LymeNet Home LymeNet Home Page LymeNet Flash Discussion LymeNet Support Group Database LymeNet Literature Library LymeNet Legal Resources LymeNet Medical & Scientific Abstract Database LymeNet Newsletter Home Page LymeNet Recommended Books LymeNet Tick Pictures Search The LymeNet Site LymeNet Links LymeNet Frequently Asked Questions About The Lyme Disease Network LymeNet Menu

LymeNet on Facebook

LymeNet on Twitter




The Lyme Disease Network receives a commission from Amazon.com for each purchase originating from this site.

When purchasing from Amazon.com, please
click here first.

Thank you.

LymeNet Flash Discussion
Dedicated to the Bachmann Family

LymeNet needs your help:
LymeNet 2020 fund drive


The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations.

LymeNet Flash Post New Topic  New Poll  Post A Reply
my profile | directory login | register | search | faq | forum home

  next oldest topic   next newest topic
» LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Ulcers, anyone?

 - UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!    
Author Topic: Ulcers, anyone?
Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707

Icon 1 posted      Profile for Melanie Reber   Author's Homepage         Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Good morning all,

I have had an ongoing pain in my right upper quandrant for months now.

I have tried every conceivable home remedy, Rx med, OTC, ect...But the pain remains.

I am now trying Advil, Mylanta and Nexium.

The Advil helps to take the edge off of the pain, as does the Mylanta to some extent. I have only been on the Nexium for a few days now, so it is difficult to know if that is working...but it sure is NOT this morning.

I haven't had an opportunity to do any research on ulcers yet...or on Nexium, etc.

The only reason I am suspecting that this MAY be an ulcer is that I discussed this with an RN friend this last week. This is her best possible diagnosis without further testing. (hence, trying the Nexium to see how that works)

I suppose my questions for you all are...

*Have any of you had experience with ulcers?

*What did you do or take to alleviate the problem?

*Did you find this sort of pain to be something else entirely, besides a "lyme and company thing"?

Thank you so very much in advance for any information,
Melanie

Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
lymemomtooo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5396

Icon 1 posted      Profile for lymemomtooo     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
I have had something like this for years..Once I stopped all sodas, it subsided and only occasionally returns..

But I did have some severe back pain and mid to lower rt abdomen pain that started a couple of years ago..I had herneated my stomach..It did not show up on most early screening...

Try to limit greasy foods, acids, caffeine and highly spiced things to see if it helps...And you may already be doing this..Sometimes dairy can cause such issues.

Good luck..lmt

Posts: 2360 | From SE PA | Registered: Mar 2004  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935

Icon 1 posted      Profile for 5dana8   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Hey melanie

Upper Rt quandrant pain can also be GB . I think the liver & pancreas are located there too. And some intestines are there too. Have you ever had diverticular problems? I was just skimming my AMA book for rt sided pain.

If you suspect ulcers one of the worst things you can take is advil- JMPO. It is like putting battery acid down there. Advil is know to cause erosions, gastritis and ulcers.

I have some very bad erosions right now. I am on prilosec, carafate and slippery elm. I was on nexium for a week but my insurence doesn't cover it so it got too exspensive. So I am just on prilosec, which I hope to get off of asap.

I am also on an ulcer bland diet [Frown] No coffee, chocolate, fruit juices, tomatoe sauce, garlic ,carbonated beverages, fried foods,black pepper,cloves,mustard,and caffine just to name some top biggies to stay clear of.

I hope this helps and you can feel better soon [group hug]

--------------------
5dana8

Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
johnlyme1
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7343

Icon 1 posted      Profile for johnlyme1     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Take a look at nexiums side effects. Somewhere in there is says that it can cause addtional swetting and a rise in blood presure. It made my blood presure rise to an uncomfortable level - I switched to previcid and I liked it quite a bit. It also took care of the pain in had within 2nd dose. I had Bart induced GERT with gastritis. It's gone now and I no longer need to take any GI meds.
Posts: 582 | From milwaukee wi | Registered: May 2005  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
ShangSD
Member
Member # 9899

Icon 1 posted      Profile for ShangSD     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Hi Melanie

My whole rollercoaster ride started with a Helicobacter Pylori infection, the main cause of ulcers. I had an endoscopy which found a healing duodenal ulcer. I had 7 days triple therapy, Amoxy 1000mg, clarithimycin 500mg and Nexium 40mg to kill the HP. I believe this is what made me have a massive HERX (my first), although I, and my Quackers, didnt know what had hit me at the time.

I was having so much cramping and pain before the treatment, it was just under my breast bones. Nexium seemed to help me, I was on this (40mg) for 2 months after they found the healing ulcer.

Pity the other symptoms I was complaining about didnt dissapear and new ones came......but thats another story!

You should do a Breath (Urethea[sp?]) test for H.Pylori, simple test your doc should be able to run.

The blood test (which I had) is what some docs reccommend, but this may not be so good because there is some documentation that H.Pylori may be cross refferenced with Borellia. I now wonder what they really found in my first blood test...hmmm

Otherwise there is always the Endoscopy?

