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Inflamed Esophagus And Gastritis, Heartburn, Pain In Lower Abdomen, Loss Of Appetite, Bloodwork Normal. On Carafate
Question: Are there any conditions you can think of that would manifest with inflamed esophagus and mild gastritis (as per endoscopy), constant severe heartburn, pain following eating in lower abdomen which has resulted in loss of appetite, bloodwork relatively normal aside from slightly elevated d dimer of 468. Have had chest and abdomen x rays, CT of abdomen and pelvis, and CT with contrast (because of d dimer results). All normal, citing only mild scoliosis which I have had all my life, resulting in intermittent back pain, use of pain meds, NSAID's, etc. Currently off all pain meds and NSAIDs. Pain has persisted for a month. Have lost five pounds in last week because eating has become a trial due to how it makes me feel. Already on a PPI and carafate 4 x a day. No improvement.
Hello,
Thank you for contacting XXXXXXX with your query.
You mention that your endoscopic examination showed inflamed esophagus and also mild gastritis. I am glad to hear that all the blood work, abdominal x-rays, CT-Scans were normal.
D-Dimer results may be secondary to medications even NSAIDS that you were on. Glad you are off them and that should help healing of the inflammation faster. You definitely have acid excess or acid sensitivity and the PPI that you are on should help.
It is however very important that you take the PPI properly.
The best time to take this is about 60-90 mins before you eat your main meal of the day, be it breakfast or lunch. If a single dose does not help, a second dose taken again 60-90 mins before your evening meal will be helpful. Carafate has no effect on acid production, but it can coat the lining and protect from acid or NSAID damage.
It is very important that you avoid excess caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, tomato based products, cheese and excess milk. Avoid spicy foods and foods that are fatty and greasy. Fat slows down the stomach emptying and the acid has more time staying in the stomach to cause damage. Probably, your weight loss may be due to poor intake.
You mention loss of appetite. May be combination of factors including worrying about your ongoing problems. Try to relax, take walks, deep breathing exercises would be helpful.
If you have any increase in abdominal pain, vomiting, black stools etc., and then you need a repeat endoscopy.
I also suggest that you have a sonogram of the gallbladder to rule out gallstones.
Hope these suggestions are helpful to you.
I wish you the very best.
Thank you for contacting XXXXXXX with your query.
You mention that your endoscopic examination showed inflamed esophagus and also mild gastritis. I am glad to hear that all the blood work, abdominal x-rays, CT-Scans were normal.
D-Dimer results may be secondary to medications even NSAIDS that you were on. Glad you are off them and that should help healing of the inflammation faster. You definitely have acid excess or acid sensitivity and the PPI that you are on should help.
It is however very important that you take the PPI properly.
The best time to take this is about 60-90 mins before you eat your main meal of the day, be it breakfast or lunch. If a single dose does not help, a second dose taken again 60-90 mins before your evening meal will be helpful. Carafate has no effect on acid production, but it can coat the lining and protect from acid or NSAID damage.
It is very important that you avoid excess caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, tomato based products, cheese and excess milk. Avoid spicy foods and foods that are fatty and greasy. Fat slows down the stomach emptying and the acid has more time staying in the stomach to cause damage. Probably, your weight loss may be due to poor intake.
You mention loss of appetite. May be combination of factors including worrying about your ongoing problems. Try to relax, take walks, deep breathing exercises would be helpful.
If you have any increase in abdominal pain, vomiting, black stools etc., and then you need a repeat endoscopy.
I also suggest that you have a sonogram of the gallbladder to rule out gallstones.
Hope these suggestions are helpful to you.
I wish you the very best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Are you referring to a hidascan when you suggest a sonogram of the gall bladder or is this somethin separate? I am scheduled to have a colonoscopy in XXXXXXX should I be pushing for something sooner or with the CT enterography be sufficient for now?
My current diet is limited to coconut water, aloe Vera juice, and small amounts of protein ( a few oz of chicken) and an occasional piece of bread. And even then eating is painful afterwards.
Since the pain resonates/flows in severity from middle of sternum (more heartburn-esque) to mid abdomen feeling of firey pain to lower intestinal change in bowel movements, what else could this be? What else should i be looking at?
My current diet is limited to coconut water, aloe Vera juice, and small amounts of protein ( a few oz of chicken) and an occasional piece of bread. And even then eating is painful afterwards.
Since the pain resonates/flows in severity from middle of sternum (more heartburn-esque) to mid abdomen feeling of firey pain to lower intestinal change in bowel movements, what else could this be? What else should i be looking at?
Hello XXXXXX
I am talking about a regular ultrasound or sonogram of the gallbladder. HIDA scan is to find out if you have inflammation like acute cholecystitis or to show there is dysfunction of the sphincter muscle.
I am glad that you are going for colonoscopy. Since you have been off of all pain medications (NSAIDS), the healing process will proceed smoothly so long as you are taking the PPI prescribed.
I wish you the very best.
I am talking about a regular ultrasound or sonogram of the gallbladder. HIDA scan is to find out if you have inflammation like acute cholecystitis or to show there is dysfunction of the sphincter muscle.
I am glad that you are going for colonoscopy. Since you have been off of all pain medications (NSAIDS), the healing process will proceed smoothly so long as you are taking the PPI prescribed.
I wish you the very best.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Mohammed Kappan
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