girl,
I agree with Sparkle. I too was really worried about the endoscopy but it was fine. I opted for sedation and spray and I can hardly remember anything from it. The staff were great and really caring. It really was painless and quick.
HorsesHorses
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Thank you HorsesHorses
I was feeling a bit of a wimp wanting to have sedation but I suspect they may prefer we go for this if we are nervous than have problems during the procedure or chicken out half way through. DG x
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Have had it done twice, once with and once without sedation.....if I have to have it done again, I would opt not to have sedation.....but that's because I like to go home as soon as its done...
It really isn't too bad, but if you are at all nervous, go with sedation.....
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I had an endoscopy a few years ago and was so worried I phoned the hospital and said I was thinking of not coming. The nurse said she would tell the doc that I was so worried and to come in anyway. I did. My throat was sprayed with something that tasted bitter. A small "butterfly" needle was put into the back of my hand (painless) and the sedative was injected (I was given Midazolam). Then I was being asked to sit up because it was all over -they inject something to reverse the sedation once they've finished I believe. I remember nothing and wasn't sore after - ate scratchy toast straight away. I would have no qualms about having another. I'd advise making it VERY clear that you're worried. Also, stop reading what Google has to say! Apparently you're only difficult to control under sedation if you're thrashing around before they start.
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:thankyou: Freda.
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Hi DG my husband has had 2 endoscopies and 2nd time opted for sedation, mainly as its a natural reaction to tense up,when awake.
Would a bed wedge be any help to you for comfort in bed?
Good luck
Linsey
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Thank you everyone - your posts have been really helpful. I'm feeling far more confident now. I'm going to ask for sedation. DG xxxx
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good luck! I've had 3 done over the years. First one was NHS in the 90s, total sedation. Second was in South Africa, no sedation as the specialist said it was not entirely safe to do an endoscopy with sedation.
Last one was about 8 years ago in the UK and had minor sedation. It was unpleasant, but it's over quickly at least.
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I have never had this done so can't really comment but I just wanted to say that people only ever post negative experiences online. You never think to post of the good ones, so for every bad experience you read there are lots more good that you don't read about. :)
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I am very aware that the internet can spread fear when it comes to these kinds of things - we often have ladies post on MM about all the horror stories they hear about HRT. This is why I posted this question on MM as I knew I'd get a more balanced view from all you lovely ladies and it's really helped me to go into this with a positive attitude. I'll give feed back when I've had it done - not got my appointment yet.
Thanks again everyone. DG x
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I had endoscopy and colonoscopy in 2012 and was terrified - but really and truly it was fine - I had sedation and remember very little about it. The throat spray was a bit yukky and if I had to do it again I'd go without that, but otherwise honestly it's fine. I was diagnosed with divereticular disease which was cause of my pain, similar to yours.
Good luck x
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I've had three colonoscopies, and although these obviously go in another orifice, you can feel them scrabbling around in your tummy. I was refused sedation for the first two because my heart rate was so low but had gas and air and to be honest it wasn't actually that bad. I was fascinated by what I could see on screen and the worst part was being "inflated" for the camera. (It was quite amusing on the ward afterward when we were all told to trump as much as we could!).
I'm a real wimp (and went through the full list of pain relief options when giving birth) so if I can do it, pretty much anyone can. It really wouldn't worry me going back at all.
Try not to worry or get stressed, I hope it goes ok for you.
GG xx
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I had an endoscopy a few weeks ago intending to ask for sedation but the staff were all very brisk and not offering it as an option.It was not much fun (but not awful) but if I had it done again I'd push to be a bit more out of it. Hope it all goes well. They'll be able to tell you instantly if it's a hiatus hernia. Staff told me I had one and were a bit put out when I said I knew, had been on omeprazole for probably 8 years with it now! Takes ages though if you're waiting for coeliac results. Good luck.