The best thing about Endoscopy is that they give you anisthetic. At the time I was Herxing it was the best SLEEP I got in weeks. However, I was lucky they even did the Endo, as I had just come from China to Australia - they were scared I had the bird flu......even though my temp was always lower than normal!

Hope its not an ulcer and just some Lyme related pain! However, saying that, perhaps a treatable ulcer that will go away with a month or two of treatment is more desirable.......you can tell I am new with comments like that!!

Steve (back in China after my trip around the world to see LLMD)

Posts: 34 | From China | Registered: Aug 2006  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

Icon 1 posted      Profile for Lymetoo     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Hey Mel...sorry to hear that you're still in pain. Check with Hiker on this.

http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=015933

Hope you get the solution SOON!!!

--------------------
--Lymetutu--
Opinions, not medical advice!

Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
trails
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1620

Icon 1 posted      Profile for trails     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
i agree with whoever said dont take advil---if it is an ulcer that would worsen the problem. otherwise I only have hugs.
Posts: 1950 | From New Mexico | Registered: Sep 2001  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Jill E.
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9121

Icon 1 posted      Profile for Jill E.     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Have you been in touch with Nancy (Nal) who had her gallbladder removed recently? The upper right quadrant is usually gallbladder or liver.

When I had liver damage from Ketek, my liver ached terribly. My internist said that I shouldn't be able to feel my liver. But the hepatologist said that of course I'd get pain from it because there was so much inflammation from the damage. That's not to say you have any of this - just that maybe there's some inflammation somewhere.

An old folk rememdy for ulcers is sauerkraut or cabbage juice - yeah, probably about the last thing you're craving right now.

Take care and keep us posted,
Jill

--------------------
If laughter is the best medicine, why hasn't stand-up comedy cured me?

Posts: 1773 | From San Diego | Registered: Apr 2006  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
hiker53
Moderator
Member # 6046

Icon 1 posted      Profile for hiker53     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
I would definitely see a gastroenterologist as soon as possible. Ulcers are not something to mess around with. The acid can eat through a blood vessel and cause bleeding.

15 years ago I had a peptic ulcer from too much aspirin and prilosec cured it. Now I have 2 esophageal ulcers. I won't know the cause until next week when I follow up with the doctor. I have heard mastic gum kills h-pylori, so another antibiotic may not be needed.

Sorry you are in so much pain. I can relate [confused] Hiker

--------------------
Hiker53

"God is light. In Him there is no
darkness." 1John 1:5

Posts: 10199 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2004  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707

Icon 1 posted      Profile for Melanie Reber   Author's Homepage         Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Lymemom-
Thank you for the help...funny, but you are asking me to eliminate my basic diet [Smile]

My acupuncturist also warned me to try and eliminate dairy recently. My only concern was ``how then am I going to drink my coffee?''

Dana-
My first concern was kidney or GB when this sent me to the ER. A GB ultrasound did not show any problems then, so that was eliminated from the differentials. My UA was also clear so that eliminated any kidney concerns.

But, my LLMD was so convinced that it was kidney related that he sent me to the acupuncturist for kidney acupuncture. When she did place needles specifically for kidney issues...wow, those burned and hurt, when I could not even feel any of the others at all.

No, I have not had diverticulitis issues, but my Mother has had major problems with this. Not sure if it is familial? Forgive me, but what does JMPO mean?

I thought that aspirin was a problem with ulcers, not Advil? Am I way off base here? Thank you for your help.

John-
I am so pleased that you were able to stop your gastric pain! I also have Bart, and feel that this could be playing a role here, but am not certain. I have had many gastric issues in the past pre-bart treatment, but this particular pain is something new for me. I will look into the Nexium side effects, thank you for sharing!

Shang-
Hoping your visit here was fruitful! Glad to know you made it back home safely.
Yes, H. pylori is a possibility...I have not been tested for this. The breath test sounds painless enough. I am not wanting to do an endoscopy at the moment for various reasons. Thank you for your comments!

Toots-
Thank you dear one. And thanks for the link to Hiker's ordeal.

Trails-
I will take those hugs anytime- thanks sweetie-pie.

Jill-
Yes, I have followed Nal's ordeal for awhile now, sweet thing that she is. I am afraid that Ketek was also a terrible med for me too. My doc took one look at me during my worst, and immediately switched me to something else instead. I appreciate your feedback!

Hiker-
I am so very sorry that you are going through so much pain right now, and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for some answers soon for you!

Thank you each for helping!!!
M

Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
elley0531
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 9434

Icon 1 posted      Profile for elley0531     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Advil is a brand name for nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug-in this case ibuprofen (NSAID).

Taking a NSAID for 3 weeks for a sprained ankle gave me a gastric ulcer. Aspirin is also bad, but Advil, Aleve, Ibuprofen, all a problem. The only painkiller you can take with stomach problems is tylenol-and be careful with that one because it can mess with the liver.

