Am I allowed to vent here about a medical issue? I have an ulcer and haven't eaten in 8 days.

I’m not asking for advice or sympathy, I just need to vent.

So near the beginning of the year, I started dry heaving every morning. I’d get up, go to the bathroom, feed the dogs and then it happened. Nothing ever came up. I was concerned, so I made a gastric appointment, but, of course, that was months away.

In the intervening time, I stopped eating. I didn’t eat for 21 days. I was living off of Gatorade and Ensure. I could drink, but the very thought of eating made me feel sick and actually trying was just not possible.

But then that stopped and I just went back to the heaving and had to wait until June to see the gastric doc. Actually a nurse. She scheduled me for a scope in July, which is when they discovered the ulcer. They put me on Protonix, which is a protein pump inhibitor. It did precisely nothing about the heaving.

So now I’m not eating again. I got an emergency meeting on Monday with the doctor who did the scope and he was totally unconcerned and told me, for a $50 copay mind you, to add Mylanta to my medication and call him in 2 weeks. I can barely choke it down and I’m still heaving and I’m still not eating.

And I can’t even drink Ensure anymore. I did last night and felt so sick. Also I fucking hate Gatorade so much, but I found out that the reason the taste is so strong is to cover the awful, awful taste of whatever the electrolyte mixture is because you can totally taste it with Propel.

My wife did research and loss of appetite is indeed a symptom of gastric ulcers, which may be why the doctor didn’t seem to care, but wow does this suck.

No other appointments with any other gastric doc within a 90 minute drive is available within the next two weeks. Two weeks from Tuesday will be another 21 days. Maybe I’ll go for a new record this time.

pedal2dametal,

I have similar issues like yours.

Ulcers can form in the upper GI tract due to excess acid production, or lack of food, or chronic acid reflux due to hiatus hernia or insufficient gastro-esophageal valve closure. Each needs different sets of treatments. But if the treatments are not working, then you need to get tested for H. Pylori infection on one of the ulcers. It’s a bacteria that really needs antibiotic treatment for it to go away, else the ulcer will persist indefinitely. To diagnose H Pylori, you need a an endoscopic biopsy done of the ulcer. Demand the doctor to get yourself tested for h pylori.

If possible, peanut butter is a good nutrient. Has good proteins and fat, and is easily swallowable. Avoid caffeine, tea, smoking, alcohol, anything citric, candy, sugary products, pineapple, papaya, hot (as in chilli hot) foods, chilies, chocolates, etc.

I wouldn’t recommend Gatorade, as often has added acids for the flavor, which is not good for your GI tract right now. You can get unflavoured Oral rehydration powders over the counter, and use those only if you are dehydrated or feeling weak. Surviving on just salts and sugars is not good. You need macro nutrients for the wound to heal…

Ensure is fine, but not enough and very sugary. As I said earlier, have peanut butter. If you can have green leafy salads with some feta cheese, that is very good. I know it’s very difficult to feel like eating amid the constant feeling of uneasiness and nausea, but you need to find some space in between. Maybe when it is the least worse.

RecursiveParadox,
@RecursiveParadox@lemmy.world avatar

Is accurate, can confirm. Did both investigations into the PPIs when they went OTC and have severe reflux, been scoped twice (fun!)

pedal2dametal,

Did you find a remedy?

Treczoks,

Have you considered asking a GP or going to ER with that?

FlyingSquid,
@FlyingSquid@lemmy.world avatar

Done both already last time around. Neither of them even suggested an ulcer. They said it was salmonella or something similar. At least this time around I know I have an ulcer.

Meuzzin,

I had ulcers a lot when I was younger. If you go to the ER, they will give you Milk of Magnesia with Lidocaine in it (basically). Which almost immediately curbs the pain. The cure, for mine atleast, was Nexium for a few months, then a steady dose of Omeprezol (each one reduces acid from different sources). Over time, all my stomach problems went away. I still take Omeprezol, but maybe 25gm every 2 weeks, if that.

FlyingSquid,
@FlyingSquid@lemmy.world avatar

If you go to the ER, they will give you Milk of Magnesia with Lidocaine in it (basically).

You would think that would help, but last time I went, they did that and not only did it not stop the nausea, it caused me to soil myself in the hospital bed because it went straight through me. That was fun.

TimeMuncher2,

Not a doctor but you can try drinking cold apple juice or black grape juice. If these aren't available then refrigerated water melon or very ripe bananas or coconut water. These will give you some appetite and cool down the stomach acid which is causing the ulcer.

FlyingSquid,
@FlyingSquid@lemmy.world avatar

Maybe coconut water. The rest I don’t think I could handle. Too strong a taste.

TimeMuncher2,

Tried rice porridge? The rice should be over cooked to mushy. Really bland taste and soup like consistency. Like cardboard soup.

FlyingSquid,
@FlyingSquid@lemmy.world avatar

I doubt I’d be able to eat it. It would smell like rice. Anything with a food smell is bad right now unless it’s a sweet smell.

