Seeking Insight on Endoscopy Findings and Ongoing Stomach Problems
36 years old, 135 lbs, 5'1, currently on Wellbutrin, Buspar, and Adderall I'm looking for some clarity regarding my recent endoscopy results and ongoing stomach issues. To provide some background, a few years back, I was frequently experiencing intense stomach discomfort in the mornings, characterized by bloating, diarrhea, and cramping. I initially believed it was irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) since I often felt an urgent need to use the restroom. Additionally, I find myself feeling fatigued no matter the amount of sleep I get, though I suspect this may not be connected to my digestive troubles. After reaching a breaking point, I decided to consult my primary physician. They conducted blood work to eliminate potential food allergies and tested for H. Pylori. The results showed no food allergies, but I did test positive for IgA and IgM antibodies related to H. Pylori, while IgG results were inconclusive. Subsequently, I was treated with antibiotics and scheduled for an endoscopy a month or two later. The findings from the endoscopy were as follows: - The duodenum appeared normal, with biopsies taken to check for celiac disease. Specimen identification was confirmed by both the physician and nurse, and the samples were placed in the designated container. No other abnormalities were noted during the examination. - Impressions noted during the procedure included: - Normal esophagus - Mild erosive gastritis (biopsied) - Normal examined duodenum (biopsied) - Overall examination was deemed normal. - Recommendations included: availability of emergency contact, discussing potential delayed complications, and a return to regular activities the following day. Written discharge instructions were provided, guiding me to resume my usual diet and continue my current medications while awaiting pathology results. A colonoscopy was also suggested at the earliest opportunity. The final diagnosis included: A. Duodenum, biopsy: - Intact duodenal mucosa with localized foveolar metaplasia, indicating peptic injury, and no signs of intraepithelial lymphocytosis. B. Stomach, biopsy: - Samples showing oxyntic and antral gastric mucosa with areas of erosive gastropathy; however, no H. Pylori organisms were found on routine staining, and there were no signs of intestinal metaplasia or dysplasia. From my understanding, I have some degree of stomach inflammation, although I tested negative for H. Pylori now. I was prescribed Protonix and advised to revert to my standard diet. I also had a colonoscopy done last year, which yielded normal results. I'm revisiting my endoscopy findings because my original symptoms persist, and the treatments I've undergone haven't alleviated the issues that prompted me to seek medical advice in the first place. With the absence of H. Pylori, I’m curious about possible causes for my stomach inflammation or how I could identify them. Additionally, I suspect I might be experiencing acid reflux, as I occasionally have a bitter taste and regurgitation without actual heartburn. While I sometimes take TUMS or antacids, they often seem to exacerbate my symptoms. I’m not a user of NSAIDs, but my dietary habits are less than ideal, often involving irregular eating times and consuming spicy, fatty, and fried foods. I also struggle with adequate hydration.
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 2:50:58 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with ongoing stomach issues despite recent medical evaluations and treatments. Your endoscopy findings indicate some mild stomach inflammation (mild erosive gastritis) but no active H. Pylori infection at this point. The symptoms you're describing, along with your dietary habits and lifestyle factors, may suggest that further adjustments might be beneficial for your condition. Here’s a structured approach to help you better manage your symptoms.
Main Points:
- You have mild erosive gastritis, which indicates inflammation in the stomach lining.
- Your dietary habits and possible acid reflux symptoms may be contributing to ongoing discomfort.
- Making specific lifestyle and dietary changes can help alleviate your symptoms.
Explanation:
- Mild erosive gastritis can be caused by a variety of factors including dietary choices, stress, medications, and reflux issues.
- You mentioned experiencing a bitter taste and regurgitation, which are signs of acid reflux (also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD). It’s common for people with gastritis to also experience reflux symptoms.
- Your current diet—high in spicy, fatty, and fried foods, along with irregular eating patterns—can exacerbate both gastritis and acid reflux.
Next Steps:
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Dietary Modifications:
- Avoid Irritants: Cut down on spicy, fatty, and fried foods, which can aggravate your stomach lining and increase acid production.
- Eat Smaller, Regular Meals: Try to have smaller meals more frequently (3-5 smaller meals per day) rather than irregularly timed, larger ones. This helps reduce the burden on your stomach.
- Limit Trigger Foods: Keep track of foods that cause symptoms and reduce or eliminate them (common triggers include citrus, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages).
- Focus on Hydration: Aim to drink at least 8 cups (about 2 liters) of water daily. Proper hydration can help with digestion and overall stomach function.
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Lifestyle Changes:
- Elevate Your Head While Sleeping: Raising the head of your bed a few inches can help reduce nighttime acid reflux symptoms.
- Limit Eating Before Bedtime: Try to not eat at least 2-3 hours before lying down to help minimize reflux episodes during the night.
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Monitor Your Symptoms:
- Keep a symptom diary that tracks your food choices, symptoms, and any triggers. This can help you and your healthcare provider determine the next steps for managing your condition.
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Review Medications with Your Provider:
- Discuss the effectiveness of Protonix and any other medications with your doctor, especially if you find they are not relieving your symptoms. They could consider adjusting the dosage or trying different treatments for both gastritis and reflux.
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Follow-Up on Biopsy Results:
- Don’t forget to review your biopsy results once they're available with your doctor. This could provide further insights into your condition.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, consider reaching out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management options. You are not alone in this, and it's commendable that you're seeking ways to improve your health. Let me know if there's anything else you’d like to discuss.
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