Ulcer Update

Since my "post RNY Ulcer" message, I have contacted my PCP and explained my symptoms to her.  Her first question was "Do you still have a gall bladder?"  My gall bladder was removed 21 years ago so that was not the cause of my pain.  I told her about my anxiety over having another EGD and my fear of being totally awake.   She put me on Carafate, 1gm tab every 6 hours.  These pills are very dry and very big, so I break them in half.  Within 48 hours, my belly pain was gone.  I will take them for about 8 weeks to be sure the ulcer is healed.  My only problem is getting all four doses down each day.  They have to be taken 1 hour before eating, or 2 hours after.  Since I really don't have meals and basically graze,  I have had to actually schedule meals so I can time my doses.  So far, I can get in 3 pills a day but it's working well.  It's nice to get through a day without that belly pain.   KathyG

Glad you found some help.  Hope you continue to do well.

This ulcler is helping you with meal planning too!  That is great.  I hope you continue to improve.  Pain does suck! Debbie

I have adapted well to "what" I will eat, but planning and actually scheduling "when" to eat has been a little bit of a struggle.  I have always been very in tune with my physical self as far as -my innerds are talking to me- that little voice that tells me it's time to eat.  Before surgery it was very loud and spoke very often!  But now, my tummy is very quiet so my brain has to kick in and remind me to take nourishment.  A far cry from being a compulsive overeater.  It's a new challenge for me to plan what time I have to take food but if it means being pain free, I will do it.  It's hard because I am eating when I don't feel empty enough (I never feel "hunger" anymore) so it creates a whole new set of issues; feeling full and being uncomfortable, even more gas, changes in bowel habits, and not being able to take in the fluids because I have to eat again soon.  I'm working on it though.  I think my biggest problem now is not being able to lay down at night...I have to wait until the pouch empties a little bit.  UGH.  Maybe if I actually sit down and write out a schedule based on my wake time and sleep time?  Hmmm...worth a try I guess. KathyG

Kathy, I have faith in you that you will find a way to make it all work for you.   You are consistent!  Good luck with schedule and post your outcome.   Debbie

Carafate also comes in liquid form if you have problems swallowing the pills. Glad you're feeling better! -BJ in Pot-nets Lakeside

Hey Kath!  I'm so glad the meds are working for you.  Good luck with the meal planning.  This will be the best for you in the long run.  When is your PS again? I'm still planning on being down camping the weekend of the 6th so I can go to Coast Day.  I'll call you.

Hi Dee, Dr. Danyo said the PS will be sometime in November, but have to get insurance approval first.  I just received the hard copies of my medical records yesterday, the ones that pertain to the skin issues I have had over the years.  I will fax them to him today.  Once he submits his stuff to the insurance, he said it takes about a month for approval to come through. The weekend of the 6th?  I am planning a small birthday party for Alex on the 7th.  He turns 13 on the 8th.  I have enough stuff left over from Erica's party in July to have another whole party...even a cake!  So the 6th will be ones of those "get everything ready" days.   Yes, the ulcer meds are working but I have had some weight gain over the last 2 weeks.  I always play around with 3-5 pounds but 9 pounds showed up this time so back to the basics for me!  I panicked at first but decided not to wig out about it.  It will come off.  I do know that at nearly a year out, I am now able to eat a little more food so I just need to be more careful with my food choices. Give me a call if you want when you guys are down. KathyG