Stomach Problems

[desi]

Normally I can eat anything (if it's something I like) - spicy foods, rich foods, dairy, eggs, alcohol, chocolate, durian, etc.

Lately I've been suffering from a sensitive stomach. I'm not sure how long it's been coming on (could be as long as a year) but I finally had to pay attention when indulging in red wine repeatedly caused an acid stomach.

I was thinking that it was a combo of a stomach flu, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants (I have RSI). I've been taking Alkaseltzer for several years due to the anti-inflammatories sometimes messing with my stomach.

For the possible stomach flu I took a round of antibiotics (something I rarely do as I avoid antibiotics due to a doctor over prescribing them years ago). I did get a surge of energy but that could have been all in my head. Who knows.

So three weeks ago I gave up alcohol and most everything else - butter, eggs (made me nauseous), chocolate, meat, oils, veges...

I lived on white rice, cold cereal or oatmeal with soya milk for several days. Very small meals.

I then started adding roasted chicken (no skins) and fish, with a few vegs (mostly avocado and asparagus).

I tried clams with rice but that didn't work (the clams repeated for hours). Anything greasy flairs up my stomach. More than one cup of tea is another negative. I'm avoiding sweets because I don't want to risk it.

I'm now on white rice, cereals, soya, fish, chicken, plain yogurt (my only dairy but it's supposed to be good for the stomach), veg and fruit. Small meals. Tons of plain water. And although I could most likely add back beer or whisky (great for an upset stomach), I'm enjoying the absence of alcohol. I even spent last weekend at a winery and skipped taking even a tiny sip. Hot Thai spices are fine (strange) but I'm limiting how often I spoil myself.

Yesterday a friend suggested Omesec 20mg and it's been working quite well.

But as self medication only goes so far, I want to see a doctor next week to get some tests run. So, what kind of doctor do I ask for when I call? (I'll be going to a hospital, not a private doc). And are there any tests I should suggest? Allergy...

Extras - I'm extremely tired to the point I can't motivate myself to work. Also, I'm not losing weight even though my calorie count is around 800 - 1000 per day. I force myself to get out each day for a minimum half day, so I'm not totally sedentary. But, I am dead tired to the point I crash really hard mid-day for about an hour or so. The only medicine I've taken since this started is the Omesec 20mg, anti-biotics and Alkaseltzer. And I don't smoke...

[Mrjlh]

Normally I can eat anything (if it's something I like) - spicy foods, rich foods, dairy, eggs, alcohol, chocolate, durian, etc.

Lately I've been suffering from a sensitive stomach. I'm not sure how long it's been coming on (could be as long as a year) but I finally had to pay attention when indulging in red wine repeatedly caused an acid stomach.

I was thinking that it was a combo of a stomach flu, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants (I have RSI). I've been taking Alkaseltzer for several years due to the anti-inflammatories sometimes messing with my stomach.

For the possible stomach flu I took a round of antibiotics (something I rarely do as I avoid antibiotics due to a doctor over prescribing them years ago). I did get a surge of energy but that could have been all in my head. Who knows.

So three weeks ago I gave up alcohol and most everything else - butter, eggs (made me nauseous), chocolate, meat, oils, veges...

I lived on white rice, cold cereal or oatmeal with soya milk for several days. Very small meals.

I then started adding roasted chicken (no skins) and fish, with a few vegs (mostly avocado and asparagus).

I tried clams with rice but that didn't work (the clams repeated for hours). Anything greasy flairs up my stomach. More than one cup of tea is another negative. I'm avoiding sweets because I don't want to risk it.

I'm now on white rice, cereals, soya, fish, chicken, plain yogurt (my only dairy but it's supposed to be good for the stomach), veg and fruit. Small meals. Tons of plain water. And although I could most likely add back beer or whisky (great for an upset stomach), I'm enjoying the absence of alcohol. I even spent last weekend at a winery and skipped taking even a tiny sip. Hot Thai spices are fine (strange) but I'm limiting how often I spoil myself.

