Anyone ever had an ulcer?

Scotter260 · #1 02-11-2010, 12:58 AM

Take this with a grain of salt as I'm a semi-hypocondriac (sp?) but I've been fighting a cold the last few days and within the last two days I've had a pain just under the left side of my rib cage. It basically feels like I'm hungry but the feeling is only in that spot and the idea of eating is unpleasant. It also feels as if there's pressure in that location. Every so often that pain turns to a knotting pain that lasts for a few seconds at a time and I have to stop to work through it.

A few seconds after I swallow anything I swear I can feel whatever I swallow pass that same point and it causes discomfort but not the knotting pain as described earlier. If I push around that area I can feel my stomach gurgle or hear it growl.

I realize seeking medical advice on the internet is about as smart as seeking medical advice on the internet, but has anyone had a diagnosed ulcer and experienced the same issues? What was the procedure your medical professional used to diagnose it? Treatment? Just asking for experiences, not medical advice.

Thanks,
Scott

Vegetaman · #2 02-11-2010, 01:02 AM

I had some sort of ulcer about 5 years ago. Felt like a stabbing pain in my gut. Felt good when I ate, but afterwards the pain was unbearable. Sitting still was good, walking made it hurt, and mornings were 10x worse than evenings. Eventually I got over it, but had to quit eating tomato products, greasy foods, fried foods, as well as kicking soda (and that would probably include alcohol, too). I get a flare up now and again, but it lasted for around 6 months the first time and I lost like 40 pounds. Was not a good time. Doctor could never properly diagnose me, either. Worst six month case of the flu ever, apparently. *eye roll*

Scotter260 · #3 02-11-2010, 01:29 AM

Okay, I can relate. After eating it does subside a bit but while eating it causes discomfort as it passes that point. Lying down makes it more noticeable.

Your experience does not sound like much fun. I imagine being told you have the flu for that long would be very frustrating.

I'm a bit confused though, isn't pop (soda in some folks' worlds) one of the food groups along with alcohol and everything else you mentioned? I've realized it's just my hypochondriac-ism, I'm fine.

I appreciate your input very much sir,
Scott

DCWilson · #4 02-11-2010, 01:29 AM

I had a stomach ulcer for several months back in 1964 and 65. Had to stop drinking (which played hob with my college social life) and should have given up coffee but never did. Drank a quart of Gelusil every week and spent a lot of time either in pain or vomiting, mostly before breakfast when my stomach was empty. Eventually the pain and nausea stopped and have not recurred.

At the time, nobody knew that ulcers were caused by a microbe. Now you can get treated with antibiotics that target H. pylori and be healthy again in days, then healed in several days more.

Get it checked. Also consider the possibility of hiatal hernia and GERD. I am not trying to persuade you that you have a problem, but if the situation persists you don't want to be focused on what may turn out to be an incorrect diagnosis.

Good luck. Stomach problems are some of the worst.

SWID · #5 02-11-2010, 01:35 AM

Most things can be fixed if caught in time. If I were you I would go to someone who can tend to my problem.

LESMITH · #6 02-11-2010, 03:54 AM

It could be diverticulitis, although the pain is usually felt lower than just below the rib cage and more to the side. Make an appointment with a doctor.

Gun-runner · #7 02-11-2010, 05:09 AM

Yep, we were engaged but I was lucky enough to catch her cheating on me before we got married! LOL

Gun-runner · #8 02-11-2010, 05:13 AM

In all seriousness please go see your doctor! It can be one of a hundred things ailing you. GO SEE YOUR DOCTOR!!! I've seen family members and friends at work hurt themselves by being afraid of " WHAT IF IT'S" disease and not seeking professional help.

oldfella · #9 02-11-2010, 09:55 AM

Some doctors are just too "busy" to give you a complete check up > insist on a referral to a specialist.

Pete

roarindan · #10 02-11-2010, 09:05 PM

I had turribull "heartburn" for like 3-4 mo. it got so bad that while eating my throat would sorta close when swallowing, went to a specialist, as I was 57, for my first colonoscopy. during my initial interview I spoke of my stomach trouble and he agreed to also do an "endoscopy" (but he promised to do the endoscopy first, and use different cameras) well I've got an ulcer and have been on meds. for it since. while i take the omeprizol i can drink a bottle of hot sauce and have no adverse effects. but if i forget to take em for 1-2 days the ulcer will remind me.

Vegetaman · #11 02-11-2010, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCWilson

I had a stomach ulcer for several months back in 1964 and 65. Had to stop drinking (which played hob with my college social life) and should have given up coffee but never did. Drank a quart of Gelusil every week and spent a lot of time either in pain or vomiting, mostly before breakfast when my stomach was empty. Eventually the pain and nausea stopped and have not recurred.

Oh yes... I forgot about the early morning nausea and dry heaves. That was terrible. Seems like anything carbonated or with caffeine made it worse, too. Heck, even tea set it off at times. I had to eat the most bland foods on the planet for awhile (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast).

Quote:

Originally Posted by roarindan

while i take the omeprizol i can drink a bottle of hot sauce and have no adverse effects. but if i forget to take em for 1-2 days the ulcer will remind me.

I was also on some generic omperezol (sp?). Seemed to work really well. Was never offered to have my stomach checked out until around 3 months in, at which point it was moot, IMO.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scotter260

Your experience does not sound like much fun. I imagine being told you have the flu for that long would be very frustrating.

It kind of curbed my faith in doctors, to be quite honest. I haven't been back to one in about 5 years.

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldfella

Some doctors are just too "busy" to give you a complete check up > insist on a referral to a specialist.

Sounds about right. It pays the same for 'em, either way.

woftrax · #12 02-11-2010, 09:22 PM

Scotter260..

Fresh Goat's milk...1 quart/day..cured my Dad...he smelled a little funny when he sweated..kindof like a goat...but he was cured..

qennis · #13 02-11-2010, 09:37 PM

Could be an ulcer or lots of other things. Best to see a Dr.
Ulcers are typically caused by a bacteria called H. plyori and therefore need treatment with an appropriate antibiotic.

jed · #14 02-11-2010, 09:47 PM

Get your doctor to refer you to a gastroenterologist. He can do the scope and take a sample to determine if it is bacteria related.

I had bleeding ulcers in the dodenum. I was put on prevacid and the ulcers healed in three weeks.

The bleeding ulcers caused me to black out.

jed

sparky9 · #15 02-11-2010, 09:59 PM

At 20 years old (30 years ago) I was feeling weak and was told I was pale during a softball game.
Now, being a 20 year old hardhead my family couldn't believe it when I told them to take me to the hospital. It was that bad.
Turns out I had a bleeding ulcer. My blood count was just above the point where they give you blood so it was in the hospital for a few days.
In the days before the hospital trip I had the stomach pain, but it felt better when eating. Also, blood in the digestive tract will cause your poop to have a black and greasy appearance. Not fun to think about, but a symptom anyway.
As others have suggested, go see your doctor/specialist. Might not be serious, but...