I was first diagnosed with Gastritis somewhere around 2009. I went to a Gastroenterologist for bloating. He performed an endoscopy and wrote 'Gastritis' on my encounter form and sent me on my way.
For some strange reason after that I got better. He gave me Nexium samples and that was it. Now he did write on my charge sheet for me to come back in 2 months, but I didn't because I woke up during my endoscopy. The only thing they gave me for sedation was versed, Valium and some other (conscious sedation) mix.
Well like I said, when I woke up during my procedure, the line was down my throat and I was gagging. I remember them looking at me saying 'It's OK Tammie! It's OK!
There was nothing I could do. I was at their mercy. Later on I passed out again.
In all fairness to the Gastroenterologist, he did ask me how much Ibuprofen was I taking. I think I told him around 600mg as needed for painful menses. And I don't remember him commenting on that. He just kept staring at my chart and asking other question.
Later he examined me, pressing down on my belly asking 'does this hurt? Does that hurt?' My response to all his questions were 'no.' So after that he said, "Well if you like I will take a look inside, but I think its all in your head."
What??
OK so he did the endoscopy. I miraculously felt better so that was that. Well somewhere around 2011. I got sick again. This time my symptoms intensified. They were worse than before, so I went to another Gastroenterologist.
I saw a nurse practitioner. She examined me. I filled out a lengthy patient history form. They did ask what medications I was on. Everything I take is OTC. I'm usually never sick until its time for my cycle. Then here comes the pain. But any who, the practitioner decided that it was my diet. She put me on Miralax. Told me to eat gluten-free bread because I did mention that I was lactose intolerant.
Well that didn't work. I think they wanted me to follow up too, but I didn't. I didn't think they could help me, so I didn't go back. Well around 2012. I was getting sicker. Then I went back. Here comes the same practitioner with the same questions. After we ruled out 'poop' issues (sorry if that grosses anyone out) She said, you need a endoscopy.
OK well I had a endoscopy and a colonoscopy. This time the gastroenterologist gave me Propofol for sedation. And it worked like a charm. I literally blinked and the test was over. When I awoke my dad was in the room with me. He said the doctor said for me to lay off of 'ibuprofen', but I didn't have to discontinue it completely. He recommended I take Prilosec to heal my belly, but I asked for a rx for Nexium instead. (I thought it may work because I had it before)
OK spent $300 on Nexium. It did not work! I didn't take the prilosec because in the past it made my stomach hurt so I just skipped it.
I asked the nurse what should I do and she was like 'well....the doctor is really concerned about your anemia. You are loosing blood and he wants to know where its going.'
All the while I'm thinking. Man can you fix my belly first? Things had gotten so bad, I couldn't drink water. I could only comfortably eat 2 small meals a day. It was a complete nightmare!
Since the doctor didn't recommend any medicine for me to take, they just sort of left me in limbo; I didn't go back. I mean what was the use? They wouldn't give me any medicine. And the last time I asked the nurse practitioner I was seeing why couldn't they give me meds she said 'well honey, we don't know what to give you!'
After that, one day I got really bad. I wasn't on any medicine. Just trying to make it the best way I could. I thought that since it had been a year since I'd had ibuprofen, my belly would heal on its own. And you know what? It didn't! I got worse! A lot worse!
I ended up in the hospital because I thought my appendix had ruptured. Well come to find out, it was the gastritis issue again. At first the surgeon was going to take out my gallbladder because the radiologist notated on a CT that it looked inflamed, but once they did an ultrasound, they found that my gallbladder was fine.
One of the surgeons told me, that he was writing me a rx for Prilosec. I told him it hurt my stomach. He said 'take it anyway. There is too much acid in your belly.'
You know what guys, that was the best advice any doctor had ever given me. And that was September 2013. Here it is April 2014 and I am still battling this issue. Why you ask?
I had a minor set back at a hematologist office, because the gastroenterologist kept screaming about my anemia. So I went to a hematologist to get iron infusions. Well guess what? I had an allergic reaction to that and fainted in the office. It was a mess. I ended up in the ED.
Long story short. I am still suffering from gastropathy. I think I would have been farther along than I am now, had I not had the iron infusion. But still I will take what little break in the clouds I can get.
I still have a ways to go before I am back to being normal. But I am completely hopeful! The only thing that upsets me about my doctors is that none of them told me to be careful of my ibuprofen intake, once they discovered I even used the drug. Had I known then what I know now, I would have thrown those darn pills in the garbage!!!
Anyway, that's why I will tell everybody I know that if you are using Ibuprofen or Acetametaphines, be careful !! Go by the instructions. Do not exceed the recommended dosages.
For my case I only take acetametaphines now. And use heat for my belly. I hope my post helps someone. If you have questions or would like to share your story. Leave your comments below.
Take care Peeps!!
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