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Just back from having the endoscopy. It was at the James Paget Hospital and I have to say they were marvellous - really warm, friendly and reassuring. I had the throat spray and sedation and don't remember any of it - I did say I was quite frightened so I think they gave me a bit more sedative. They found nothing abnormal, I'm just producing too much acid so may need to keep taking the PPIs. Relieved it is all over. Thanks for all the support everyone. DG xxxxxx
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That was quick Dancinggirl! Pleased to hear all is well - you have the same problem as my sis. She takes PPIs. You can relax now. :)
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So glad it's over and that they found nothing abnormal. I'm glad you made it clear that you were worried about the procedure - I've never seen the point of being brave, why be awake and aware when you can be oblivious?! Do you ever use liquid heartburn medicines such as Gaviscon or the own brand copies from supermarkets for instant relief from the burning feeling? I find it v good. Hopefully you'll sleep well tonight (bet you didn't get much sleep last night...)
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glad it's over for you and you had good news. Hope you can now relax!
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Thank you all for the good wishes etc. - I agree it's worth making it clear you are anxious in this type of situation. When I worked as a dental nurse, it was the men trying to be brave that were the difficult patients - women often came in saying how scared they were and once the dentist explained things they calmed down and coped really well.
I stopped taking the Lansoprazole a week ago as you are meant to stop taking any PPIs for at least a week before the Endoscopy. I had noticed that my bowel movements improved on the Lansoprazole - I only went once a day instead of 2-3 times - so maybe it does suit me and calms things down generally. I will be asking my GPs advice about what I should do in the longer term. I like the idea of perhaps using the 15mg dose and seeing if this keeps the acid under control. I do use anti acids like Gaviscon but because they contain so much bicarb they do tend to make my stools looser and encourage my bowels to open too much. I have found as I get older my digestive transit seems to have speeded up and I do wonder if I'm absorbing nutrients well. I know we are supposed to eat lots of fruit, veg, pulses etc but this really aggravates things for me - I need eggs, cheese and chocolate to help bind me up!!!! Sorry if that is TMI :-X
Anyway - I am feeling very relieved it's all over. I had a nasty virus over the weekend and felt dreadful - once I'd had a little rest when I got home today I was out in the garden getting so much done - it was great.
Thanks again for all your support. DG xxx
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:medal: ……. no way Josex …… :-X I would have to be out completely even to consider the procedure.
Is chocolate a binder? ;) at least it's good for us ……….
I think discussion regarding what to take long-term is useful, why not Milk of Magnesia? either tablets or liquid? also not eating within the hour before bed, nor taking medication - that's what I find triggers my heartburn is taking medication then laying down to sleep ::) and boy does it burn :( so that I then have to take 'rennies' and sit up for hours.
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My heartburn and the pain across my diaphragm isn't when I go to bed, it tends to wake me at about 4am or between meals, so I think my discomfort is more to do with an empty stomach. I actually find milk or yogurt calms things and I often have a banana between meals - bananas are recommended on the NHS website.
I was told today that some people simply produce too much acid and apparently 9 out of 10 of the patients they see with this type of problem remain permanently on Lansoprazole to prevent ulcers and damage to the oesophagus.
I'm going to wait a week without the Lansoprazole to see how things are and then discuss my options with the GP or my brother-in-law who is a consultant gastroenterologist. DG xxxx
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This is going to be TMI for a lot of people ::)
Look at the colour of your stools. If they are dark brown then digestive transit is fine,....if they are yellow then things are moving through too fast. The colour is more important than the consistency.
In some parts of Europe the toilets are designed to encourage people to inspect what they pass. It does not drop into the water the way it does here. I have relatives in Germany one of who has had bowel cancer and they discussed it with us a few years ago.
I think I have said before....too little acid is as bad as too much. Long term use of PPIs is a bad idea as your stomach forgets how to work properly on its own.
I'm having to use PPIs at the moment but as soon as I start to feel better I will be looking at my herbal remedies again and getting off meds.
I spent so long on PPIs. I would be fine for a while then they would stop working and a stronger one would be prescribed....and on it went. I think they were the base cause of my IBS although GPs would disagree.
I try to manage by diet and herbal supplements.
Google long term use of PPIs, they will explain it much better than I can.
Honeybun
X
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I think it's very good we share this info and experience - even if it is a bit TMI!!!
Very interesting honeybun! My stools are quite pale generally!??
