Question:
I have a very large ulcer and just had an edoscopy done for the stricture.

I was not able to hold down ANYTHING and was told I have stricture and an ulcer. So I had an endoscopy done and was told I could have solids now. Well, seems I am even WORSE now. Now it hurts to even drink water and I cant hold down pureed foods again! It really HURTS. Has this happened to anyone else??? WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO EAT SOLID FOODS??? I am also on Valium now because I cant sleep at night. This is really starting to get to me.... SOMEONE HELP! God Bless! Sandi    — scodorniu (posted on April 5, 2002)

April 5, 2002
Hi Sandi, I'm so sorry to hear that you're having a terrible time. I wish I had a perfect solution for you but I don't. However, I do have a suggestion that probably sounds rather silly but seems to be very effective with many of the patients I work with. Here goes - before anything at all goes in your mouth put a saltine cracker in first. Chew it up and almost let it disolve in your mouth and swallow it slowly. Let that sit a few minutes and then have your water or your soft food. For some reason, saltines seem to just sort of coat that irritated tummy and make things sit better whether liquid or solid. Another trick is to sit in a cool, quiet, dimly lit room when your eating or drinking - it sort of promotes an atmosphere of calmness. Sometimes it just takes our new tummy a little while to get adjusted to things particularly since you have an ulcer and had a stricture. I know it sounds like a silly plan but dozens of our patients have tried it and say it works beautifully. Hopefully you'll only have to do this for a few days and then life will return to normal. I know you must be wondering "What in the world have I done to myself?" but I sincerely feel that this will pass. God didn't open all these doors for you only to have them shut right when you're getting started. If you don't get better soon be sure to get back in touch with your surgeon. Hopefully you'll be able to tell him that your were amazingly cured by a saltine cracker. Best of luck to you!
   — ronascott

April 5, 2002
I was an endoscopy nurse and worked directly with this procedure. It sounds strange to me that you are still having problems. I would call your doctor. I hate to say this, but for this procedure not all Gastro doc's are that familiar with our WLS. I has one doctor say to me "Look at how small her stomach is" My mouth just dropped. It really is a skill to do these procedure, don't just have anyone. That is just an FYI for anyone, as I feel protective to our WLS family. Good Luck!
   — ZZ S.

April 5, 2002
I had marginal ulcers, one after another. Water tasted like metal, and HURT going down. You didn't say what the doc gave you to help you with the ulcer. Something like Prilosec might require a larger dosage for us, since it is timed released. Also, if you can get them to rx some carrafate, it REALLY soothes the savage beast. I keep it on hand all the time, just to be safe. It soothes so quickly, I can wait til Monday to make any calls if need be.
   — vitalady