If it is an ulcer, chamomile tea helped-I drank this stuff by the gallon, DGL licorice cewable tablets helped-cut the inflammation. Slippery Elm and Marshmallow tea helped. Also digestive enzymes.

What ever you do though-PLEASE stop taking Advil-worse thing you can do.

See article:

http://heartburn.about.com/cs/articles/a/Ulcer_Causes.htm

I was taking Aleve, which is Naxopren. Advil is ibuprofen. The reason you may not be getting relief from the nexium is because you're continuing to make the problem worse.

The ulcer also gave me upper right ab pain, as well as around the navel. The pain shifted...but the area where the gallbladder is was one of the places where pain was common for me-so much so that I had several ultrasounds and a hidscan that came back normal-so no GB.

But you should see a GI doc-because you don't want to treat an ulcer unless its really there-and you don't want your body hooked on nexium-I'm still on prilosec even though my ulcer is gone.

Posts: 594 | From NJ/NY | Registered: Jun 2006  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707

Icon 1 posted      Profile for Melanie Reber   Author's Homepage         Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Thank you so much for the additional information Elley.

I did actually stop taking the Advil on Friday...and have only been on the Nexium since then. But the pain continues off and on.

Will someone please explain to me what is meant by ``your body being addicted to the Nexium''?

My cat Bob was laying on me last night as we settled in for the evening. He began palpitating my tum as he sometimes does to get to just the right place for comfort before he finally sprawls across my chest.

As he did this, there were several areas that hurt...but the main pain is still the same one in the URQ that burns most of the time.

Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
elley0531
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 9434

Icon 1 posted      Profile for elley0531     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
basically nexium/prilosec/prevacid etc. are all PPIs-Proton Pump Inhibitors. This means they stop the majority of the acid that your stomach produces from ever being produced.

This in turn can lead to poor digestion (why I recommend digestive enzymes when on it), Vit B12 deficieny (I recommend starting a supplement while on it) gastritis (ironically enough-but it causes a more favorable environement for bacteria and fungi in the stomach itself-so you may want to up your probiotic dosage to include bacteria that will actually grow in your stomach-like the liquid probiotics), and if you try to go off them (nexium, prilosec) suddenly you will more than likely develop hyper acidity-basically all the acid that has been shut down starts flooding your stomach and really causes havoc-especially if you still have stomach irritation...causing you to go back on the meds.

That being said, prilosec took about 2 weeks to start to stop my stomach pain when my ulcer started, and after that I still had it off and on. The pain with an ulcer does come and go in severity. When is pain worse? What does the pain feel like? Any parts fo your tummy feel almost hard to the touch?

Posts: 594 | From NJ/NY | Registered: Jun 2006  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707

Icon 1 posted      Profile for Melanie Reber   Author's Homepage         Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Thank you again Elley,

Now I think I am understanding what you are getting at. I'm a bit slow on the uptake at times...so forgive me.

I have been on the Nexium 40mg daily since the 14th. Only 4 days so far, today will be the 5th. It does relieve the pain a bit, but the pain always comes back.

The URQ burning pain shows up at various times throughout the day, like right now. At times, it is only annoying, but at other times, I am bent over trying to push at it to make it stop somehow.

It lives right below my right rib cage about an inch, and is about 2 inches from the center of my body. If I feel there, it is tender always. But the burn happens even if I do not touch that place.

Yes, most times, it is very hard and tight in that region. It has even manifested as a peanut sized knot. I had my acupuncturist feel it too, so I knew I wasn't imagining things. If I try to stretch my back and bend backwards, it really hurts at that time...so I don't do that any longer!

At first it was just an ache that had migrated from the kidney flank areas, to the right side, and then to the GB area and ovary areas. I am still having intermittent ovary, or what I perceive as ovary, pains.

When this cluster of pains (along with many other symptoms) sent me into the ER, the differentials were GB, Kidney, Pancreas, Appendix, Spleen, etc. Just about everything that lives in the belly.
The docs wanted me to stay for more testing...but after all day there with no answers and feeling worse than when I arrived, I asked...well demanded...to be discharged.

I know that others with TBDs have also experienced these exact pains, so it is difficult to know what is actually at the root here. But having been off all meds (mostly Babs stuff) for a month now...this particular pain has not subsided, but has continued, and if anything has actually worsened.

I was going to try and begin meds today at a much reduced dosage...but need to do a bit more research to find out if the Nexium will be ok with my other meds first.

I also have a suspicion that the Ketek that I was on may have played a role here...but also need to try and find that information that I posted earlier with Ketek side effects.

Anyway, thanks for listening, and for helping! I do so appreciate your feedback!
M

Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
elley0531
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 9434

Icon 1 posted      Profile for elley0531     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
trust me I know the horrors of abdominal pain...and the fact that GI docs just can't seem to find a problem,

but here you are, a rock in your stomach-burning, cramping, agony. It really sucks on so many levels.

