Indigestion and feeling concerned.

CafeauLait when I had my endoscopy they tested for Helicobacter, I only stopped drugs for 24 hours before, I was on omeprazole then before it was found I reacted negatively to them.

It very well could be stress related. I'll give myself a week and see if things settle. It more or less is settled but I can feel not quite. Unless it's completely settled, I'll go and see my doctor and ask about endoscopy. If it's completely settled I'll give it a chance (will still do the helicobacter test) and see the doctor if it happens again.

The GP will advise whatever test they think necessary. They won’t refer you otherwise.

From experience with other people, the endoscope seems to be one of the first line things they do for gastro issues. I'll get the helicobacter test on my own though.

I just realise you can get the H pylori test online! I might order it!

If you have a gastroscopy they’ll test for the heliobacter. Anxiety can cause gastric problems so it’s a bit of a self fulfilling prophecy. If the PPIs work then don’t stop taking them too quickly. Your system needs to heal and the meds help that.

The first day of lockdown last year, I had a sudden and intense pain under my bosoms and radiating into my shoulder and back. I dialled 111 to see if it was ok to take paracetamol and they dialled 999. Off to A&E. By the time the doctor saw me about 2 am the pain had gone? But he arranged blood test. Gall bladder was the issue. I should have arranged a scan but have left it because of covid and little problem since.

I've made an appointment with my GP on Tuesday to discuss it.

Have you had a full blood count done recently? I would ask to be referred for a colonoscopy to rule out bowel cancer.

SecondhandRose

Have you had a full blood count done recently? I would ask to be referred for a colonoscopy to rule out bowel cancer.

Yes, all my blood tests are great. I know it can happen at any age but I'm not considered to be at an 'at risk' age, too young for those screenings routinely and have no symptoms that cause concern below the stomach. :-)

The phrase now is ‘never too young’. An 18 year old died from BC last year. I have stage 3 bowel cancer and my symptoms were minimal.

The OP’s symptoms sound like the problem (if any) could be in the upper GI. Anyway good that you have made an appointment with your GP to discuss. Let us know how you got on as it seems a lot of us have similar concerns.

I'm sorry you're dealing with that SecondhandRose. It's true you're never too young. A friend of mine died from bowel cancer in their early 40s. I hope your treatment is going well.

BlueSky, last time I went to the doctor the doctor did believe it was upper GI tract. I'm not concerned about any other part right now, though do have a family history of IBS and food intolerances.

I'll report back after the appointment. It's not far away now and I still don't really want to go. But I will. A chat can't hurt.

Update: Saw the doctor. Had a good check over. He's given me pantoprazole and suggested I take it for 2-4 weeks to allow my body to heal. He thinks it sounds like gastritis. I think I just need to do the course as I haven't ever done the full course, just a few here and there, and they do help when I've done that. So I'm going to follow instructions and hopefully that will settle this flare. If it doesn't help they can investigate further but, based on past experience, I don't think it's likely to be a problem. I do tend to settle quite well with medication without further flares for months. So, here's hoping.

I used to get indigestion daily and Gaviscon was my best friend! I then cut out sugar and carbohydrates, no more indigestion. I eat fatty foods, cream, cheese and leafy greens, all cooked from fresh. I also take Apple Cider Vinegar daily. I read that indigestion and acid reflux can be when there is not enough acid in the stomach to close the valve properly causing acid to escape and by having ACV to increase the acidity the reflux stops. Quite opposite to what you would expect but it works for me. On the plus side I have also lost weight eating this way!

Good you had it checked with the GP CafeAuLait thanks for getting back to us. I think it’s important to at least mentioning whatever is troubling us to the doctor rather than just worrying about it, and then just follow their advice. I found Gaviscon very good while Omeprazole didn’t help in the short term, though I should have given it a longer chance.

Glad you had it checked out because I read what you'd written and didn't want to frighten you. I had what I thought was indigestion for about a week before I had a heart attack.

Glad you had it checked out because I read what you'd written and didn't want to frighten you. I had what I thought was indigestion for about a week before I had a heart attack.

Ooops! Sorry about posting twice.

No worries growstuff. I've had indigestion all my adult life on and off (way more off than on, so it's not really that common, just bad when it does flare). If I thought there was any possibility it was my heart, I'd have had it checked straight away. I'm reluctant to go to the doctor if I can sort something myself but I do go if I need to.

I hope your health is good now.

I admit I have been a bit slack with my diet recently. And I have a stressful life. And NSAIDs from time to time. Hopefully within a month I'm back on top. If not, I'll follow up further.

growstuff - if you are willing to share, what were your symptoms and if you've had actual indigestion, how was it different before your heart attack? Thanks.

Oh, and thank you everyone for the little push of encouragement to go and see the doctor.

CafeAuLait at least you have done your bit. Well done!

Good to hear you have talked it over with your GP Cafe
and there is a plan to ease it with medicine and you’re considering your diet.
A combination of that, and if you can, to ease the stress in your life sounds like the right way to go ?
Good Luck ?