I have to say I am concerned about using PPIs long term but the doctor or nurse (wasn't sure which) who did my discharge basically implied it was the lesser of the evils. Maybe it's like HRT and most drugs, there were risks and benefits.
I am certainly going to see if I can control things by eating small amounts often and avoiding foods that aggravate and see how I get on without PPIs. If I get the burning and stabbing pains again that keep me awake in the small hours, then I will resort to PPIs again.
I don't like bothering my brother-in-law as he is a very busy man and is often away at conferences etc. but if the opportunity arises I will ask his opinion. DG x
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Eating every 3 hours then?
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I have never been able to go too long between meals - I get very shaky. I have never been able to have more than two courses at a meal either. So yes, I will have breakfast, an early lunch and then supper between 7-8pm but continue to have a banana mid afternoon - bananas are apparently good for calming acid according to the NHS website.
DG x
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Bristol Stool Chart - my GP reckons everyone should have a poster of this on their loo wall!! http://www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/BBF-Bristol-StoolChart.pdf
Taz x
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Whoops - should have put a warning!! The perfect colour is mid-brown. When I had my sigmoidoscopy the doc said that you have to remember BM-MB ( bowel movement-mid brown )
Taz x ;D
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Taz - I think that chart is really helpful - GPs often ask about bowel movements and it's difficult to describe.
I wouldn't say I have diarrhoea but I can easily go 2-3 times a day and have done for years. Going by that chart I don't think I have a real problem but I still think I must have an over efficient digestive system.
I've learned so much from this thread - I think it's another area, like the menopause, that is not often discussed and experiences seldom shared - problems with our digestive system do seem to increase as we age and can cause some serious underlying anxiety.
I lived for 4 years in Austria and Germany where they have those loos designed so you can examine your stools easily - I found this rather unpleasant and I also thought the Austrians and Germans were far too obsessed with their health. DG x
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Hi I had an endoscopy yesterday and have a small hiatus hernia, I came off lansoprazole about a month ago after being on them for 2 months but they suppressed my appetite which made it worse and also gave me very loose bowel movements, I now eat little and often and take gaviscon advance or tums if and when needed, I was signed up for sedation but decided against it as I wanted to go to bingo last night lol, I must admit it was bloody awful and don't think I would do it again without sadation, but the heart burn today has been worse today than I had before. I never had any problems like this before menopause and now my body is throwing every memo symptom going, damn bloody hormones. Hopefully I'm coming out the other end soon, my last monthly was 5 months ago. Good luck to you all and I hope whatever we choose to take medicine wise works.
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Lol I know but I love going to bingo on a Wednesday evening as I don't go out much because of anxiety and panic attacks due to bloody hormones. I'm doing OK thank you and still only take gaviscon only when needed. Changed my diet completely though and it's been a whole lot better. Xx
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That's interesting Dennylou, what have you done dietwise? I've recently made an effort with mine and it's helping too.
S x
I am having one later this month though I don't think they will find anything. I don't have heartburn. An endocrinologist referred me to have it. I think I will only have a slight numbing, not sedation. Hope it won't be too bad. If it's not worse than the cystoscopy it will be ok.
I am now concerned for a different reason. The leaflet from the hospital mentions the possibility of sedation but says that most patients don't need it. My problem is that I can't arrange a responsible adult to collect me and take me home if they do sedate me. I have absolutely no one to do this for me. It says that they won't start the procedure if I haven't arranged an escort.
The doctor who arranged it made no mention of sedation at all. I am now thinking that I will have to cancel it.
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This happened to me! I thought I could get a cab so got one to the hospital but they wouldn't sedate me in case I got waylaid by the cab driver!
I braved the spray only and it wasn't very pleasant but it's only for a few minutes and the team were very supportive 'there there'ing' me whilst I coughed and spluttered! It triggers the gag reflex but it's quite safe.
I did afterwards wonder if it might have been better to have been waylaid but it was good strutting past all the burly blokes coming to in the recovery room!