I know my ulcer is gone, but I am now stuck with chronic gastritis and stomach problems my docs couldn't figure out.

Examples:

My ovaries ache...not all the time, most of the time, and always from the start of ovulation to the end of my period.

I get lower right ab pain as well, and it feels like a physical swelling.

Also get right sided pain.

I am finally *knock on wood* getting a handle on my pain though...no thanks to the GI ducks.

I went to a chiro and started dr. naturas cleanse. The chiro started first, and I noticed an immediate change in my stomach. I soon realized my scoliosis, back pain, and such were related to my stomach pain. Turns out nevres that run things in my gi tract are being compressed!!!

It was anything wrong with my stomach really-just my back.

This has been about 3 weeks (for the cleanse) 4 weeks (chiro), and my stomach issues are about 75-80% better.

Have you gotten an endoscopy done? That would be a good idea to rule out ulcer. In any case you might want to consider seeing a chiro and getting spine xrays done.

I thought they were a complete waste of time until my stomach started coming back to life and I couldn't deny it anymore. I have less burning pain from gastritis too.

Posts: 594 | From NJ/NY | Registered: Jun 2006  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707

Icon 1 posted      Profile for Melanie Reber   Author's Homepage         Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Wow Elley,

I too have a pretty severe case of scoliosis. It shows up on every chest Xray.

I don't know if this happened from a motorcycle accident that I had at the age of 17, due to a leg length descrepency...

Or, if it was just something that I have always had.

I tried a shoe lift for awile for my 1/2" shorter leg, but that was always a pain to remember to wear...so, I no longer use it.

I do know that this problem has caused pain before, but always in my back muscles...I never thought of it causing trouble around front too.

Hmmm, it just so happens that my acupuncturist also shares an office with a chairo.

Perhaps, I should make an appointment with him as well?

Yes, I also have the severe ovulation pain...so I always know where I am in my cycle, but recently, they also hurt at other times as well.

On another thread here somewhere when I was first trying to figure this out...I wrote of a specific swelling of what actually felt like the fallopian tube on the right side.

I could actually feel this swollen tube in my lower right ab that was as thick as a piece of jute.

This went away after a few days...but was just another odd thing at the time.

We deal with so many odd things that come and go, that not much surprises me any longer.

But, this specific burning pain is perplexing me because it is not going away, but getting worse.

An endo would be my last resort...and I am not at that point yet.

Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
elley0531
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 9434

Icon 1 posted      Profile for elley0531     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
check it out with a chiro.

Scoliosis affects the parts of your back that house your GI nerves, so when they are compressed and irritated they can lead to a wide range of issues.

My ovary pain has also calmed down since starting chiro work.

I know all of its connected, because in the beginning the adjustments made these parts worse because the nerves were freaking out, but now a month later its so much better that I'm scared to get my hopes up.

Posts: 594 | From NJ/NY | Registered: Jun 2006  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
bbinme?
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 4665

Icon 1 posted      Profile for bbinme?     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
hi melanie, i had pyloric ulcer ore lyme disease, and the pain was horrific, i had several trips to the er. I think it had been brewing for a while. starting with dull achiness and indigestion etc to the sevrere pain in rright upper quad and mid chest and back area, i couldn't eat anything, and if i did i had the horrible pain within 15 minutes of eating. My pain may have been diferent from a gastric or duodenal ulcer because the pyloric sphincter opens and closes to the duodenum after eating, so you can imagine the pain after eating if you have an ulcer there. anyway , they had to make sure it wasn't my gall bladder, and it wasn't, i had a scope and i tested positive for h pylori, took antibiotics,nexium, bentyl(antispasmotic) and carafate for a while and it was healed on a follow up scope, thank god! so definatly no advil, follow a bland diet, no caffine at all! continue the nexium, and follow up if you don't feel any better, unfortunatly mine went undiagnosed for a while until it got that bad, only good thing is i lost about 15lbs cause i couldn't eat anything even fluids, hope this helps, good luck, Dee
Posts: 163 | From maine | Registered: Oct 2003  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
elley0531
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 9434

Icon 1 posted      Profile for elley0531     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
yeah, I got my ulcer ( or started feeling it anyway) xmas eve, so I didn't get to a doc for a week. Guess what i took 3 times a day for that week. Alka Seltzer.

Aspirin is in Alka Seltzer!!! I had no idea aspirin was bad for your stomach-its horrible they put that in a stomach medication.

I get so angry when I think about the excess damage I was causing my stomach by taking the alka selzer.

Posts: 594 | From NJ/NY | Registered: Jun 2006  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
elley0531
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 9434

Icon 1 posted      Profile for elley0531     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
yeah, I got my ulcer ( or started feeling it anyway) xmas eve, so I didn't get to a doc for a week. Guess what i took 3 times a day for that week. Alka Seltzer.

Aspirin is in Alka Seltzer!!! I had no idea aspirin was bad for your stomach-its horrible they put that in a stomach medication.

I get so angry when I think about the excess damage I was causing my stomach by taking the alka selzer.