Yesterday a friend suggested Omesec 20mg and it's been working quite well.

But as self medication only goes so far, I want to see a doctor next week to get some tests run. So, what kind of doctor do I ask for when I call? (I'll be going to a hospital, not a private doc). And are there any tests I should suggest? Allergy...

Extras - I'm extremely tired to the point I can't motivate myself to work. Also, I'm not losing weight even though my calorie count is around 800 - 1000 per day. I force myself to get out each day for a minimum half day, so I'm not totally sedentary. But, I am dead tired to the point I crash really hard mid-day for about an hour or so. The only medicine I've taken since this started is the Omesec 20mg, anti-biotics and Alkaseltzer. And I don't smoke...

Simple...go see a Doctor.

[desi]

Simple...go see a Doctor.

Please reread... "I want to see a doctor next week to get some tests run. So, what kind of doctor do I ask for when I call? (I'll be going to a hospital, not a private doc). And are there any tests I should suggest? Allergy..."

[Farma]

I’m glad to see you’re going to see a doctor. Describe your symptoms and he should know what tests are needed.

I’m not a doctor but what you’ve described sounds similar to stomach problems I went through a few years ago. It’s not to say you have the same problem.

Mine turned out to be ulcers. I went through zantac and Losec but the problems returned. If it's an ulcer problem, ask to be tested for Helio Bacter. I was positive and treatment for that solved my problem.

[desi]

...ask to be tested for Helio Bacter. I was positive and treatment for that solved my problem.

Thanks Farma, will do. I googled several weeks ago and came up with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) but it just didn't fit in total (although I did sort of follow their dietary suggestions).

[Mrjlh]

Simple...go see a Doctor.

Please reread... "I want to see a doctor next week to get some tests run. So, what kind of doctor do I ask for when I call? (I'll be going to a hospital, not a private doc). And are there any tests I should suggest? Allergy..."

Sorry..I was reading in a hurry..missed seeing "going to a Doctor".

I'd ask for one who specializes in "internal medicine" or a "Gastric Specialist". They may not understand that so just tell them you are having "stomach" problems. Go from there. Most places will have you see an Internist first to help get you in the right direction. My experience has been the Doctors here are very qualified and if the one you go to can't help you, they should be referring you to another specialist. One thing you'll probably need is a "blood and urine test". You'll want a complete "dip stick" as they say in the states. Check everything. You'll need to "fast" 12 hrs the night before. I hope that helps.

[Firefan]

I guess one should ask for a: gastro intestinal doctor.

I have had similar symptoms for a few months and was put on 3 days of anti-parasite medicin and antibiotics after during which things cleared up - but since treatment stopped I have had more or less the same symptoms mainly: feeling bloated, a bit of gas - especially after simple carbs and no real hunger feeling.

Thinking it was just the "aftershock" I have been taking probiotics, yoghurt, low fat/low simple carb foods - and while it helps, I still am not 100%.

Looks like a visit to the doc and some tests is in the book for me too, so please let me know what you find out?

Cheers!

[desi]

Firefan,

'gastro intestinal doctor' sounds good to me. Thanks!

I'll make an appointment for Monday or Tuesday and I'll be sure to come back to let you know what came of it.

[ThaiLife]

From my past experiance it could be Acid Reflux related problem , so the doctor to see would be a gastroenterologist.

TL

[desi]

For some reason my answer didn't go through... strange...

Sorry..I was reading in a hurry..missed seeing "going to a Doctor".

No prob. I realise my post sort of dragged on but I was trying to avoid a multitude of questions from lack of information.

I'd ask for one who specializes in "internal medicine" or a "Gastric Specialist". They may not understand that so just tell them you are having "stomach" problems. Go from there. Most places will have you see an Internist first to help get you in the right direction. My experience has been the Doctors here are very qualified and if the one you go to can't help you, they should be referring you to another specialist. One thing you'll probably need is a "blood and urine test". You'll want a complete "dip stick" as they say in the states. Check everything. You'll need to "fast" 12 hrs the night before. I hope that helps.