Go for it! 8)
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Hi Dancinggirl,
Do you by any chance take medication for high cholesterol, my mum was taking this for a few years and noticed if she missed a couple of tablets her indigestion when away, she was in agony most nights after she took them. she has stopped taking them altogether now and has been fine ever since x
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This happened to me! I thought I could get a cab so got one to the hospital but they wouldn't sedate me in case I got waylaid by the cab driver!
I braved the spray only and it wasn't very pleasant but it's only for a few minutes and the team were very supportive 'there there'ing' me whilst I coughed and spluttered! It triggers the gag reflex but it's quite safe.
I did afterwards wonder if it might have been better to have been waylaid but it was good strutting past all the burly blokes coming to in the recovery room!
Go for it! 8)
Since writing this I have found a neighbour willing to come and collect me if needed. The wording of my letter from the hospital suggests that I get no say in it and they will refuse to start the procedure if I haven't arranged collection. I don't actually want to be sedated.
The letter also warns of a 3 to 4 hour wait. A bit hard when you have had no breakfast!
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Oh I wouldn't be able to eat for days if I knew I had to undergo this :'( :-\
One should always have a driver. It's company! Lots of areas have volunteer drivers which can be arranged via the Surgery.
How have you altered your diet Dennylou? :medal: I would have to be really ill to even consider this procedure having seen it done :-X
I use Renniesas my go-to reflux relief remedy. Milk of Magnesia was always available whilst growing up.
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I have had it done three times without sedation and so has my DH, and you know what men are like!
Hospitals must vary, because the second time I had it done , DH couldn't come with me and I went alone.....It's nice to get it done, have a cuppa and go home.....but we are all different.
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Oh I wouldn't be able to eat for days if I knew I had to undergo this :'( :-\
One should always have a driver. It's company! Lots of areas have volunteer drivers which can be arranged via the Surgery.
How have you altered your diet Dennylou? :medal: I would have to be really ill to even consider this procedure having seen it done :-X
I use Renniesas my go-to reflux relief remedy. Milk of Magnesia was always available whilst growing up.
It's only someone to collect you afterwards so not much company while waiting. My letter states that, for reasons of privacy, the driver isn't allowed to come into the endoscopy unit at all. The nurse will ring the driver when the patient is ready for collection.
As long as I don't get sedated, I am going to work afterwards (after eating something for a late breakfast). I almost opted out of it myself but felt that I would be left wondering whether I should have had it done.
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I have had it done three times without sedation and so has my DH, and you know what men are like!
Hospitals must vary, because the second time I had it done , DH couldn't come with me and I went alone.....It's nice to get it done, have a cuppa and go home.....but we are all different.
How much discomfort was there Ellie? Did you dread the 2nd and 3rd ones after having had it once. Before having my cystoscopy, i read quite a few entries by people who had dreaded it and then found it ok. I wasn't too worried and only had mild discomfort.
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Not much discomfort at all. It's not pleasant simply because you gag a bit, but it is very quick.
I find, if you can try and relax, and think of something nice ( a nice beach or something like that) it helps....No I wasn't worried about having it done the second and third time. The last time was about a month ago, and they removed a polyp (didn't feel a thing) .....and I have felt better since then.......
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Not much discomfort at all. It's not pleasant simply because you gag a bit, but it is very quick.
I find, if you can try and relax, and think of something nice ( a nice beach or something like that) it helps....No I wasn't worried about having it done the second and third time. The last time was about a month ago, and they removed a polyp (didn't feel a thing) .....and I have felt better since then.......
Thanks Ellie. By the way mine is actually a gastroscopy rather than a larger scale endoscopy.
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You will be fine, just relax :foryou:
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You will be fine, just relax :foryou:
Ellie. i am more concerned about possibly having to waste my neighbour's time in coming to collect me. I am going to ring their help number on Monday just to ask about the sedation and whether I can just say no to it.
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On the form I had to fill in before procedure, it asked if you wanted sedation or not. Have you not had a consent form to fill in yet.?
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On the form I had to fill in before procedure, it asked if you wanted sedation or not. Have you not had a consent form to fill in yet.?
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No I haven't had one. i just have an info sheet which includes the following "The procedure may require sedation and will not be performed if you don't have an escort to take you home". In an earlier sentence it says that most are done without sedative. It just isn't clear whether i have any choice.
