Question:
I believe I have an ulcer....can someone tell me the best OTC treatment?

I'm 3+ years post-op RNY and I think I have an ulcer. I went to the ER 2 weeks ago because I had pain that was similar to gall bladder attack, but I have no gall bladder. They did a CT because I was convinced I had a SLD. They said staple line was not disrupted...so I'm thinking maybe it's an ulcer. Until Ican get to a GI doc, can someone suggest a good OTC med to help with pain/acid reducer?    — careywatkins (posted on October 13, 2004)

October 13, 2004
My doctor told me to take a pepcid AC everyday for the first year so I did. Took it regularly every morning and have had no problems at all with GERD. I did have that REALLY bad before surgery. I get the generic pepcid but do keep it mind, it only helps with the pain. It does not heal an ulcer so do be sure and follow up with your doctor.
   — scbabe

October 14, 2004
First priority is to be sure that you follow up with your doctor. I was put on Pepcid AC 2 times daily as a post-op for the first six weeks. I am now 10 months out and have continued that throughout the whole time because I find that if I do not I tend to have more stomach discomfort than if I do. Sandra
   — Arizona_Sun

October 14, 2004
Skip the upper GI and go straight for the endoscopy. Don't waste your money. I've had two ulcers (at different tiems) that the upper GI missed. The best medication that I have found has been Nexium with Aciphex in a close second. Prevacid, pepsid, and protonix didn't help me. The pain from my ulcers was so sever I was off from work for almost 6 months before they decided to remove the first one surgically. The second was cured with two daily doses of 40mg Nexium over a period of 4-6 months. I am currently taking one dose per day as a precaution. <br><br>You can get pepsid OTC until you get in to see a doc, but it will not help cure an ulcer. Get in to see the doc. ~~~Rebecca
   — RebeccaP

October 14, 2004
getting to a doc would be your best move, you don't want to self diagonose yourself. Nexium does work to heal ulcers, I was starting to get one, the nexium healed it, even though the side effects of nexium are pretty rough... luckily I only had to take the nexium for a month. My surgeon also told me I could take Prilosec OTC. but by that time mine had healed. I seemed to have caught it pretty early. Get it treated soon, don't let it get worse!!
   — Patricia T.

October 15, 2004
Sounds exactly like me! I also am convinced I have an ulcer. I started taking Prilosec OTC and low and behold it worked wonders! I was literally popping tums like candy and also ended up in the ER with pain I would relate to labor! Did a CT and all for me too and found nothing.
   — emilyfink