Agreed, the doctors here are very good. But as I don't speak Thai I wanted to make sure I had the right specialist (been there, done that in hospitals before).

[desi]

From my past experiance it could be Acid Reflux related problem , so the doctor to see would be a gastroenterologist.

TL

Acid Reflux does read similar to what I'm experiencing. Thanks for the suggestion!

[Scott]

I have the same problem you do and I take Ranidine, which isn't too expensive for it. I've had the problem for many years and nothing much except Ranidine works. I can eat spicy food, no problem, but (hard to believe) bananas will make my stomach feel like it's on fire! Occasionally, I have baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) and water, if I need immediate relief.

I would be most worried about your being so tired. This needs to be checked out--unless your stomach keeps you awake.

[desi]

Scott,

Bananas but not spices? I'll have to look into it (as well as Ranidine). I'm also having weird food reactions, a first. But tomatoes are ok (I didn't expect them to be).

The tiredness also worries me as I'm a work-a-holic so thrive on going strong. Such a deep tiredness sort of like being ill for a long time. My stomach has not kept me awake since I switched to white foods the first several days so it's not that. And for some reason, I'm craving salt more than usual (trying to accommodate bland food?)

And not losing weight on such a small amount of calories, could that be from eating rice? I'm not a rice eater usually (unless it's sticky rice on the odd occasion). I usually avoid it even with a green curry (makes my Thai friends nervous). I'm normally low carb, and now I'm living on a lot of carbs (fruit, rice, cereal). The carbs might also be making me tired...

[Firefan]

Like me your symptoms started like normal diarrea that then got treated. I was on the Fasigyn tabs taking a full 2 grams for 3 days which should cure both giardia and amebiasis. I also was on antibiotics for 4 days (forgot the name but was the one the recommended for stomach infections specifically, so not doxy or cipro).

Based on the above I do not think we are talking something caused by our diet, stress, IBS Etc. (my diet or stress level did not change at all-except now when I am trying to cure it) I rather think we still have not managed to eradicate whatever bug (parasite/amoeba, guardia,tapeworm, bacterial/viral/fungal infection the list is LONG) that we got in the first place.

BTW read this article where a lot of the symptoms seem to ring a bell here at least. They focus on natural cures but I mean check the symptoms against yours. http://www.mycoloncleansing.com/articles_inner.asp

Finally; I was paging through the book called somethin like "Health in Thailand" in a Thai book store and noticed that there was a mention of various diff. stomach bugs, and while Fasygen was mentioned as the correct medicine for SOME, they also mentioned Pakomomycin (sp?) and Bactrim/Septra for treatment for some of the OTHER bugs.

Keep us posted! Cheers!

[mommysboy]

I guess you have acid reflux, quite severe at that, but I am not a doctor and don't know. Just that I recognise some of the symptoms myself all be it much lesser.

I'm just picking up extremeness from your posting. I'd have just gone for a plainish diet for instance.

Is stress a major player too? that can cause acid stomach all on it's own. Rest could be important here.

I think you should go see a doc. but honestly think there won't be a big medical problem.

[desi]

Fasygen was mentioned as the correct medicine for SOME, they also mentioned Pakomomycin (sp?) and Bactrim/Septra for treatment for some of the OTHER bugs.

Keep us posted! Cheers!

I'll ask the doctor about those when I go in. Hopefully it'll just be something simple and easy to sort out. And hopefully they won't need to clean out my colon :-)

Is stress a major player too? that can cause acid stomach all on it's own. Rest could be important here.

Not unless it's delayed from several years ago. Compared to back then, I'm living a life of leisure these days.

[maxjay]

This hospital is highly recommended: http://www.samitivej.co.th/sukhumvit/aboutus_en.aspx

They have around 19 Gastroenterologists on staff.

