Symptoms of ulcer??? Not feeling good.

I'm not feeling too good today. For a while now (but only occasionally) I have a burning sensation in my abdomen after I eat or drink. It kind of feels like my pouch is leaking fluid into my abdomen. Does that make sense? Today I am having some abdominal pain. It's not bad enough to double me over but it is making me worried. The bad thing is that I may have caused this myself. I started smoking again shortly after surgery. Now - I am quitting on Sunday because that is my birthday present to myself. I quit before surgery but I think I got a little depressed after the procedure and started back. I know it is bad for me so I am quitting. I have heard that smoking can cause ulcers. Do you think that is what is going on with me? If I go to the doctor then they will get mad at me for smoking again so maybe I shouldn't go. Advice anyone? Susan

Doctor being mad at you doesnt outweigh the benefits of getting this checked out! What can they do, fuss? youve done the best you can do.. I had the same problem a while back and they told me it sounded like an ulcer and i needed to be taking my prevacid.. i took 2 that day and it went away.. id give them a call to check on it! jen

Thanks, Jen. I know you're right. I just don't like for people to be mad at me! (one of my many issues). lol. I'm calling MUSC now to see what they want me to do. Susan

I get a burning sensation in my pouch sometimes but it is usually if I haven't eaten in a while. It goes away if I eat a saltine or something like that. My doctor said it was gastritis and gave me a script for Carafate. He said it would help. It is nasty though so I keep crackers around just in case. Hope you feel better soon. Rachel

Sweetie, I know they've had worst things to get mad about. You call them, and I'll get ready to come and get you and we'll go to the doctor and see wazup' I'd rather them be a little ticked off, than you be in so much pain and something be wrong. Deb G

I called Lisa, Amanda, and Debbie (the dietician) and no answer anywhere. I'm leaving work now so you can pick me up at home and we'll see what's going on. I just threw up at work and the pain is still there. Ughh. Susan

I hope you feel better soon!! And don't beat yourself up so hard! Quitting smoking is a tough business and I admire anyone who tries. You are doing great things for yourself. Let us know if you need anything.

Thank you! It is the hardest thing in the world!!! But I'm definitely going to stop now! I don't like this at all. lol Susan

Hey Susan, Being someone who had her frist ulser at 6 ( I'm 20 now) I have learned a few tricks! Avoid dairy, Tomatos(they have a lot of acid) Cholocate, citrus,spicyfood, coffie, anything with a lot of caffine and this may sound wrong but dont drink coke (although it may soothe at frist it burns the lining of you tummy and end results are worse, also the old mith of pepermint is false also as peperment stimulates acid production. Hope this helps ! Hugs, Cari

NOW MS SUSAN ... STAYING AWAY FROM THE DOCTOR SO HE WON'T BE MAD AT YOU JUST ISN'T AN OPTION. WHAT IF IT WAS JUST A MILD IRRITATION & ALL YOU NEEDED WAS A LITTLE ANTACID? YOU'D BE GOING THROUGH NEEDLESS SUFFERING! &, IF IT'S SOMETHING NEEDING MORE ATTENTION, YOU DON'T WANT TO JEOPARDIZE YOUR HEALTH, RIGHT? SO, GIVE THEM A CALL & BE HONEST ABOUT THE SEVERITY OF THE PAIN & HOW LONG YOU'VE HAD IT. LET'S JUST BE SURE THAT YOU ARE OK & NOT WORRY ABOUT SOMEONE FUSSIN' AT YOU. BTW, WE'RE PROUD OF YOU FOR QUITTING AGAIN! THIS TIME WILL BE YOUR PERMANENT SUCCESS!!! I QUIT SO MANY TIMES & I DIDN'T EVEN LIKE SMOKING SO WHY DID I START AGAIN? UH-DA-UHHHH! THEN, MY DOC SCARED THE BAGEEBEES OUT OF ME AS I WAS HAVING BREATHING PROBLEMS & DIZZY SPELLS & HE SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE MY LUNG HAD A WEAK SPOT THAT COULD RUPTURE. WELL, THAT WAS ENOUGH FOR ME ... DONE ... NO MORE. LET US KNOW WHAT DOC SAYS!!!!! GOD BLESS YOU ... DAWN & NICk