Question:
Help! I feel like I'm dying!

Ok, I have an odd sort of question. Ever since I've had my upper GI, I've been getting heartburn and stomach pains like all the time. Also during this time, I quit drinking Coke, I've quit smoking, but then started drinking Coke again to cope with the smoking or in this case, not. It's been 4 weeks tomorrow that I'm smoke free, and about 5 weeks since my upper gi. I don't know if it was all the barium, or me drinking soda again that is causing me to feel like crud all the time. I am still pre op. Surgery is December 3rd. I seem to be getting sick no matter what I eat, or even not eat! I get like nagging pains in my stomach, or even (sorry in advance) diahreah. I get heartburn or reflux even worse than before. I can't figure out whats going on! Help!!    — Jen W. (posted on September 22, 2003)

September 22, 2003
Since you haven't had surgery yet, you need to get in touch with your PCP or GI specialist who did the endoscopy. You should not be having these pains at all. What did they find when they did the endoscopy?? Would that have something to do with it?? Again, since you haven't had surgery yet, you need to get this problem straightened out with your regular doctor.
   — bethybb

September 22, 2003

   — amandalianne

September 22, 2003
I had your problem and chances are the endoscope used in the GI has irratated your esophogus. I saw my pcp again and he gave previcid and much to my surprise I felt better in 2 days.I could eat again and all those symptoms went away.Call your pcp maybe he will call in Rx for you
   — loisph

September 22, 2003
the I had acid reflux too, and prevacid will do the trick. Here's a thought: Prilosec just came out over the counter, so no Rx needed. But definately check with your doc first. The Prevacid or Prilosec will relieve your discomfort. If you're like me, you won't need it anymore after your surgery! Good luck! lap rny 8-12-03 311/265
   — Marika M.

September 23, 2003
Do you have gallstones? I always had what you are describing, but thought it was just something I ate ("the one-and-only healthy fat girl syndrome"). I had diarreah sometimes for weeks on end, terrible stomache pains and reflux. I just thought food hated me. I always went to the doctor for it, he always said it was "nerves." Then I got my gallbladder ultrasound for WLS and LO AND BEHOLD!!! I HUGE and I mean HUGE gallstone, right in their. Well, after doing some research, I found that all the terrible things I had been tolerating for YEARS were "gallbladder attacks." If you haven't had your ultrasound yet, ask your PCP for one, people who have lost and gained dramatic amounts of weight are highly likely to get these little buddies...good luck.
   — Erinn D.