Indigestion and feeling concerned.

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.

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.

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!

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'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.

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.

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.

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. :-)

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

DannieRae I was on PPIs for about 4 years and wasn't happy about it, as prolonged use can cause vitamin B12 deficiencies. I decided to wean myself off them and see if I could handle my reflux in other ways. Once off them, the reflux disappeared! I think my reflux was stress related and once I retired (from what at that time was quite a stressful job) and was no longer stressed I think that helped to stop the reflux. If I now occasionally get reflux I just take Gaviscon, which seems to sort it out.

CafeAuLait if you keep having these reflux bouts, I think you really should have an endoscopy; when I first complained of reflux, I had one and have had a couple since. As others have mentioned, it might not be reflux, but an haitus hernia or h pylori, it really does need investigating. Take care.

I had no idea so many people experience this.

Aveline - I have one of those and it is reassuring. I have a very good resting heart rate at least. That's a good idea for anyone wanting some reassurance, definitely.

aggie - I've just recently heard of diaphragmatic breathing for GERD. I am trained in how to do it, so I should start doing it for myself. Good thought.

DanniRae - I'm not familar with that particular medication. My main concern with PPIs long term are the potential for rebound if I try to come off it and side effects. I personally aren't concerned about occasional use.

Helicobacter is well worth checking for.
Without wanting to play into health worries I wondered if it might be worth you considering getting one of those Fitbits with a heart monitor? It could help put your mind at rest? Just a thought.

I have gastritis and a hiatus hernia , but not badly . I find doing a form of yoga /diaphragmatic breathing while sitting up straight helps . I saw this advice years ago on tv

I have to take an Omazaprol tablet before my back pain tablets. I presume to protect my stomach from the pain killer? This only happens quite infrequently. Can someone tell me what is the problem with Omazaprol tablets, please?

Redhead, yes, it does help. While I'm sorry other people have this, it's good to know I'm not alone.

Puzzler, I will in time. Immediate flare up has settled now so in good time.

Nongran, I had thought of that but read that you had to be off PPI for two weeks. At that time I'd just taken some. I can get that ordered independently without having to see a doctor, so I think I'll do that.