Exhausted, don't know what to do anymore; Gastritis

[ChocolatChip]

Hi there,
I've been suffering with gastritis on and off (but mostly on) since the start of this year. I'm not a smoker, nor do I drink alcohol, no aspirin or Ibruprofen abuse. I am often quite stressed, but I am seeing someone for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
But recently my gastritis has become very bad, I have lost a lot of weight, and I am in constant pain. I have been given Lansoprole 30mg a week ago to reduce the acid in my stomach. But I only seem to be getting worse. I'm trying to eat, but it's very hard when it causes terrible pain, pressure and breathlessness.
Does anyone have any similar experiences or know what could be going on?
Any tips on reducing the pain?
Thanks

[rowanwitch]

As it isn't getting better after a week might be worth checking to see if your GP can be of more help. Lansoprazole normally eases things in three or four days (sooner in mid cases)

[ChocolatChip]

Thanks for your reply rowanwitch, I agreed with my husband that I'd probably go back later in the week, I keep hoping that it might eventually work. Plus my doctors surgery is a nightmare and the less I have to deal with them the better! Although, I'm beginning to realise it's probably unavoidable...

[albaqwerty]

My OH was prescribed omeprazole (probably the same type of medication) and a change in diet was recommended.No greasy food and more roughage.

My sympathies with you Choc, not nice to suffer x

[ChocolatChip]

Thanks albaqwerty, it's a hurrendous thing to go through, I'm only 20 too! From what I've seen it's quite unusual for someone so young.
Omeprazole is the same type of drug, and I've been keeping my diet expectionally bland. To the point where I'm pretty much only eating wheatabix and baby food! :(

[ChocolatChip]

exceptionally sorry!

[albaqwerty]

I can't remember what the leaflet said or what his GP mentioned, bananas I seem to recall for the potassium and other goodies it contains.

As Rowan says, get back to your GP. (Never an easy option when the surgery is one where you are not comfortable)

[ChocolatChip]

The other thing that bothers me about it is there so much conflicting evidence out there about what kind of things I should eat, I really don't know what to eat and drink.
Secondly, I cannot drink tap water, at all. It causes terrible pain, and I can't understand why!

[ChocolatChip]

bananas cause me terrible pain too, I've had coconut water for potassium levels.

[albaqwerty]

oh 'eck. I'm stuck now. (I'm not a medical professional, nor nutritionist)

I do hope you get better soon tho. Please let us know how you are doing x

[cazzz1975]

I have a similar thing and you have to avoid foods that irritate like some fruits (citrus fruits), gassy producing foods like bananas, beans, eggs, cabbage , they will cause you to bloat and cause pain

I have IBS and GERD and since dropping these foods which unfortunately includes chocolate, my health is much improved

[ChocolatChip]

yeah, I know what you mean cazz, I have terrible bloating and pressure. I've done everything I can to restrict my diet. But the problem is I'm losing so much weight, and I'm exhausted all the time. :(

[cazzz1975]

I would go back to the doctors to rule out any other conditions like ulcers or hiatal hernias and the like

[scotman]

I can't advise much on this other than to suggest you cut out wheat products as far as possible. See if that helps.

[ChocolatChip]

I agree cazzz, I think I have to :(
The nightmare is that because I've been diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety, doctors just take one look at my notes and say 'its your anxiety, see your psychiatrist'
This is the 3 issue I've had this year, all of which they just say the above, without suggesting other tests! Unfair! :(

[cazzz1975]

you have to be fairly insistant unfortunately. your weight loss should make them take you a little more seriously, you may have to be graphic about your symptoms, dont mention anxiety.

[albaqwerty]

There are a few conditions which can be identified by blood tests these days.

As Scotman has advised, try cutting out wheat (even for a week, coeliacs ,(sp)

Cazz, I.m sorry about your IBS (I've heard of that) but what is GRD please excuse my ignorance.

[PurplePolkadot]

yes be insistant that they listen, and just a thought, but i had CBT a year ago ( i am bipolar) and have anxiety disorder, the GP was a bit like yours, my psychiatrist wrote to my GP requesting necessary tests be done, as he wanted confirmation, or not, of all my health issues, that did it for me. As your in so much pain maybe its worth asking for a letter from your psychiatrist, as a result i had a full MOT (lol) good luck and i wish you better soon.

[cazzz1975]

http://www.acidreflux.org.uk/

[albaqwerty]

ooh cazz acid reflux. Nasty. The first thing my hubby was prescribed was an antacid. Hasn't particularly helped.

[ChocolatChip]

Thanks for all your replies, I think I may have to start being a bit more forceful (scary!) towards them, as there is only so much more I can take. There were a few symptoms on the hiatal hernia that I recognised that I didn't from the gastritis, so that might be something to look into!