TimeMuncher2,

Oh, okay. Does Ice cream smell good or bad? What about yogurt? Or fresh fruits? Dry fruits like figs, dates, almonds, berries, etc? There's lots of stuff to eat and get energy. Energy bars? Don't lose hope. Try everything and stick with what you like.

FlyingSquid,
@FlyingSquid@lemmy.world avatar

I’m not without hope, but if Ensure makes me feel awful, I don’t know that I’m ready to try any of that. Especially the more solid stuff.

dragonflyteaparty, (edited )

How quickly are you eating/drinking? It’s not quite the same, but when my oldest was a baby and throwing up, we were told to only give her a tablespoon of Pedialyte every 15 minutes. Maybe (if you aren’t already) you could try small sips every ten to fifteen minutes and see how that goes. Another comment suggested Pedialyte will taste better than Gatorade which I agree with. I’ve drank it myself to hydrate. The cherry is pretty nice.

FlyingSquid,
@FlyingSquid@lemmy.world avatar

Very slowly.

dragonflyteaparty,

Hmm… Part of it for me can be psychological. If I know this thing has made me throw up, I’m more likely to do so quicker the next time. Can you distract yourself while sipping?

You also said that the next doctor wouldn’t be available for two weeks anyway. Have you called and explained the situation? Maybe added how much weight you’ve lost and how quickly do they can understand how dire this is?

FlyingSquid,
@FlyingSquid@lemmy.world avatar

I don’t know if you’re in the U.S. but here, specialists usually don’t see you for months. I was really lucky that they felt bad enough to slot me in for an appointment with the first doctor on Monday. I called all over the place and no one was able to get a slot in within that timeframe.

thelongshot93,

Put butter and cinnamon sugar in it. Probably an excessive amount of sugar so that it’s sweet enough for you to eat. Or cinnamon toast?

FlyingSquid,
@FlyingSquid@lemmy.world avatar

I really don’t think you understand the whole me not eating because of the nausea thing here.

thelongshot93,

I got the whole not eating/nausea thing. You said you couldn’t eat anything unless it smelled sweet.

FlyingSquid,
@FlyingSquid@lemmy.world avatar

No, I said I couldn’t take the smell unless it smelled sweet.

teruma,

oh man I remember watered down gatorade being too strong when I got stupid nauseous from anemia. I had it for a weekend and I can’t imagine being like that for a month…

itsyourmom,
@itsyourmom@artemis.camp avatar

I’m not a doctor… but if you need electrolytes, and hate the taste of Gatorade… you could try pedialyte. I’ve never tasted it personally, but I’d assume since it’s geared towards children… it’s gotta taste a tad better than Gatorade… hopefully?

I’d also suggest broths or soups if you’re able to tolerate them. That would help to hydrate you and give you some vitamins and minerals. Oh, also take a multivitamin or supplement to help you during this difficult digestive time..

I wish you good luck and good health. 🤞🏻 the specialists get to the bottom of this and you’re feeling better soon!

FlyingSquid,
@FlyingSquid@lemmy.world avatar

Thanks!

ozymandias,

That sucks. Hope you get better soon! Do you have a primary care physician or family doctor? They should be able to help you with prescription medication for nausea and also help manage your acid. Are you taking max dose protonic already for example. I would also suggest to get tested for helicobacter pylori.

FlyingSquid,
@FlyingSquid@lemmy.world avatar

I am taking the max dose, yes. I have a family doctor, but last time I was given pills for nausea, none of them worked. I tried three.

idunnololz,
@idunnololz@lemmy.world avatar

I had this. I thought I was dying or something. The good news is I got better and it has never happened again. The bad news is it took like a month.

I think I just ate soups for the month. I also remembered Gatorade somehow helped.

But yeah it sucks. Hang in there!

FlyingSquid,
@FlyingSquid@lemmy.world avatar

Thanks! I’m trying!

idunnololz, (edited )
@idunnololz@lemmy.world avatar

Oh yeah I also did go to the doctor and they diagnosed me but IIRC they didn’t give me any medication for it. I can’t remember the reason. I guess it’s one of those things that just need time to heal?

Edit: this was really long ago so my memory is hazy. I think what it was was they scheduled some tests but by that time I was feeling better.

FFbob,

Did you do an H.Pylori test? Might be hard since it’s a fecal matter culture, but that’s treatable now.

FlyingSquid,
@FlyingSquid@lemmy.world avatar

Not yet, but I think the ulcer is already the most likely explanation. It’s the lack of action on it on the doctor’s part that is so frustrating.

StorminNorman,

H. pylori causes stomach ulcers. The people who found the connection won a Nobel prize for it. Also, I don’t know what the person who suggested you get tested for it is on, you don’t need a fecal sample to get tested - you just drink a liquid, wait a short while, then blow in a bag. As for the lack of action, you’re in the early stages of seeing a physician, they aren’t going to let the horses go at full gallop unless you’re on deaths door. Until then, baby steps. Which sucks, I’ve been there. But it is what it is, and you’ve got to suck it up for now.

starlainjury,

Something similar to this happened to me because of food allergies (undiagnosed wheat and milk casein, gastroenteritis for over a week). Can you try switching to plant based ensure?