Posts: 594 | From NJ/NY | Registered: Jun 2006  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Ann-OH
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2020

Icon 1 posted      Profile for Ann-OH     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Melanie, my first response to your subject head, "Ulcers, anyone?" was "No, Thanks."

Seriously, you should have your Gall Bladder checked out. It can be the culprit and refer pains all over your body. Been there, had that removed.

Good luck!
Ann - OH

--------------------
www.ldbullseye.com

Posts: 5705 | From Ohio | Registered: Jan 2002  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707

Icon 1 posted      Profile for Melanie Reber   Author's Homepage         Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Thanks Elley,
I will try to make a chairo appointment soon to get checked over. I do hope that your relief continues!

Hello Dee,
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I am so sorry that you had to deal with so much pain. I can relate. I am now to the point that eating sometimes hurts my tum as well...so, along with no appetite to begin with, I rarely think of food unless I have to take meds, and then it is the least amount that I can get away with.

Yes, it is definitely a weight loss plan...but I'm not too sure it is the best choice of plans. I'm down about 30 lbs now.

Hey Ann,
Thanks for the laugh...I needed that [Smile]
Actually I was in the ER over 2 months ago for this. At that time they did a GB ultrasound and all looked fine.

Now, I hate ER visits, and you would normally have to drag me kicking and screaming to get there, but everything that I researched at the time said in bold letters ``GET TO AN ER!'' One site after another said the same thing...''GET TO THE ER!'' I also knew that if I could have reached my LLMD at the moment he to would have said ``Get to the ER.''

So, being the stubborn, but sometimes logical fool that I am...I went to the ER...nothing.
Except, for the bill that is still pending with my former insurance company for around $7,000.

This is the main reason I am trying to stay away from any further testing...and trying to do the least invasive remedy possible.

I also know in the back of my mind that this may all just be another TBD thing that will leave on its own.
Only time will tell...

Melanie

Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935

Icon 1 posted      Profile for 5dana8   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Hey melanie

Sorry you have to go threw this. It does stink big time. I can really sypathize.

Just my personal opinion but if I where your mom I would say- get to a GI and get scoped. Thats the only way to know for sure if there is an ucler, erosion, gastitis ect..

If you don't want to get scoped you could consult with a GI duck & he probably would say-
nexium, carafate, and a bland ucler diet. Only know this from persnal experience & my mom has had many ulcers too.

Also small frequent meals helps. You don't want your tummy to be empty too long. The carafate helps too.

hope you can feel better soon [kiss]

--------------------
5dana8

Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707

Icon 1 posted      Profile for Melanie Reber   Author's Homepage         Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Hey Dana,

Sounds as if you would be a very good mom [Smile]

I will put the GI thingy on my to-do list...but it will have to be somewhere near the bottom right now while I wait to see IF the Nexium has any effect at all.

So far, not so good...but I am not giving up just yet!

Thanks,
M

Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707

Icon 1 posted      Profile for Melanie Reber   Author's Homepage         Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
As I was just fixing my daily concoction of juice mix to sip on all day...
it hit me that maybe this might not be such a great thing to be drinking at the moment:

100% cranberry and lemon juice watered down with a bit of aloe and milk thistle.

Would the lemon be a bit too acidic in this case?

Any feedback?

Thanks in advance,
M

Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935

Icon 1 posted      Profile for 5dana8   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Oh no Mel. [Eek!]

Stay away from the cranberry juice or any juice for that matter for the moment. Very acidic. Specially cranberry, citris, ect..

I am on an ulcer diet & all fruit juices I am not allowed to have. Except prune juice.

If you want I will pm you a copy of my ulcer diet. taking the ppi's(nexium) do not gauratee healing an ulcer. very important to follow the ulcer diet

Feel better soon. [kiss]

--------------------
5dana8

Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707

Icon 1 posted      Profile for Melanie Reber   Author's Homepage         Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Goodness Dana,

Seems I am doing absolutely everything I am not supposed to do IF it is indeed an ulcer.

Yes, if you will, please Email the info to me...
[email protected]

Thanks so much AGAIN!
M

Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
elley0531
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 9434

Icon 1 posted      Profile for elley0531     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
oh god not lemon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posts: 594 | From NJ/NY | Registered: Jun 2006  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707

Icon 1 posted      Profile for Melanie Reber   Author's Homepage         Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
OK, OK!!!

I get it! [Razz]

BUT...lemon water is supposed to be good for us, and cranberry juice was supposed to be good for the kidney issues I am having.

And for goodness sakes, trying to stop a New Orleans native from drinking cafe au lait and eating spicey food, is just asking way too much!

But...I DO get it, and I will try to change my evil ways. (perhaps this is why the Nexium isn't working so great?)

Now, stop fussing...I promise I will get this sorted out soon, OK?

Oh, and thanks! [Smile]
M

Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
elley0531
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 9434

Icon 1 posted      Profile for elley0531     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
http://heartburn.about.com/od/pepticulcers/a/ulcer_diet.htm

[Wink]

the diet SUCKS. I absolutely hated it, because I am someone who loves insane amounts of flavor and spice with food. It was hard to do.

