Anyone know about Ulcers?

[chibi]

My boyfriend was having severe burning in his stomach for the last
month or so. He thought he was lactose intolerant at first, but then
later we realized he wasnt and that it was most likely an ulcer. He
takes motrin almost daily for his headaches, so I am not surprised, but
he went to the doctor, and GOD LOVE THOSE DOCTORS he just nodded as
chris described his pain and then threw a box of free samples at him
and sent him on his way. No tests, nothing. He gave him prevacid,
saying that would help to heal the ulcer, but that was the end of it.
So angry. Anyway, hes still having 'attacks' of pain and a little
nausea on some days. Has anyone here had experience with ulcers and
have any reccomendations? I Keep telling him to avoid eating/drinking
certain things but he isnt always careful.

[ontariogirl]

I have an ulcer, they can be painful. I take 20mg of Pariet every morning.
I had a test for Helicobacter pylon and the test hasn't come back yet.
Avoid taking aspirin and any anti inflammatory drugs. Eat small snacks during the day- don't let your stomach go hungry, aviod caffeine beverages and foods that contain caffeine. Watch out for citrus drinks or fruits, alcohol.
Drink lots of water. Don't drink lots of milk as a barrier it will make it worse.

[sillygirl]

He should also get tested for H Pylori. They are finding that more and more ulcers are caused by that bacteria. If that is the cause, Prevacid may help ease the symptoms, but it isn't going to kill tha bacteria. If hte bacteria isn't killed, the ulcer will never really go away. I definitely think he should get a second opinion. Did he see a gastroenterologist or just his primary doctor? He really should see a specialist. If they don't suggest any testing, he should ask about it. Especially the h pylori testing. It is a really simple blood test. Good luck with the doctors! When my husband had the same problem they kept brushing it off as a sv. It took him v* for a week, two hospital visits and a doctors visit to finally get cured. I hope he feels better!

[ontariogirl]

How long did it take for his results to get back sillygirl? I am still waiting for mine and its been almost 3 weeks

[sheri-baby]

Has he tried eliminating Motrin as the cause of his pain?...and finding out the cause of his daily headaches?

[blueiz25]

He can have an upper gi with barium, or an upper gi with edoscopy to see if he trul y has ulcers. Hes symptoms are such that the doctor feels very strongly that he has an ulcer. The treatment is te same. He needs to immediately stop taking any pain medication other than tylenol or whatever the doc prescribes. This is probably what got him to this point. He could have chronic gastritis, which is inflammation of the lining of your stomach tnat has all the saem symptoms of an ulcer. H pylori is one of the leading causes of ulcers, but is not the only cause.

[sillygirl]

ontariogirl - his results were immediate. He was in the hospital v* blood, so they had to figure something out really quick. The lab was in the hospital so it only took maybe an hour to run the test. 3 weeks is a really long time. They tested me after he was diagnosed with it to see if I had it too. They are still kind of unsure about how you get it, if it is contagious, etc., so I took the test just to be sure. Mine had to be sent out, but it still only took maybe 3 days or so to get the results. Have you called to see if they are in yet? I'm not sure how the Canadian medical system works, but I can't imagine it really takes that long for results! I'm guessing the got lost in the shuffle somewhere.

[ontariogirl]

I know, on Monday I will be calling the office to see what is going on... thanks sillygirl for replying

[sillygirl]

ontariogirl - did you ever get your results?