After weeks, months, and years of stomach pain. After countless blood tests, examinations, and procedures. We’ve finally got some answers.
Forewarning, this post is open and honest, maybe a bit TMI for some. If you have a weak stomach check back tomorrow. Sorry!
When I was younger I went through a period of time when I threw up every.single.night. Regardless of what I ate, I spent many evening hours by the porcelain throne. Thanks momma and dad for rolling out of bed and holding my hair back while rubbing my back.
I had a love-hate relationship with my stomach. I loved it because it was a machine and I could pack down piles of food [one of the main reasons my BFF and I got along so well] but hated it because it was the main reason of numerous cancelled sleepovers- talk about a major buzz kill.
After visiting a few different doctors and drinking cup after cup of CT contrast that looked vaguely similar to Elmer’s Glue, no one could figure out what was causing my symptoms. Ultimately, the doctors advised me to take Tums after my meals and a few months later my symptoms sporadically subsided.
In recent years my stomach problems have reappeared, but in a different form. Debilitating cramps, constant bloating, and cyclical periods of constipation and diarrhea.
I’ll never forget Thanksgiving break of my junior year in college. I was flying home from Boston and soon after the plane took off I got an intense, stabbing pain in my abdomen and the only comfortable position was with my head between my knees. Those 2 hours felt like 2 days.
As soon as the plane landed I immediately called Ryan and my momma. Ryan met me down at baggage claim, called 9-1-1, and shortly after we were off to the hospital where my momma met us. The doctors asked me what were my symptoms, did an examination, and pumped me with morphine. Within a few hours the pain had relinquished so they sent me home.
Over the next few years I continued to experience the cyclical cycles so I scheduled an appointment with a GI doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital. After reviewing my labs, he couldn’t find anything that appeared to be irregular so he ordered a CT scan which again was inconclusive. The next step was a colonoscopy but since it was the spring of my senior year I decided to hold off with the procedure until I got home.
I waited longer than I should have but eventually the colonoscopy in the spring of 2012 which you can read more about here. Frustrated with the situation and since I was not currently experiencing any pain, I once again delayed redoing the procedure until this past fall. You can read more about the second attempt here.
The doctor concluded that I have a very slow digestive system which could be due to either the lupus or something else, and diagnosed me with IBS. Since then I’ve been taking medicine and vitamins daily, but the pain has continued.
When we got back from our honeymoon a couple of weeks ago my stomach started to feel wonky. I thought that I may have caught a bug since there’s been so much going around this season but after a week of my symptoms worsening my momma suggested that I call my GI. The doctor was able to squeeze me in last week and 2 hours later I walked away with a new prescription and an appointment for an endoscopy for Monday [today].
Over the weekend I was a bag of mixed emotions. I know that things could be worse, things could always be worse, and many people out there are in far worse situations than myself. But I’m at the point where I feel like I’ve been there, done that too many times and haven’t gotten any answers. I’ve tried everything that the doctor’s have suggested, yet I haven’t experienced any relief.
I went into the procedure this morning feeling torn. I was hoping that the doctor would find something so we could finally get some answers, but at the same time I didn’t want him to find anything. I’ve always hated the unknown and when things have felt like they are out of control. I like knowing what to expect next and to have a plan. But in this case, my health is 100% out of my control.
Without any coffee or food in my belly, Ryan and I arrived at the doctor’s office this morning at 8AM sharp. I completed the standard paperwork and was brought back to get prepped. It took more time putting me to sleep and waking me up than the procedure itself, which lasted no more than 10 minutes. While waiting for the doctor, the nurse brought me some refreshments and Ryan came back to sit with me.
A little while later, the doctor came over to give me the results. Gastritis. It’s all new to me as of 10AM this morning, but from the paperwork the doctor provided me with, I’ve learned that:
- Gastritis means inflammation of the stomach
- White blood cells move into the wall of the stomach in response to some type of injury
- There are a few different causes of gastritis…
- Bacteria – learned to live in the lining of the stomach which causes inflammation; probably occurs in early childhood and remains throughout life unless antibiotics are used to treat it
- Immune system – makes antibodies in response to an infection but mistakenly targets organs as the infection [autoimmune diseases such as lupus]
- Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Aspirin – reduce the protective substance in the stomach called prostaglandin
- Alcohol – can cause inflammation and injury to the stomach
So… What does this all mean? Essentially we’re in waiting. From the endoscopy, the doctor was able to see that I have gastritis but cannot conclude why. We can rule out causes 3 and 4 listed above, but 1 and 2 are still in question. He’s not sure if it’s related to any of my previously diagnosed illnesses. He prescribed me a medication that is supposed to help reduce the acid in my stomach and we should receive the biopsy results within the next 2 weeks. How I feel and the results will determine our next steps.
Again, things could be worse, they could always be worse. I am relieved and thankful that we finally got some answers. I am hopeful that my body will positively respond to the medicine and the results of the biopsies show that it’s just an infection. My fingers [and toes] are crossed!
Question: Have you ever heard of gastritis? Do you know anyone who has been diagnosed with it?
Question: Ice cream, fro-yo, sorbet, or popsicles?