FlyingSquid,
@FlyingSquid@lemmy.world avatar

I can try I guess, but I definitely don’t have a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance.

starlainjury,

I didn’t think so either in my case, but my stomach lining didn’t agree. I ended up doing a blood test through Everlywell and found out I’m allergic to a hell of a lot of things. I hope your issues clear up soon 💗

FlyingSquid,
@FlyingSquid@lemmy.world avatar

Thanks!

half_built_pyramids,

Pet theory that a lot of doctors are sociopaths and join the profession for the power and money. Rare to find one that actually cares about people and hasn’t burnt out.

SpiderShoeCult,

Or they just have become so desensitized to suffering and conditions that they became sociopaths in the process. Point being that it’s either that or getting burned out, but I don’t think the profession attracts that many sociopaths, it just makes them.

BEZORP,

I know a few nurses in the neighbourhood and this is basically their survival strategy.

TimeMuncher2,

I doubt it will help them mentally if they get emotionally involved with every patient and console everyone. One or two dozen patients a day or more than 50 in a hospital will wreck them completely. I think of them like they are car mechanics. No wonder they can easily cut people during surgery without blinking an eye. That professional is not for the weak minded.

enthusiasticamoeba,

Absolutely. Dentists too. If you were a sadist and wanted a job with the most potential for causing pain, medical professions would be high on the list.

half_built_pyramids,

I told an assistant once to warn me before she cleaned a sensitive tooth. That fucker got 10x the attention of every other tooth.

TonyTonyChopper,
@TonyTonyChopper@mander.xyz avatar

maybe it was sensitive because it was 10x as dirty

half_built_pyramids,

Yeah, was using it on your mom

enthusiasticamoeba,

Was having two small cavities filled. The dentist only numbed one of them. When I yelped after she drilled into the live tooth, she rolled her eyes and said she “didn’t think I’d notice”.

When the novocaine wore off, I had been actually butchered. The insides of my cheeks and tongue were cut up, my gums were cut up, and my lips were split open and swollen from being pulled so far open.

It was my first filling. I didn’t know that it wasn’t normal.

Afterwards I switched to a practice for people with dental phobia, and have never looked back! They don’t do anything special except be gentle, explain everything, and most importantly, STOP when you say so. But I have never been let down. I nearly fell asleep during a root canal just a few weeks ago, it was so painless and stress free.

sin_free_for_00_days,

I used to think I’d deal with any side effects if I could find something to control my appetite. Reading your account, I have to revise my thoughts on that.

FlyingSquid,
@FlyingSquid@lemmy.world avatar

I felt the same way before earlier this year. I’m not exactly thin, but I did do a bunch of exercise and dieting before the pandemic and got down to 200 pounds, which is about 20 pounds above my ideal weight. If I lose as much weight this time as I did last time, I’ll be back down to 200. So I guess that’s a bonus.

SpiderShoeCult,

This sounds like a wish on a monkey’s paw type situation.

I’m curious, if you care to share, how’s the rest of your digestive system holding up? I’d imagine nothing solid for this amount of time would wreak havoc on the gut flora. Any worries on constipation or diarrhea once you start back eating?

Regardless, vent acknowledged!

FlyingSquid,
@FlyingSquid@lemmy.world avatar

I’m not sure how I would be able to tell how the rest is holding up. Not well I imagine. What comes out is basically rock hard though.

weariedfae,

Dude, that sucks. I totally understand the medical situation as I also live somewhere with dismissive doctors and no real options.

I don’t have any advice, I just agree that it sucks.

FlyingSquid,
@FlyingSquid@lemmy.world avatar

Thanks. I really wasn’t looking for advice anyway. I just needed somewhere to let it all out.

commie,

soylent is great.

Sabre363,

This sounds a lot more serious than a casual doctor’s visit in a couple weeks. If I were you, I would go to urgent care or maybe even the ER and not leave until they get you in to see a specialist. Take a family member to vouch for you if that would help.

FlyingSquid,
@FlyingSquid@lemmy.world avatar

He would be that specialist. This isn’t a big city. And I can’t go to some nearby city’s ER.

Also, I went to urgent care once and the ER twice last time. No help whatsoever. Nothing even showed up on a CT scan.

But I appreciate it.

Lamp33,

You’re not going to be seen by a GI doctor in the emergency department for dry heaving or for abdominal pain. You might see them if you have active GI bleed and need an emergent EGD (scope) and have to be admitted to the ICU.

Fedegenerate,

That’s rough buddy… Memes aside that does, indeed, sound rough.

Blaze,
@Blaze@discuss.tchncs.de avatar

Feel free to vent here, or on !casualconversation .

I know the sub used to prevent this kind of topics, but Lemmy is too small to have this kind of restrictions

Good luck, it seems horrible…

FlyingSquid,
@FlyingSquid@lemmy.world avatar

Thanks. I appreciate it.

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