Gastritis

[Guest guest]

Happy New Year group,

About 2 months ago I developed a gut problem

reflus, gut cramping hurting with and without food,

sometmes eating a little helped sometimes it didn't,

frequently waking me up at night, weight loss (have lost more

in one week than did in any week during my post surgery

weight loss of 3 1/2 years)

I went to a gastroentrologist and had all the tests, endoscopy, etc.

Found I had severe gastritis, and borderline anemia.

The doctor started me on Carafate 1gm QID for 1 month.

I have been taking it now for a week and the gut is not improving.

I called Dr. R this morning and he recommends d/cing the

Carafate and taking Protonix 40mg. TID for 2 weeks, increasing the

yogurt to BID, and increasing the fiber. Dr. R told me that MGB'ers

with gastritis usually don't respond as well to the carafate as

to the protonix given on a stepped up basis.

I have now called my gastro back and left a message asking him to call Dr. R

and see if he will change my medication regime to the Protonix.

Hope this helps anyone else who may be suffering with the same symptoms or

who may one day develop them. (I hope you never do, it aint pretty)

Will answer questions, be a contact to anyone.

It's been 3 1/2 years down from 311 to 135, have had my gallbladder

removed, a total knee replacement, d/c'ed my blood pressure medication.

Contine to have trouble with arthritis, fibromyalgia, thyroid and depression

as well as menapause. Without the surgery, I doubt seriously I could

have handled the medical problems as well as I am and still be able

to work. Next year we are looking to replace both hips. BTW I am

only a young 54, with small children so I gotta keep going.

jane brenton

dover tn

5-17-02

311/135

and lovin it