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Yes defenetly ring them on Monday to clear things up. Let us know what they say. :)
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The patient always has a choice until the Consent Form has been signed!!! Do not feel as though you are being pushed into a procedure that you are not totally confident about. Give the dept. a ring?
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The patient always has a choice until the Consent Form has been signed!!! Do not feel as though you are being pushed into a procedure that you are not totally confident about. Give the dept. a ring?
Yes i am going to tomorrow if possible.
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Kateo.....I had it without sedation and was absolutely fine , just thought of other things and did deep breathing , you will gag as it is a natural reflex , but I was up and out and back to work after the procedure they took a biopsy.
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Hi Katejo - I'm joining your club. GP sending me for yet another endoscopy! I'm afraid I'm a very big wimp and will be opting for the sedation. When's yours?
S x
Next Thursday 17th November at 10.30am. I managed to speak to the nurse today who assured me that I do have the choice. The wording of the letter was unclear. I only need an escort if I have the sedation which I'm not going to do. Even if my neighbour could bring me home, they still require someone to stay with you for the rest of the day. Difficult to arrange if you don't have family close by and all your friends work full time.
I only want to use 1 half day of leave and go to work afterwards. Just hope that the numb sensation in the throat wears off quickly so I can eat something soon (after no breakfast).
Cautiously optimistic that I will get the all clear. I was really surprised when they asked me to have it done.
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Kateo.....I had it without sedation and was absolutely fine , just thought of other things and did deep breathing , you will gag as it is a natural reflex , but I was up and out and back to work after the procedure they took a biopsy.
Thanks Maryjane. See my reply to Sparkle for a more detailed message. Was your biopsy result ok?
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The numbness in your throat wears off in about half an hour. Then you can have a cuppa and go home.
You will be fine 💐💐💐
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My husband had it Katejo and was in and out in under an hour , and most of that was waiting around ! He had no problem at all, declined sedation and was 100% back to normal by lunch time In fact we we had lunch out , following it and he had no side effects whatsoever.
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My husband had it Katejo and was in and out in under an hour , and most of that was waiting around ! He had no problem at all, declined sedation and was 100% back to normal by lunch time In fact we we had lunch out , following it and he had no side effects whatsoever.
Thanks Evelyn63 i'm not too worried about it now. I was just a bit bothered about the wording of the letter which appeared not to give me a choice. I have just had a copy of the letter sent from the nurse practitioner to my GP.
I am planning to go to work after the test as long as they don't find too much wrong.
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The numbness in your throat wears off in about half an hour. Then you can have a cuppa and go home.
You will be fine 💐💐💐
Hi Ellie and others who advised me
I had the endoscopy today and didn't even have the throat numbed. Didn't know that was an option until i got there and a staff member mentioned it just before starting the process. They didn't find anything serious but i have got gastritis/ a small hiatus hernia and some gastric erosion. I was genuinely surprised as I only get such symptoms very occasionally/rarely. I do have slight discomfort now but think that is pre treatment stress or possibly because i took ibuprofen a few days ago. They took a small sample to test for possible infection.
I wasn't offered a cuppa :(
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Well done you 👏👏. Glad all went so well and they found nothing serious. I bet now you know the results, you feel so much better. It's usual for them to take a sample, am sure it will be fine...........
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Well done you 👏👏. Glad all went so well and they found nothing serious. I bet now you know the results, you feel so much better. It's usual for them to take a sample, am sure it will be fine...........
Part of me wishes that I hadn't had it done even though it was probably sensible. A bit like paying for one of those private health assessments when they find things for which you had few or no symptoms. A sort of relief i suppose but I'm not 100% convinced. They label 4 conditions but then tell me that it isn't serious. i have looked them all up so am not so worried but will probably get a lecture from a GP about not taking ibuprofen. i only use it for tension headache/muscular pain and only when i really have to.
So did they take a sample from you and it was ok? I doubt I have an infection.
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Well done Katejo, now you can relax. Who do you see next re the results and treatment?