[mommysboy]

This hospital is highly recommended: http://www.samitivej.co.th/sukhumvit/aboutus_en.aspx

They have around 19 Gastroenterologists on staff.

As I have been experiencing considerable hearburn and some indigestion of late, I consulted my doctor.

Having answered a series of questions, he diagnosed simple acid reflux. he prescribed omeprazole and ranitidine for 3 weeks, and has advised a change of diet and cutting things like coffee and chili.

He also told me that I shoud stop eating 2 hours before sleeping.

OP's affliction sounds a bit more severe but I wonder if it wil be a similar diagnosis.

[Sheryl]

See a gastroenterologist, ask specifically about testing for heliobacter, and be sure to mention that you have been taking anti-inflammoatory drugs as this is a risk factor for ulcers.

Regarding diet you can relax considerably, just let your body guide you and avoid only things that worsen the pain/discomfort.

[marshbags]

See a gastroenterologist, ask specifically about testing for heliobacter, and be sure to mention that you have been taking anti-inflammoatory drugs as this is a risk factor for ulcers.

Regarding diet you can relax considerably, just let your body guide you and avoid only things that worsen the pain/discomfort.

The following is not an alarmist addition, just read it and thought about your mention re testing for heliobacter and the importance of having it done.

Incidently I, along with some of my family members were treated for ulcers for many years, without a succesful conclusion.

Then they discovered the helio bug and provided a successful coarse of treatment with 2 different medications at the same time being taken.

Since then I have enjoyed relatively free acidity ect and after years of suffering, it has been great to not worry about what i can / cannot include in my diet, even oranges and other acidic fruits are no longer a problem, touch wood and long may it continue.

Modern medical science is a real asset in our lives, that,s for sure and the younger generations have much to look forward to in the way ailments are now treatable, that were a death sentence, at worst, years ago.

Quote :-

BBC HEALTH, Page last updated at 23:06 GMT, Thursday, 31 July 2008 00:06 UK

Stomach bug treatment for cancer

H. pylori is commonly known as the main cause of stomach ulcers

Eradicating a common bug in people with stomach cancer can prevent the disease from recurring, research suggests.

Helicobacter pylori, proved to be the cause of most stomach ulcers, has also been linked with stomach cancer.

In a study of 550 people who had stomach cancer surgery, antibiotics which killed the bug cut the risk of a second cancer developing by two-thirds.

There will now be a trial of 56,000 British people to see if killing the bacterium stops the cancer developing.

H. pylori lives in the stomach, and accounts for up to 90% of duodenal ulcers and up to 80% of gastric ulcers.

Preventing gastric cancer by eradicating H. pylori in high-risk regions should be a priority

Dr Nicholas Talley

It was famously linked with stomach ulcers by two Australian researchers - one of whom deliberately infected himself to prove the theory - who were awarded the Nobel prize for their discovery in 2005.

The World Health Organisation also classes the bacterium as a leading cause of stomach cancer.

Prevention

Previous trials on eradicating H. pylori as a method of preventing further stomach cancers in patients who have undergone surgery have been conflicting.

But the latest study, done in Japan, found that the strategy could be very useful.

Patients with early stomach cancer underwent a procedure to remove the cancerous cells and surrounding tissue.

Half of them were then treated with a course of drugs designed to eradicate H. pylori - lansoprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin - and half received dummy pills and were then examined at six, 12, 24 and 36 months to see if the cancer had reappeared in a different site.

After three years, a second stomach cancer had developed in nine patients in the eradication group compared with 24 in the control group.

Overall, the risk of developing cancer was reduced by 65% with H. pylori treatment.

Study leader Dr Mototsugu Kato, from Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine said: "We believe that our data add to those from previous studies showing a causal relationship between H. pylori infection and gastric cancer, and also support the use of H. pylori eradication to prevent the development of gastric cancer."

Writing in the same issue of The Lancet, Dr Nicholas Talley, of Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida, US said: "Preventing gastric cancer by eradicating H. pylori in high-risk regions should be a priority."

