Update from GI Dr. on Gastric Ulcers.

I received a call from my GI Dr. who did the Endoscopy last Friday. The biopsy came back normal. He said with as large as the ulcers are, the only option that he can come up with is a REVERSAL!!!!!!!!!! No way! I haven't went through all of this for the past 14 months to get a reversal. Beside, can they do a reversal if the stomach has been transected. Anyone else out there with this problem? PLEASE HELP! Sheila

Oh good lord..first of all i'd get a second opinion. I had severe severe ulcers postop, 2 nexium 2x a day, carafate, percocet..all for 6+ months. My surgeon was terrific..he referred me to a wonderful GI doctor..and when my ulcers would not heal and mine were as large as a quater in some spots..it was decided I would have a Truncal Vagotomy..what that is is a total severing of the Vagus nerve..with that comes the halt of acid production in the the stomach/pouch..I had it done LAP..it literally took less than an hour and I was home in 3 hours. I would never let a doctor tell me the only option was a reversal..there is always another option..it's a matter of them wanting to find other treatment options..sometimes they need to do a little research and find out what the other options can be. Not everyone can benefit from the procedure I had..but it helped me..no ulcers at all..no more meds..no anything..I feel perfectly fine..I am so thankful my surgeon took the time to research and find an option that worked for me..without even thinking of reversing. Let me know how you make out

Did the Vagotomy result in the elimination of peristalsis? Nowhere Man/PH/Jay

To an extent it did..but that can be treated with a drug like Reglan..which works really well..well for me it has. I do notice though that the motility issue has gotten better..or I have jsut gotten used to it..and honestly, I never really noticed an issue with the motility..nothing feels different though my GI doctor told me i'd have some reduction in it and put me on the meds for it. Now if I were to not take the reglan..I guess i'd notice it more? I dont know Either way, I dont know if it would help the original poster..but for some..it is an option. I'd rather research my ass off and get multiple opinions before I allowed a reversal..to me..that should be the last resort.

Drinking during meals could be a work-around for the reduction or elimination of motility. Nowhere Man/PH/Jay

Dear Older and Wiser, For me a reversal is not an option. I have not went through the past 14 months to get a reversal. I have been on Carafate and Prevacid since my last ulcer surgery last September to no avail. I will be going to see my Surgeon on Monday at 3:00 p.m. I will be asking him about the Truncal Vagotomy. You having this procedure done, does it increase/decreased your appetite? Have you lost/gained weight? Do you have any problems at all with your stomach now? Sorry about the questions but just don't know where to go anymore. Thanks, Sheila

Hijack, Shelia there is a brand new ulcer medicine on the market that I take. It is called Zegred. I have had multple ulcers and probably have a new one in my pouch right now but haven't had it checked yet. The carafate is useless and so is the previciad to our ulcers. Been there, done that. Good luck