S x
I have to wait 3 weeks for the results of the sample taken. I will wait for the GP to contact me. I actually don't want any treatment, certainly not any drugs unless the symptoms get worse. I thought they might find something in the chest part but not lower down. Most of the time I don't have the symptoms.
Do you declare your gastric condition when you get holiday insurance? I don't really want to.
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I don't actually know, probably something your gp could answer when you see him/her. I suppose medication depends on the cause of the gastritis, if it's H Pylori then I think it's a short course of antibiotics and a PPI to clear it.
S x
Did you get extra burping/stomach discomfort for a few days after the procedure? I normally don't have this much at all. I really didn't expect them to find anything in my stomach but something is irritating it now. I saw a GP today who has given me a 1 week course of Lanseprazole to help it. I don't have the result of the sample taken yet.
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To be honest Katejo those are my symptoms anyway so I wouldn't notice any difference. I know my throat was sore (more than usual) for a few days after but that's understandable having had a camera shoved down it. Maybe it's irritated the hiatus hernia. Also if they've taken biopsies then that may have aggravated it too.
S x
My throat is ok. It is possible that they irritated the hiatus hernia which I didn't know I had. Only 1 sample taken and GP said it wasn't a full biopsy.
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Do you know what it was for. Not sure I understand what a part biopsy is, did he/she explain?
S x
I meant that it wasn't a biopsy. That's what the GP said. It was just to test for any infection. She said that a biopsy takes as long as 8 weeks for the result and I was told 3 weeks.
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Oh I'm with it now, so that's testing for H Pylori. They take a biopsy in the duodenum to test for coeliac.
S x
Yes that is right.
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Yes I felt a bit irritated for a couple of days after because of all the rooting about with the tube.
The Ibuprofen may have caused some of the erosion (I can't take NSAIDs at all as it makes my stomach bleed).
I never got a cuppa either. :-\
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Yes I felt a bit irritated for a couple of days after because of all the rooting about with the tube.
The Ibuprofen may have caused some of the erosion (I can't take NSAIDs at all as it makes my stomach bleed).
Now I know that they didn't find anything serious , I wish i hadn't had it done. Now have discomfort which I never or rarely had before. I keep thinking about the hiatus hernia and my burping hasn't cleared. Have only had 1 dose of ibuprofen since last week but it would be difficult to give up completely. Paracetamol doesn't reduce inflammation. Have you found an alternative?
I never got a cuppa either. :-\
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Mine was slow transit from hormone imbalance (it's notably cyclical) but I'm not taking anything now.
I saw an endocrinologist yesterday who also said my previous duodenal ulcer diagnosis (about 15 years ago which didn't have endoscopy for until after it apparently healed) was more likely to be gastric migraines which cause similar digestive distress but it isn't caused by acid but by oestrogen. She said she sees a lot of women with similar type symptoms to me so not sure if my migraines are rare or just not easy to diagnose.
However, I definitely don't do well with acidic aspirin based meds (including the topical gels) as they make my stomach sore for a few days which I think is quite common (hence why they're often prescribed with PPIs to combat the acid). Stopping acid with PPIs though makes me unable to digest food and I then get sore from that so I'm just leaving my stomach to chug along. Wine helps with digestion though. ;)
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Mine was slow transit from hormone imbalance (it's notably cyclical) but I'm not taking anything now.
I saw an endocrinologist yesterday who also said my previous duodenal ulcer diagnosis (about 15 years ago which didn't have endoscopy for until after it apparently healed) was more likely to be gastric migraines which cause similar digestive distress but it isn't caused by acid but by oestrogen. She said she sees a lot of women with similar type symptoms to me so not sure if my migraines are rare or just not easy to diagnose.
However, I definitely don't do well with acidic aspirin based meds (including the topical gels) as they make my stomach sore for a few days which I think is quite common (hence why they're often prescribed with PPIs to combat the acid). Stopping acid with PPIs though makes me unable to digest food and I then get sore from that so I'm just leaving my stomach to chug along. Wine helps with digestion though. ;)
I haven't come across gastric migraine. What is it exactly?
You say that wine helps but I have read that alcohol is supposed to be avoided?