— Allison
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ah a diagnosis! I am happy you have a name and at least something to work for. Your doctor sounds awesome and I am so happy you are working with him. Keep me updated lady, I hope you feel a bit of relief.
Thanks so much, it’s definitely a step in the right direction!
Ah, hope you feel better! I’d say ice cream
Or make your own froyo. Mmmmm
Mmm, I totally should use the ice cream maker we have!
I’m sorry for all of the junk you’ve had to deal with in trying to get a diagnosis. No fun at all! I’ve never had gastritis, that I know of, but I’ve heard of it. I used to suffer from IBS & my tummy occasionally gets all bloaty & gassy (sorry, tmi), which I am trying to sort out. Not a fun time, so sorry you’ve had to go through all of this. I understand how frustrating it can be to not get a clear diagnosis though & to have issues & then things come out fine on paper. A few years back I had numbness & tingling in my hand/fingers, nose tip, & tip of my tongue & was blacking out at points… no one knew what was wrong. All blood work appeared healthy & MRI came back normal. I ended up seeing a neruologist & getting diagnosed with mild carpal tunnel, but that didn’t account for the nose/tongue tingling & occasional blackout. They eventually chalked those up to stress. LOL Frustrating to not have an exact answer. I still get the tingling on occasion, but don’t want to go through the hassles of more testing & “you’re healthy”. Hope you get some answers soon!! Hang in there!
Thank you so much for the kind words and thoughts – it definitely has been an adventure but I’m thankful to have a wonderful support system and *hopefully* a soon-to0be diagnosis! I hope that you are pain free too
Awwr hun… I’m no stranger to stomach woes myself, and I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve had such a bad history with yours. I’ve never heard of gastritis, but I’m keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you that it’s something relatively simple that medication can correct. Big hugs.
Thanks girl! It would be absolutely wonderful if all of this would go away with just some meds, fingers crossed!
I am so sorry you are going through this. Have you tried going to a naturopath? I had a similar issue and found out I was allergic to dairy and whey protein isolate. After about 2 months without it and detoxing it out of my system In have been much better. Now it has been 1 year and the only time my stomach gets upset now is if I accidently eat dairy. Sending you health and love. love and shine Courtstar
Thank you so much! I never have met with a natropath but have given it some thought after hearing positive things about the experience from others… I’ve never done well with dairy and don’t eat it too often other than yogurt, but I’ve never looked into whey protein isolate – thanks for the tip!
I hope that the results in 2 weeks are more helpful. At least you have a term to pin on it for now. And as for your second question, froyo. Unless you’re feeling crampy, then Popsicles.
Fro-yo is always the way to go IMO, but I do love popsicles on a hot summer day!
I’m very happy for you that you have answers. I know when I was in a limbo stage of diabetes, that is all I wanted were those answers. Keeping you in my thoughts and that everything clears up or you are able to get something that will.
Thank you so much!
I had no idea you’ve had these stomach problems from a young age – it sounds like it was really tough to deal with.
But I’m glad you’re finally getting some answers now. I hope the medication helps!
We actually learned about gastritis in my clinical nutrition class last semester. Has your doctor recommended getting your vitamin B12 and folate levels checked? Damage to the stomach can interfere with their absorption, so it might be a good idea!
Thanks so much girl! And yes, I suppose that it’s a blessing and a curse, but I get my labs taken frequently because of lupus and my levels are all pretty much in sync
Thanks for the tip though!
Aw I hope you find out soon so you can go back to eating (and enjoying) your food! I have never had real health problems and I’ve been really lucky for that but I can’t imagine having so many problems with my stomach. I agree with everyone else- lots of ice cream. When I thought I had appendicitis I was prescribed lots of probiotics and calcium
Thankfully I’m still enjoying many tasty eats, just missing a few things
Probiotics and soft foods [soup, oatmeal, ice cream] are definitely the easiest to digest right now.
What a roller-coaster of events. And it’s no fun, whatsoever. At least it seems as if this doctor is making some headway with a diagnosis and potential cause. Hang in there, smile, and keep up the positive attitude!
Oh yeah, and fro-yo, all the way!
Thanks Michelle! It definitely is a bit of a relief getting some insight into what could be going on…
Aw, you poor thing! All these tummy troubles sound miserable, but I am so glad you got some results back. I am also so impressed by your persistance through this whole ordeal. It sounds like it has been a LONG journey and I think most people would have given up, but you’re still going! Major props to you and I hope you get some pain relief from the meds:)
Thanks so much girly! It definitely feels like things have been going wrong for too long and I’m thankful to have some insight as to what could be going on… Keeping my fingers crossed!
I’m sorry love
I’m glad you gor an answer, but it still sounds frustrating to not know why it’s happening. I hope the meds help and that the biopsy results show why it’s happening so you get a course of action that makes life a lot better for you!
Thanks girl! I am eagerly waiting the biopsy results – wish they’d hurry on up!
I am so sorry to hear all that you have had to go through. That sounds like such a frustraiting and painful experience. I hope that this diagnosis allows the doctors to figure out what is causing it and the best way to treat it. I have never heard of this but know that tummy troubles are no fun!
