Maybe an Ulcer???

Does anyone have or have had an ulcer?  If so what were your symptoms?  How was it diagnosed and treated?  I did goggle it but I would like to hear your experience if you want to share.

I have been in this loop since Feb when I ended up in the ER with the back pain, thought it was a kidney stone. Test negative, diagnosed with lower back muscle pain.  You all may  remember as I have posted about it before. I had my GB out many years ago.  In the last couple of weeks I feel like my acid reflux has returned. A lot of burping, hiccups (which I never get) and pain in varying areas that can be as high as my breast bone and as low as my navel and then there is the back pain.  This week My abdomen is a bit distended and sore when I push on it or lay the wrong way.  I started taking my hubby's nexium and got some relief but it is still there. 

I am planning to call my gastro doc in the am to see if I can get in to see him right away.  I am thinking an upper endoscopy is in my near future.  But really I just want some relief I feel lousy.

I have a job interview this week and need to be well rested and prepared. I want this new position more then anything right now as my current job is way too stressful. 

Hope you all have a happy Easter or a great Sunday!

Sheri

Ulcers tend to give you a burning pain in your chest and a gnawing pain in your stomach like you are feeling hungry all the time.  Many times it causes reflux.  Have you taken any NSAIDS?  Antiinflamitories, celebrex, aspirin or in some cases steroids? The antiinflamitories don't matter if it they are in IV, creams, patches or liquids - they all can still cause ulcers.  Many will tell you they don't but the way they work is that they thin the lining of your stomach causing ulcers.  IT can also cause ulcers in your remnant stomach which is very difficult to get to in order to diagnose and they can be much more serious.

If you have any of these symptoms, make sure you get an endoscopy.  Ulcers can also be caused by a bacteria called HPylori and that can be tested during an endoscopy via a biopsy and if positive, it can be treated with antibiotics along with prevacid.  If not treated properly, seriously ulcers will develop./

I had to have an endoscopy done when I was 2 weeks out, turns out I had an ulcer prior too surgery (we knew about) but sis not realize how high up it was, I had many of the same symptoms you are having. Doc put me on Nexium and carafate, I dont take the carafate anymore but still live on the nexium. Good Luck!

Sheri,
I did not have an ulcer but an irritated pouch.  It hurt around my belly button after I had eaten too much tomato-acid products.  My surgeon prescribed Carafate and it cleared it right up.   Now I take the Prevacid generic everyday and have not had any more problems
Good luck.
Linda

Thanks everyone. I could not get in touch with my gasto dr. will try again tomorrow but today after 4 days of Nexxium I felt better!
Sheri

I just got back from my 9 month check and dr. thinks I may have another ulcer.  I was unable to swallow very well and it just plain hurt when I ate any solid food.  Had an endoscope @ 7 weeks and had a marginal ulcer.  Liquids don't seem to be a problem..just solids.  Can't eat any acidic food or spicy stuff.  I can't take PPI's (Priolsec, Nexium, etc) but do take Rx of Axid and Carafate 4 times a day.  I never had H.Pylori but still got ulcer.  I did have a shot of cortisone in my knee and stomach trouble got worse after it.  Dr. said that sometimes cortisone can cause ulcers.  I sure wouldn't ignore it.  Hope you feel better and be sure and keep in contact with your doctor.