Question:
Time released Ulcer Medications?

I had my gallbladder out on March 1st and still have terrific intermitant pains that feel like attacks. Sometimes I only have slight pains that feel like they are going to go full scale, but thankfully back off. In any case the surgeon was'nt sure if he got all the stones out, as something colapsed but he thought he got them. Anyway, I figure it's ether a gall stone he missed or an ulcer. Now I started taking an ulcer pill. But I see it is time released and most time release don't work with me anymore! It is Nexium (contains 40 mg esomeprazole). I'm hoping that taking ulcer meds will keep me from having to be scoped. (I can't bare the thought of that). Will this med work although it time release? What do the rest of you use? Thanks.    — Danmark (posted on February 27, 2003)

February 27, 2003
Hello! I'm sorry to hear of your problems. The pain must be intense. My situation is different from yours in that I have GERD (reflux problems) and a hiatal hernia. If it wasn't for Nexium, I would spend most of my life in real pain. I did not have effective results with other acid reducers in my past. My doctor convinced me to try Nexium and I am a 110% endorser of the product. I hope that it helps you. Don't give up!
   — Jodie P.

February 27, 2003
Hi Daniel. I'm sorry you've been in pain. I have a marginal ulcer and recently had surgery to repair a perforation in my stomach b/c of it. I was put on prevacid, and for over 2 months haven't found much relief from it. I recently went to my doc and asked him about the time release issue. He understands my malabsorbion problems and put me on carafate as well. It is an older drug, but almost everyone I have seen on here that has an ulcer takes that in accordance with their main ulcer med. He said if that doesn't start to work, then I will need to double the dose of prevacid b/c it's probably not all getting absorbed, so its not helping as much. So you may want to speak with your doctor again about that. I hope you feel better and don't have to get scoped. I unfortunately will end up getting a scope soon b/c I'm not getting any better. Goodluck to you!
   — Lezlie Y.

February 28, 2003
IT'S ME!!!! Thats my story! Thief! Anyhow, after I had my galbladder out.....the pain didnt go away either. My doctors put me on prevacid. Didn't work, they still had to surgically remove the ulcer. But by all means, try correcting it with medicine. Who prescribed the time release? Was it your WLS surgeon? If not, I would consult him. As for the scope, it isnt bad at all, don't fear it. You sleep through it anyway. I hope your experiences with this are far better than mine. Good luck.
   — RebeccaP