Thanks so much! And I agree, no type of tummy trouble is fun…
I’m sorry that it took so long to find out what the issue was
Especially with what you described as a kid – I can only imagine how awful that must have felt.
Even if you’re not sure of the specifics yet, it must be such a relief to have a diagnosis! Hopefully, they’ll be able to figure out exactly what you need to keep discomfort at a minimum.
It definitely is a relief having at least a little insight into what could be causing the discomfort and hopefully the biopsy results will have more answers… Thanks girly!
Your optimism never ceases to amaze me. You would be one of my favourite patients for sure. <3 You know how much I care for you. Take care of yourself, my dear. You deserve the best.
Aw, you’re way too sweet! I’m not so sure about the best patient part – even I’ll admit that I’m a pretty awful patient… But maybe if you were my doctor I’d be better?!
I am sending positive thoughts your way! Doesn’t sound fun.. but hang in there! You took care of Ryan with his foot.. I am sure he will be able to repay ya.
I am a froyo person ALL THE WAY! =)
Haha very true! We were talking about that the other day, how the roles are getting reversed… I hope nurse Ryan is ready to wait on me hand and foot like nurse Allison did
I’m so sorry for your pain girl. I had gastritis and it is no joke. I suffered for months before they figured out what was wrong with me, so I’m so glad you already have a diagnosis. Feel free to email me anytime! I would love to share my story if it could help you in any way. You might want to steer clear of a lot of dairy… it can exacerbate the problem sometimes.
Thanks girl and I’m glad that you were able to find some relief – gives me hope!
MY goodness what a journey you’ve been on. THANK god you finally have some clarity. I haven’t heard of this before, and don’t know anyone with gastritis. I hope that with this news, you are on a fast track to solving the tummy woes!
Thanks and I’m hoping the same thing! I never had heard of gastritis before this either – always something new!
Finally, some results. Girl, I am so happy you have some answers now since I know how long you’ve been dealing w/ the pain & discomfort. It may not of been the words you wanted to hear, but hopefully in 2 weeks you’ll know more & be able to start adjusting your way of life around it
I could not agree more – it was definitely bittersweet but I’ so relieved to have some insight into it all!
I hope that you are able to find some more conclusive answers here soon and some potential measures to help treat your issues. Feeling crappy is just NO fun!
Most definitely FRO YO!
Thanks girly!
I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve had all these problems, they sound absolutely horrific to deal with and must have taken a heck of a lot of patience and courage. It is so good to finally have a name for the pain (unintended rhyme) and to know what you are dealing with. Fingers crossed you can get it sorted soon now you have a diagnosis.
Haha I like the rhyme
Thank you so much!
So happy that you’re finally on the way to getting some answers. You’re such a strong lady who’s so motivating and inspirational to others despite your struggles & that’s why I’m confident everything will be sorted out and fixed before you know it:)
Blend Love,
Samantha xoxo
You are absolutely awesome, seriously I cannot thank you enough for all of your support! Thanks girly
XO
Wow! What a frustrating and confusing journey! I am glad you feel like you finally have some answers! Many of my family members struggle with stomach and reflux issues… and sometimes I experience them as well, so part of me is worried that one of these days it may progress into something worse like some of the older women and men in my family.. I hope not though! I am so sorry for all of the pain and discomfort you have been in! It sounds so tough!
Sending you hugs!
Thanks girl! Oh no, I hope you can avoid it and stay pain free
I’m so sorry to hear your diagnosis but happy for you to. Not knowing what is going on with your body is one of the most frustrating feelings and I have so been there. I hope that the doctors can come up with some more answers for you and help you get on the path to recovery! You’re in my thoughts dear!
Thanks so much!
Ugh, IBS and stomach issues and returning to the doctor over and over again is the pits! I have had a similar doctor experience with nobody really knowing what was wrong for years with my cramps during that time of the month, so I hear you on the endless poking, prodding and medical hoo-ha.
That being said, I’m glad you are a step closer to an answer!
And fro-yo.
Thank you! Sorry to hear about your pains too – tummy troubles are always awful. Thankfully, I was able to rule out any relation to “that time of the month” kinda cramps early on which narrowed things down a bit…
Wow… You have been on quite the adventure!! I was diagnosed in high school with acid reflux after some find times with a GI doctor and also experienced IBS in grad school…. Tummy issues are awful!! I’ve heard of gastritis but don’t know too much about it!! I’m so glad you have some answers and hopefully a re on the right path!! Keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you!!
It’s always tough to get diagnosed with anything but hopefully this brings you some relief that you have soome answers now!
It definitely does – thank you!!!
oh woman, you should have emailed me! I went through all this. It all started with a parasite 6 years ago and then allergies and then gastritis and erosion of the stomach lining. I lost 20 lbs. Yep. It’s gained back now, finally. But it took a colonoscopy, therapy of the stomach, and a scope, and a ultra sound. Glad you got answers! now, no stressing! hehe
Oh my goodness gracious, I’m so sorry to hear about your tummy troubles! Thank you for your support and I definitely will keep in contact throughout it all