Henry Scowcroft, science information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: "This result adds to our understanding of the relationship between H pylori and stomach cancer, and to the debate on how we should treat people with this infection.

He added the charity was helping to fund a study to assess whether elimination of the bacteria could prevent cancer developing.

"The trial aims to recruit 56,000 people across the UK, treat any who show signs of H pylori infection, and follow them over 15 to 20 years to see if this treatment is effective.

Unquote

Do not let the cancer link worry you as when read this article only outlines one of the possiblities, long term.

marshbags

Edited August 1, 2008 by marshbags

[desi]

This hospital is highly recommended: http://www.samitivej.co.th/sukhumvit/aboutus_en.aspx

They have around 19 Gastroenterologists on staff.

That's the hospital I go to. It's like walking into a 5 star hotel (I love being spoilt). I made an appointment for Tuesday afternoon as their doctor was full up (the receptionist only mentioned the one though).

mommysboy[/url]'] Having answered a series of questions, he diagnosed simple acid reflux. he prescribed omeprazole and ranitidine for 3 weeks, and has advised a change of diet and cutting things like coffee and chili.

He also told me that I should stop eating 2 hours before sleeping.

Coffee (mostly) went awhile back for me but I can still manage spicy foods. Not eating before sleeping is what I've been doing too. Small meals spread out also seems to work - breakfast, 10am snack, lunch, 3pm snack, dinner, fruit or nuts after.

[/url]Sheryl']

See a gastroenterologist, ask specifically about testing for heliobacter, and be sure to mention that you have been taking anti-inflammoatory drugs as this is a risk factor for ulcers.

Regarding diet you can relax considerably, just let your body guide you and avoid only things that worsen the pain/discomfort.

Thanks Sheryl. Heliobacter reads pretty official, which is just what I need.

After taking those pills yesterday my stomach has settled down quite a bit so I'm adding more foods. I'm still being cautious though. No greasy foods. No alcohol. Only one cup of tea a day (but as tired as I am, it's SO tempting to give in!)

[thaibeachlovers]

Can I just add my 5 cents. If anyone has abnormal symptoms that continue for a long time, they should always visit a doctor to rule out anything serious, before trying everybody elses cures. In some cases, a few days can make a difference.

[autonomous_unit]

...

Extras - I'm extremely tired to the point I can't motivate myself to work. Also, I'm not losing weight even though my calorie count is around 800 - 1000 per day.

This part confuses me. Are you trying to lose weight? Are you very small/petite? This calorie count sounds like a starvation diet to me, but then I am a big guy from the US...

Along with seeing the doctor, have you considered more basic issues such as dehydration or electrolyte imbalance? Particularly on such a restricted diet, I'd be worried about not having enough beverages in the Thai climate. That's my first instinct whenever I start to feel run down here... I get some fresh naam manao or an actual "sports drink" with salts and sugars. When that works for me, the effect is very immediate, perking me up within 20 minutes or so. But I also encourage the doctor visit... I have no idea if there are conditions where these beverages could be detrimental.

[desi]

This part confuses me. Are you trying to lose weight? Are you very small/petite? This calorie count sounds like a starvation diet to me, but then I am a big guy from the US...

Petite, yes, I'm just under 5'4". I didn't adopt this régime to lose weight. I came up with it to stop my stomach from hurting. I've now added more variety, but keep to the small meals 6 times a day to keep the pain under control.

Along with seeing the doctor, have you considered more basic issues such as dehydration or electrolyte imbalance? Particularly on such a restricted diet, I'd be worried about not having enough beverages in the Thai climate. That's my first instinct whenever I start to feel run down here... I get some fresh naam manao or an actual "sports drink" with salts and sugars. When that works for me, the effect is very immediate, perking me up within 20 minutes or so. But I also encourage the doctor visit... I have no idea if there are conditions where these beverages could be detrimental.

