Question:
ulcers in old stomach -- how to scope?

Ten years back I had stomach ulcers and think I may have them again. How can the original stomach be viewed (scoped originally) since my NEW STOMACH has been re-routed by 2003 gastric bypass? Would this be done with a CAT scan? Any info you can give me would be greatly appreciated.    — sistergal2 (posted on July 11, 2006)

July 11, 2006
I don't know how an original stomach could be scoped since there is no openig to it other than the small intestine. I also don't know how there could be an ulcer there. There could be one in your new one. If there was one in your old one, it would have to come from secretions that the stomach makes.
   — geneswife

July 12, 2006
How could an ulcer form in your old stomach? I do not believe it can be scoped, since your esophagus is not hooked to it.
   — Novashannon

July 13, 2006
Do you take any H2 Blockers (such as Pepcid, Zantac, Axid or Tagamet) or an acid pump inhibitor (such as Prilosec, Protonix, Aciphex, Prevacid, etc)? Your stomach is still alive and can still secrete acid and without anything in there to digest it can cause an ulcer. It should still have the mucous lining to protect it as before but if you take anything that blocks that mucous secretion (such as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory like aspirin, Motrin, Aleve, etc) you can create an ulcer. It sounds like you have been under a lot of stress for some time and that can be a cause too. If you are not taking anything for this I'd definitely talk to your doctor. I don't know how they'd scope you as I doubt don't think they can access the stomach from the small intestine opening. Maybe they will do a CAT scan or something similar but would be interested to know if they do know of some way to scope you. Good luck!!! Rick p.s. you can probably tell by my response that I'm a pharmacist. :-)
   — Rick Bedard

July 15, 2006
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH (especially you, Rick the Pharmacist)! Yes, I have been under tremendous stress for quite a while. My gastro Dr. said old stomach still alive & making acids so yes, it CAN BE THE OLD STOMACH. I do take Nexium. Moved to Hawaii to live w/family -- once my gastro records from the Mainland arrive for gastro Dr. in Hawaii to review & advise me, I will post results should anyone else have this query. MANY THANKS, AGAIN, TO YOU ALL!
   — sistergal2

July 17, 2006
Definitely discuss with your surgeon. They can lead you in the right direction!
   — gkeith1971