Even with the prilosec though, I didn't start to feel better till I resigned myself to a diet of boredom.

I ate lots and lots of applesauce, baked fish and chicken (some garlic powder, basil, parsley are OK), lots of chicken soup, cooked veggies-raw are too tough to digest with an ulcer. Raw food=more acid needed to break down food=painful and irritated ulcer.

Here's a tip. If you're gonna cheat (I did at times, we're only human) chew a couple of DGL licorice tablets, make a nice fat mug of chamomile tea with slippery elm and marshmallow extracts. DGL and chamomile cut stomach inflammation and stop the belly lining from spasming. Marsh. and Slippery Elm increase mucus production in the gut and helps coat the ulcer.

Do this before and after cheating.

Posts: 594 | From NJ/NY | Registered: Jun 2006  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707

Icon 1 posted      Profile for Melanie Reber   Author's Homepage         Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Thanks again Elley,

I will have to check that out later...
now since I had to eat something to take Mepron, everything hurts again.

I think it is just the 4 day Mep ouches...and I just need to go back to bed for now.

M

Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
serendipity
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 8474

Icon 1 posted      Profile for serendipity     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Hi Melanie, [hi]

I do understand your hesitation to get more testing, see more ducks, but it does help to have a proper diagnosis. So a GI consult would be in order. First, I would stop aspirin, motrin or any other NSAID that you can do without. Do try to get an endoscopy to determine if you have gastritis, ulcer, h pylori, also less likely but possible celiac or whipple. And if the endoscopy shows that you don't have an ulcer, you won't have to fret about the coffee, lemons and nexium.

And right upper quadrant pain is ususally indicative or gallbladder/liver problems so further evaluation of these causes would be a good idea.

I had stomach pain-- well everywhere. Endoscopy with biopsy and colonscopy were both normal. So that was a relief. Now I am working on treating parasites which my LLMD found by energetic testing. After each treatment the pain goes away for many months. I keep getting reinfeted with parasites as my HCL is low (secondary to stress from lyme and life). So if I had taken Nexium as the first doctor had prescribed, it could have worsened the parasite situation.

I also have bladder/flank pain although my urinalysis and urine culture for bacteria are normal. LLMD thinks it is a fungal infection which flares up especially when I am fearful (kidney/bladder are related to worry and fear in chinese medicine).

Melanie, you have been through much. Hope some of this late night incoherent rambling will be of some help.
take care.

Posts: 628 | From the south | Registered: Dec 2005  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707

Icon 1 posted      Profile for Melanie Reber   Author's Homepage         Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Hey Serendipity,

Thanks so much for your reply...of course your suggestions are logical, and a logical person would most likely follow your advice.

I just feel like there are SO many factors in play here...that what I am experiencing doesn't seem logical to me.

I also realize that logic isn't always necessary to solve a problem. Because I know that faith, intuition and time, along with patience...go a long way to help us with healing.

I had to smile when you stated that if it wasn't an ulcer I wouldn't need to keep fretting about the coffee, lemons and Nexium...so true.

I think the key here is the idea of ``fretting''...and, it is true, I have done more than my share of this emotion recently. Even this isn't like me...so I also know that the diseases themselves and the supposed cure for the diseases are allowing this emotion to spiral out of control at times.

And even though we know now that stress is not the cause of ulcers, we also know that stress does not help the situation either. So, I am presently trying my hardest to reduce the stress levels in my life.

Yes, I have been through much recently...and what I have shared here, although quite a bit, doesn't even begin to cover it all.

But, that is just life...we all have major and minor issues that we must deal with.

Your comment about the flank pain was very interesting to me for this reason. I recently spoke with a wonderful friend of Eastern Indian decent...she made the exact same comment to me. ``We carry our worries in our stomach''

I would like to know more about what fungal infection and parasites you are dealing with...if you wouldn't mind sharing. And one more question...what does HCL stand for?

Thank you for taking the time to help,
M

Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
trueblue
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7348

Icon 1 posted      Profile for trueblue     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Hi Melanie,
HCL is short for Hydrochloric Acid (stomach acid).
Which is what the Nexium is reducing (or actually reducing the amount made by switching off the pumps that make it).

Generally, mine is too low and what appears as heartburn for me is actually too little HCL.


I hope you can get a test for H.Pylori soon and either rule this out or have just what you need to fix it. If you're going to see the accupuncturist before the Doc perhaps ask her if she can figure this out.


Drugs like Prevacid and Nexium make matters worse for me. I am even less able to digest food. Digestive enzymes have helped emormously in the past, however you need this checked out before you can do anything else.


There's something else I wanted to say here but can't remember... so... many hugs and I hope you get some relief soon.

