I wanted to share my experience. It all started three months ago with stomach pain and nausea, and I initially thought it was the flu. The next month, the same symptoms came back—stomach pain and nausea. I went to the ER, and after checking my gallbladder, they suggested it might be a stomach ulcer and sent me home with Nexium and Carafate. But this month, the symptoms returned again. I finally saw a GI specialist, who performed an endoscopy and found two stomach ulcers. He prescribed Protonix and Pepcid and said I’d need to wait for a biopsy (which will take two weeks) to determine whether it’s caused by H. pylori or the Motrin I had taken.
Since the pain wasn’t improving, I went to an after-hours clinic today, and the doctor was kind enough to give me a lidocaine solution to drink, which numbs the stomach pain. The lidocaine has been one of the few things that helps with the intense burning and stabbing pain. My doctor suggested waiting a week to see if I start feeling better, but it’s been really hard. I’m feeling down because I’ve missed so much work, and my two small children haven’t been able to spend much time with me since I’ve been so sick. I’m getting tired of bananas and rice, but I’m scared that eating anything else will make my stomach worse.
How long did it take for you to start feeling better? Also, does anyone else find that their ulcer pain flares up when they’re on their period?
It was likely the Motrin. My wife was prescribed something similar when she had gout. Given her history of ulcers, she was also prescribed Nexium to take alongside it. However, a few days later, she ended up in severe pain. After an endoscopy, they discovered she had a duodenal ulcer and 67 gastric ulcers.
67 gastric ulcers—oh my goodness! I only have 2, so I guess I should count my blessings. I really hope it’s the Motrin, as H. pylori seems like a tough thing to deal with. Thank you for your response, and I truly hope your wife is feeling better!
I’ve been dealing with ulcer pain for about 8 months now—random, stabbing pain that left me so depressed and bedridden. I was misdiagnosed several times before finally seeing a GI doctor, who put me on a PPI and Carafate a month ago. Unfortunately, I had terrible side effects from Prevacid, so I had to stop it. But now, I’m in week 4 of Carafate, and I’ve noticed a huge improvement in the pain. The stabbing pain, which was constant day and night, is now very minimal and dull, if I feel it at all. I’m sure I’m not fully healed yet, but I’m starting to feel hopeful.
I totally understand what you mean about food—at first, everything hurt to eat, and I was terrified to try anything. I’ve lost over 30 pounds during all of this. But I truly believe Carafate has made the biggest difference for me. It attaches to the ulcer and creates a protective layer, preventing further damage while it heals. I’m still careful with my diet, cutting out things like coffee and soda, but I’m slowly getting back to eating more normally.
I also have a 3-year-old daughter, so I completely relate to how you’re feeling. I missed so much while I was stuck in bed in pain. But hang in there—this is tough, and it takes time, but you’ll find what works for you!