Dehydration - I drink a cup of green tea in the morning, and a lot of water and tea (without caffeine) during the day. And for the first two weeks of cutting back, I drank the water from a fresh coconut each day. I read somewhere that coconut water is a great morning after drink as it replenishes what we need, so would be perfect for someone who is ill. I can't find where I came across that tidbit, but here's a link that sounds similar (not that I believe everything I read... but drinking coconut water did make me feel better).

Naam manao - It's lime juice and all citrus hurt my stomach right now. Sigh... so does a lot of other things...

I'll bring up the electrolyte imbalance with the doctor and see what he says. And even though I'm drinking a lot, I'm also craving salt so I might be a bit dehydrated(?)

What's really weird is that cherries settle my stomach. Typical, the most expensive fruit in the market being the way to go...

[autonomous_unit]

Well, when I mentioned naam manao, I was thinking of the fact that it is traditionally sweetened and salted. You don't really need the citrus but it makes it easier to drink sweet salt water.

Another option is Gatorade or an Asian equivalent, or one of the rehydration salt packets from the pharmacy that you mix with water. (It's essentially what Gatorade contains... some sugars and salts in a good ratio for replenishing lost fluids.)

[desi]

Well, when I mentioned naam manao, I was thinking of the fact that it is traditionally sweetened and salted. You don't really need the citrus but it makes it easier to drink sweet salt water.

Another option is Gatorade or an Asian equivalent, or one of the rehydration salt packets from the pharmacy that you mix with water. (It's essentially what Gatorade contains... some sugars and salts in a good ratio for replenishing lost fluids.)

Yeah, I can see how sugar and salt on their own would be... awful

I'll ask the pharmacy for rehydration packets. Then if it's terrible to get down, mix it with something I can consume.

Note: I'm just in from dinner where I was able to eat a very spicy steamed fish (Thai spicy). No stomach problems at all. But when I try to eat anything fried, cannot lah... so this is actually a good thing (but I do miss my red wine!)

[dougieboy]

This hospital is highly recommended: http://www.samitivej.co.th/sukhumvit/aboutus_en.aspx

They have around 19 Gastroenterologists on staff.

Are they all Indians?lol

[lazeeboy]

i had the same symptons as you ,put it off for about a year ,went to the doctor and he gave me emperasole ,take one before a meal ,dont lye down for 2hours after eating ,now i can drink wine and spicy food ,dont put it off go tomorrow.

[WilliamIV]

Hi Desi

I am very interested to know about your Treatment.

Which Tuesday are you / did you go?

Why we have not heard from you?

Are you OK?

Were you admitted?

Bill

[desi]

Hi Desi

I am very interested to know about your Treatment.

Which Tuesday are you / did you go?

Why we have not heard from you?

Are you OK?

Were you admitted?

Bill

Hi Bill. Thanks for asking. I went to the hospital (mentioned above) where the nurse jumped right in to dig around to find a vein (not sure why she didn't create a visible one first!). Waited an hour for the tests, all came out 'ok'. Doc gave meds for my stomach. Says if it doesn't improve, we'll run more tests next week. I should have insisted on coming back the next day (there are tests where an empty stomach is needed) but after being there so long, I just wanted to leave.

Landsoprazole Preacid fdt 30mg

Short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcers; maintenance treatment of healed duodenal ulcers; as part of a multidrug regimen for H. pylori eradication to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence; short-term treatment of active benign gastric ulcer; treatment of NSAID-associated gastric ulcer; to reduce the risk of NSAID-associated gastric ulcer in patients with a history of gastric ulcer who require an NSAID; short-term treatment of symptomatic GERD; short-term treatment for all grades of erosive esophagitis; to maintain healing of erosive esophagitis; long-term treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Cost of tests and visit - a little over 6500 baht

(covered by insurance)

Although I've added more foods to my diet, I'm sticking to 6 small meals a day and keeping to no alcohol, no coffee, no milk, no eggs, no chocolate, no pain killers, no anti-inflammatories... and lots of water.

Yesterday I finally got my energy back so looks like I'm on the mend.