--------------------
more light, more love
more truth and more innovation

Posts: 3783 | From somewhere other than here | Registered: May 2005  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
serendipity
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 8474

Icon 1 posted      Profile for serendipity     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Hi Melanie,

You have been through a tremendous amount from the little that you have shared with us. I have an admiration for how you are handling this, and of course it would be expected that you would have feelings of saddness, grief and fear now. Just recognizing them is a big step, acknowledging that they are there without judgement.

Faith is important to me, and I often remind myself to focus more on God and his purpose for me than statistics and odds from the medical establishment. It does take a certain amount of faith to do the logical thing though, to know everything including an endoscopy can be used and is used by God (or whatever one has faith in). Perhaps I am not making sense.

Well, while I am rambling

HCL aids in digestion and also protects us from parasites and other infections. Chronic illness, aging and stress loweres HCL. In my case I need more HCL.

I had numerous tests for for parasites, through the hosptiatl as well as places such as Diangos-Tech and Great Smokies. They all came back normal, which suprised me as I had abdominal pain, diarhea, and weight loss and traveled to Asia multiple times. And I believe most of us have parasites of some type, they cause problems when the parasite are particulary bad or our bodies are weakened.

My LLMD did a form of energetic testing, similar to ART, and found numerous parasites at different points in my treatment. Most recently he found Phlagellus and placed me on an herb (VRM1) and homeopathic (Vermepex by bioactive). Before that I was on other herbs for a good year (during the full moon). I have also used the Salt and C protocal at times. Energetic testing has helped me tremendously, much more than convential bloodwork or imaging.

The bladder pain I had was in the lower part of my abdomen, and accompanied by frequent trips to the bathroom. I haven't had an episode recently but last used U-tract (d-mannose) and rife frequencies for e-coli. I also did deep breathing and color therapy (blue glasses twice a day to calm the autonomic nervous system). When I was extremely fearful, the bladder symptoms were constant. I would do a course of treatment and the symptoms would go away, but just come back in a few weeks or a month.

You'll remain in my thougts and prayers melanie!

[ 22. September 2006, 06:18 PM: Message edited by: serendipity ]

Posts: 628 | From the south | Registered: Dec 2005  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829

Icon 1 posted      Profile for Tincup         Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Mountana said...

"My only concern was ``how then am I going to drink my coffee?''

Well, let me share something with you sugar pie.

My vote is to drink your coffee at a REASONABLE hour in the future.. and not EVER again do that drip, drip, drip thing with your coffee pot.. especially next to someone who is trying to SLEEP...

THEN annoy them even further by having the little girls room OCCUPIED when they awaken to dripping sounds and a full bladder!


[Big Grin]

--------------------
www.TreatTheBite.com
www.DrJonesKids.org
www.MarylandLyme.org
www.LymeDoc.org

Posts: 20353 | From The Moon | Registered: Jun 2004  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
trails
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1620

Icon 1 posted      Profile for trails     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
[hi]

I am jumping into your thread here melanie-- to give you a kiss
[kiss]

and a hug

[group hug]

I also wanted to point out that single sided flank pain in the absence of any urine culture or chemical abnormalities can be any number of things. Since you have two kidneys, it is very very rare that when one kidney is messed up it shows in blood or urine. typically the other kidney picks up and your test results are normal. When you have flank pain it is best to have a full work up with ultrasound and maybe even CT scan. Ultrasound dont hurt and they arent bad for you, just expensive and a pain to schedule or get a doc to prescribe. Did you have a RENAL ultrasound??

The queen bee of urology,
trails [Razz]

Posts: 1950 | From New Mexico | Registered: Sep 2001  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707

Icon 1 posted      Profile for Melanie Reber   Author's Homepage         Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Thanks for the clarification Bluebird,
I have an upcoming LLMD apt. on the 27th...so hopefully, we will be able to get to the bottom of this soon.

Thanks again Serendipity,
My emotional status changes I have found, depending on whatever meds I am on at the time.

Now, that I am beginning to recognize this pattern when it happens, I try to keep telling myself that ``it is just the meds...it is just the meds'', this usually works. (But a nice pair of ruby slippers wouldn't hurt either [Smile] )

You have confirmed exactly why I am not rushing out for any more testing at the moment...

In the past, I have been pretty good at passing all tests...but now after all these years of dealing with TBDs, my ability to pass tests has decreased! So very frustrating. And even though I KNOW testing is inaccurate at best- there still exists a bit of a feeling of failure when you don't ``pass'' a blood, or other medical test. Illogical...but there it is.

So, let me ask a hypothetical question...probably a very na�ve question...because it was Babs meds that put me in this current state...would that indicate some other parasitic pathogen that I might be harboring? In other words, the meds for Babs are for parasites...so perhaps, the extreme reaction that I had to this medication could indicate other parasitic problems besides babs?

Thanks for your answers and for your patience.

Hey Moon-Pie,
[Razz]

Actually, I would like to take this opportunity to express my most sincere gratitude for ALL that you have done to help me with this. Others may not be aware...but TC has been my surrogate doc for years now, and has taken the time and effort to try and help me on more occasions than I can even begin to mention.