Have any of you tried Apple cider vinegar? Browsed quite a few success stories about it today. Also people saying that eating apples improved things.
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I think they are just migraines that affect the stomach but the main point is that they are neurological and are being triggered by oestrogen's water retention properties.
I've tried ACV (although I've pretty much tried everything!) but, apart from caffeine that improves migraines, most substances make my situation worse but I think for most people it's meant to be very effective so worth a try.
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Oh I'm with it now, so that's testing for H Pylori. They take a biopsy in the duodenum to test for coeliac.
S x
I now know that the test for H pylori was negative. At least 1 good thing as I really didn't want a course of antibiotics. :) It seems that my sliding hiatus hernia is 1 cm. I don't know how that compares with other patients so any feedback welcome. I found a patient support website about hernias earlier but was only on my phone at the time so will find it again for a proper look this evening.
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Good news, Katejo! I had H. pylori and the treatment was really awful, I coudn't eat properly, felt nausea and my guts stopped working, just like that.
Horrible! Did it clear up once you had finished the AB course?
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Last entry mine was 2cm. Hopefully it will still be the same on Saturday!
S x
How long has it been 2cm? Good luck for Saturday!
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I hope so, promised myself I'd never have another endoscopy for the rest of my life (THAT was a DREADFUL experience), so can't be 100% sure (but who can?). Anyway symptoms stopped completely (although I suspect that they were of hormonal origin).
The actual endoscopy wasn't too bad but I didn't like the effects afterwards and partially regret having agreed to it.
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Sorry that you had after effects Katejo - what were they?
Taz x :hug:
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Sorry that you had after effects Katejo - what were they?
Taz x :hug:
Increased burping and discomfort in the stomach (on left just below ribs) which I don't usually have.
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Is it still there Katejo? Ive just remembered they pump gas in to move things around and that has to make its way out afterwards. Like I need any help with that!!!
S x
It has improved now.
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Update! I've got gastritis again which is frustrating. Hernia is still 2cm with the irregular z line as before and then a comment about 'no true Barrett's oesophagus as less than 1cm', not sure what that means but hopefully good. They took a biopsy for H pylori but no mention of one for coeliac. They also put down that I'd not stopped the lansoprazole even though I'd put on the form that I had and the nurse confirmed it with me! Recommendations are to discuss with the gp increasing the meds or changing to a different one.
Interestingly in the recovery ward we were all women of a certain age, I felt like asking 'hands up who's menopausal' but restrained myself. Chatting to one lady she said she'd also had her gallbladder removed and hadn't felt right since but as she'd been told she was prediabetic and needed to lose weight she'd cut back on carbs and sugar and felt a lot better for it
S x
Have you read any of the articles which argue against drugs like lansoprazole on the basis that they reduce the acid in the stomach whilst acid reflux will be improved if acid levels are normal? they argue that the digestion process isn't completed fully if you don't have enough acid.
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Yes I have Katejo, I feel I'm between a rock and a hard place! I'm sure the low acid means the food sits in my stomach and takes ages to digest but taking the leap of stopping everything and then trying to explain to the gp why I'm not going to follow the advice to increase the meds is a tricky one. Right now I'm at a loss as to what to do although I still plan to see a dietician for advice about diet.
S x
I was given a 1 week course of Lanzoprasole to relive the discomfort after the endoscopy. i too 2 days worth and then found the articles arguing against it so I stopped. I had already refused a 4 week course. If I get called to see the GP again, i will take one of those articles (by a GP) with me in case they try to push them on me. Have you read about how apple cider vinegar can help to increase acid in the stomach and reduce reflux? i have just bought some. Another argument against drugs like Lanzoprasole is that they can increase the risk of osteoporosis. I can't explain it without reading the article again first.
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Now you have had your endoscopy they can't be as forceful for you to take the PPIs as they haven't found ulcers and hiatus hernias are normally better to correct surgically. If PPIs (or Ranitidine) are going to help, as with true excess acid conditions, you feel them working in a few hours but if they aren't helping they are likely to be irritating your stomach.
Omeprazole is often better tolerated than Lanzo by the way if you do need them.
