EGD Results...and the answer is...

As some of you know, I had been experiencing what felt like unrelenting hunger pains constantly with a gnawing sensation in my stomach since my surgery 7/11. Dr. Wynn suggested an EGD to check things out and--low and behold, I indeed have an ulcer in my intestine. I will be starting Nexium and Carafate tomorrow with the hopes of curing it in 3 months time. I would like to hear from any of you that have done these meds. The pharmacist said to take the Carafate an hour before eating with a little water. Also, I think I can open the Nexium capsule and pour the granules in applesauce and take them that way. I feel better now knowing what it causing the pain and problems. Can anyone out there let me know how they are making out that has had the same issue? Dr. Wynn said about 10% of us develop the problem after surgery due to excessive acid production. Thanks for your support and input!!! Love to all-- Sue

HELLO SUE,I WANTED TO SAY HI AND HOPE YOUR COMING ALONG GREAT AND ME SENDING ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) I WAS THINKING OF YOU TAKE CARE YOUR FRIEND BONNIE

Thanks for the huggies!!! The Demerol they gave me prior to the procedure is still hanging in there, so I haven't had any pain since the EGD. Dr. Wynn said everything else looked good. Oh, and she had the cutest baby pictures with her! Her kids are absolutely adorable! Anyone going to see Dr. Wynn should ask to see them! They will make your day! Sue

Carafate. I get this huge white pill. then put it in a little medicine cup with just enough water to cover it, it disolves very quickly. Stir it up and drink it. mmmmmmmmmm liquid chalk The other I am not on, I am on an oral suspension prevacid. My ulcers are in my pouch. I hope this helps a bit! Gigee

Thanks for your help. My carafate is already a thin pink chalky suspension--yuck! The problem is the timing--it says to take it on an empty stomach four times a day (1 hour before or two hour after eating.) Any suggestions on the scheduling? It's gonna be tough with all the eating and drinking going on anyway! Any suggestions would be welcomed! How are you feeling? Sue

I wish they had given that one to me! That was the carafate they gave me in the hospital much better than the one I take. I have an appt coming up soon and I will be asking for a script for the oral suspension. I spoke with Dr. Peters regarding the time schedule. Taking the carafate 4 times a day 1 hour before/ after, taking prevacid (not at the same time as vitamins) taking my vitamins 3 times a day, my synthroid not at the same time as vitamins.. the list goes on and on. I finally said to him. You do the math, there are not enough hours in the day and me get some sleep too! He laughed and said, sometimes us doctors ask our patients to do the impossible don't we. Then he said, don't worry about the drinking and eating before and after, just take it consistently. That was good advice and worked for me. As for WLS I am doing/feeling great. Doing much better but definitely still on the mend from the back surgery I hope this helps you! Gigee

WOW! What a relief! I read the stuff from the pharmacy and it talks the timing. Oh, and I forgot that you can't take antacids (like TUMS) within 30 minutes either!!! I plan to take it four times a day and hopefully all will be well. Thanks for all the good info. Is your ulcer gone? Have they done another scope to check? Or did your pain go away? Congrats on your terrific weight loss! I know you are mending from you back surgery. Take it day by day. You have many friends and supporters that are wishing the best for you. Take care and thanks again! Sue

I had/have 2 ulcers in this ol pouch. I get scoped again on the 6th. I don't think they are gone for when I was sick and dry heaving from the steriods after the back surgery I could feel the irritation. BUT That's been the only time I have felt that irritation in a couple of months. So even though I don't expect to hear they are gone I do expect to hear, based on how I feel, that they are TONS better. Wouldn't it be awesome if they are gone? wohooo I'll know in a couple of weeks! And thank you! Gigee

Sue, I developed an ulcer about 6 months after surgery. I took Carafate for 6 months. I had the liquid carafate. The liquid actually worked quickly. Happy Harry's carries the liquid, along with the pharmacy at Christiana Hospital. I also took Zantac for about 6 months. Good Luck! Best wishes, Deb

hello I am currently on Carafate and prilosec for ulcers in my pouch as well. I have been on the meds for about 3 months... and honestly it seems to get better than it seems to reoccur.. I go back to Dr. Peters at the end of Sept for follow up. Hopefully it will be dissolved by then, as for now I am still dealing with it. FYI Surgery Date 8 / 23/ 04 - 467lbs 8 / 23 / 05 - 278lbs Good Luck