And, I also know that I am only one of thousands who have benefited from her expertise. I sure love you gal...even when you bug me about my coffee habits!

Hey Trails,
Yes, I DO know very well that you are the Queen Bee of urology...what a title!
No, I have not had a renal ultrasound, or CT scan, or any other fancy smancy testing done...yet. Thank you for everything.

Even though this post was asking for information about my pain, I do feel as if it could help others too with all of the great information that each of you have provided.

Thank you for sharing.
Much love to each of you,
Melanie

Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
just don
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1129

Icon 1 posted      Profile for just don     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Hey there "Sweet" Melanie,

I am probably going to tell you what you DONT want to hear!!

I know how badly you want to AVOID expensive testing, and the reasoning is sound!!

MY suggestion is to do better and MORE reliable testing than any duck can and will do for you with pleasure, (most pleasurable for them is to spend YOUR hard earned money.) They are well enough paid they think 'everybody' has there considerable financial resources!!

So what testing can you do for yourself?? With probably "BETTER" results??

First of all you MUST give up the 'coffee' to see IF that is a helper or a hinderer. After all it is mostly a habit, sorta like smoking and drinking, and CAN be postponed OR dropped like a hot piece of iron by an amatuer blacksmith!!

We all know it will make you not feeling so good for awhile,,,but IF that is causing worse probs, which do you want?? The caffenine withdrawl will diminish pretty quickly. I NEVER drank coffee but a boat load of soda pop which is about the same. Throw it away and dont look back!!! Is there anything you can substitute with that doesnt have caffine?? And acidity?? Try three glasses of water instead.

And stay busy to keep mind off of. Wash dishes three times a day, wash neighbors dishes, rewash your windows, wash your car, wash your cat!! Start over.

Try NOT eatting the 'Orleans' crusine for awhile too, one thing at a time. And NO garlic, that drives ME up the wall!!

If it IS food derived ulcers, no doctor CAN do any more for it than YOU can. GO for it!!!Takes more will power than anyone but YOU , could muster!! YOU are strong, prove it!!! Plenty of experimenting to do..... IF "YOU" want to...today is the first day of the rest of your life!!!We ALL have to change our cherished ways!!!YOU can make YOU better. RIGHT? Willpower, not easy or fun, but DOABLE!! Wanna dance???asking cuz I B --just don--

--------------------
just don

Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935

Icon 1 posted      Profile for 5dana8   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Just wanted to say it was durning my babs treatment that my stomach finally gave out completly. Was scoped & found many erosions:(

It was a brave little tropper & put up with 3 years of just about every castic meds I threw down it. I think it deserves some sort of medal or something. Maybe a small trophy-something tasteful [Big Grin]

Hope you feel better soon melanie [kiss]

[ 23. September 2006, 02:44 PM: Message edited by: 5dana8 ]

--------------------
5dana8

Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
trueblue
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7348

Icon 1 posted      Profile for trueblue     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
quote:
Originally posted by Melanie Reber:
So, let me ask a hypothetical question...probably a very na�ve question...because it was Babs meds that put me in this current state...would that indicate some other parasitic pathogen that I might be harboring? In other words, the meds for Babs are for parasites...so perhaps, the extreme reaction that I had to this medication could indicate other parasitic problems besides babs?

I've been wondering the same thing from the outset. Since I started on the Artemisinin, first, and it being an anti-parasitic... and had such an intense reaction to it... I wonder if there's not a boat load of parasites going on.

I think if they're this pi$$ed off it must be killing the little buggers. [Smile]

I sure hope that logic follows. But I do think we'll get there, albiet slower than I'd hoped.

Hang in there, I hope you get some relief soon.
Much love,
bluebird


(since temporarily stopping ABX on monday, abdominal pain/problems have increased big time, ugh!) i'd put that hurling smilie here but he makes me want to...

--------------------
more light, more love
more truth and more innovation

Posts: 3783 | From somewhere other than here | Registered: May 2005  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
lymesux
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 6248

Icon 1 posted      Profile for lymesux     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Mel,
Thinking of you, hoping you are feeling better and get some answers on the 27th.

Lots of Hugs,
NE

Posts: 799 | From home | Registered: Sep 2004  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
   

Quick Reply
Message:

HTML is not enabled.
UBB Code� is enabled.

Instant Graemlins
   


Post New Topic  New Poll  Post A Reply Close Topic   Feature Topic   Move Topic   Delete Topic next oldest topic   next newest topic
 - Printer-friendly view of this topic
Hop To:


Contact Us | LymeNet home page | Privacy Statement

Powered by UBB.classic™ 6.7.3


The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:

The Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey
907 Pebble Creek Court, Pennington, NJ 08534 USA


| Flash Discussion | Support Groups | On-Line Library
Legal Resources | Medical Abstracts | Newsletter | Books
Pictures | Site Search | Links | Help/Questions
About LymeNet | Contact Us

© 1993-2020 The Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Use of the LymeNet Site is subject to Terms and Conditions.