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Oh so that probably means that it's about finding the PPI that suits your body chemistry. Lansoprazole used to make me more dizzy and the GP had told me it gave more side effects.
The nervous system and stomach (and skin) are directly linked, hence why we get butterflies in stomach when nervous, or blush when embarrassed. It's not something you are mainly causing as it's probably volatile hormones plus some stressful thinking because you're frustrated by it.
The proton pump inhibitors halt the production of gastrin which is also a hormone so it can then affect other hormones separately as well as slowing digestion and encouraging bacterial imbalance in the gut. However, just see if you feel better with or without them especially if the reflux from the hernia is more the issue.
They took a while to leave my system so my stomach lining could heal but the rebound reflux and nausea from stopping was only for about 48 hours.
If you do try ACV or HCI supps or enzymes, make sure you take with your meal or just after eating as when you have gastritis they will just make it burn on an empty stomach until it's healed. Then you presume you are producing too much acid which isn't the case, it's just sore so even water irritates it. I was advised by GP to have things like Rubena instead of water as water is acidic and these drinks have acid regulators added to offset the sugar. I did find this worked better.
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Now you have had your endoscopy they can't be as forceful for you to take the PPIs as they haven't found ulcers and hiatus hernias are normally better to correct surgically. If PPIs (or Ranitidine) are going to help, as with true excess acid conditions, you feel them working in a few hours but if they aren't helping they are likely to be irritating your stomach.
Omeprazole is often better tolerated than Lanzo by the way if you do need them.
I haven't had doctors being forceful about PPI's yet. I was just given a 1 week course to settle discomfort after the endoscopy. I will resist it if they do because I have found articles to say that acid reflux is worse if there is insufficient acid in the stomach. I took 2 days worth of the course and then stopped. My burping has calmed down a lot and I am eating normally. I do avoid eating late at night/large meals and mostly have decaff tea/coffee but I have been doing that for some time.
I have also just started trying apple cider vinegar.
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It's a lot better thanks, just slower transit different times of the month as has been since it healed up after stopping 4 months of high dose PPIs.
I had them forced on me (and told off by the A&E doc for stopping them!) because they believed I had ulcers that we're getting worse but my symptoms weren't severe enough to do an emergency endoscopy so had to wait 6 months (long waiting list) to prove I didn't have them and was on BCP by them as had figured out it was hormones.
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It's a lot better thanks, just slower transit different times of the month as has been since it healed up after stopping 4 months of high dose PPIs.
I had them forced on me (and told off by the A&E doc for stopping them!) because they believed I had ulcers that we're getting worse but my symptoms weren't severe enough to do an emergency endoscopy so had to wait 6 months (long waiting list) to prove I didn't have them and was on BCP by them as had figured out it was hormones.
That was a long wait. I was referred to a gastrologist in october by an endocrinologist because of my swallowing sensation not because of stomach probs. I was reluctant to have an endoscopy but was given dates within a month of seeing the gastrologist. What's BCP?
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So glad you are ok Sparkle and you know what is wrong. Hope you feel better soon.x
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It was a combo of my GPs refusing to refer me for ages (just wanted me to take the ulcer meds even though I only presented with severe nausea and no pain) and then the eventual referral to North Middlesex Hospital (because an A&E doc wrote to them) famous for its long wait times.
It's because it covers two London boroughs and I also had many 7 hour waits in A&E there when dehydrated from the nausea (one after coming in by ambulance) as they were so understaffed. Gosh I really was in purgatory this time last year. Makes me shudder thinking about it all!
Once I had the first specialist appointment though I was rushed through with endoscopy, ultrasound, CT and MRI so they were very thorough and only found benign liver growths from high oestrogen.
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Yes I have Katejo, I feel I'm between a rock and a hard place! I'm sure the low acid means the food sits in my stomach and takes ages to digest but taking the leap of stopping everything and then trying to explain to the gp why I'm not going to follow the advice to increase the meds is a tricky one. Right now I'm at a loss as to what to do although I still plan to see a dietician for advice about diet.
S x
The helpful article which I found was by Dr Sarah Myhill. I'm not allowed to put links here but you can google her name together with 'stomach acid'.