Post-Endoscopy Insights from My GI Doctor
I am a 40-year-old male who has been dealing with persistent nausea for a duration of five months. This ongoing issue prompted me to undergo an endoscopy. During my recovery, the physician informed me that I have been diagnosed with both gastritis and duodenitis. He mentioned that biopsies were taken to check for Helicobacter pylori. I inquired about the possibility of cancer, and he confidently stated that there was absolutely no indication of it. I’m curious as to how he can confidently assert that there is no cancer present without having the biopsy results in hand.
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 12:40:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
Your concerns about the diagnosis and the confidence expressed by your GI doctor are completely understandable. Here’s a breakdown of your situation:
Main Points:
- Gastritis and Duodenitis: These conditions can cause persistent nausea and are often treatable.
- Biopsy Results: While your doctor may have noted no signs of cancer based on visual inspection, the biopsy results are still important for a complete evaluation.
Explanation:
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, and duodenitis is inflammation of the upper part of the small intestine, which can lead to nausea and discomfort. When doctors perform an endoscopy, they can often visually assess the condition of the tissue, which might show typical signs of gastritis or duodenitis. If they notice no abnormal growths or lesions during the endoscopic procedure, they may feel confident about ruling out cancer at that time.
However, biopsy results are crucial, as they provide more definitive information regarding the presence of Helicobacter pylori (a bacterium that can cause gastritis and ulcers) and any abnormal cells that could indicate cancer.
Next Steps:
-
Wait for Biopsy Results: While the visual assessment is promising, it’s essential to wait for your biopsy results for a complete understanding of your condition.
-
Symptom Management:
- Diet Adjustments: Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Avoid spicy, acidic, or fatty foods that could exacerbate your symptoms.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to help your body recover.
- Over-the-counter Medications: Antacids or medications that reduce stomach acid might help alleviate nausea, but check with your doctor before starting any new medication.
-
Follow-Up Appointment: Schedule a follow-up with your GI doctor once the biopsy results are in to discuss findings and necessary treatment.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, and if you experience worsening nausea, significant pain, or other concerning signs, consider reaching out for further advice.
It's great that you’re being proactive about your health. Remember, you have the right to ask your doctor for clarification about any aspect of your diagnosis and treatment plan, including the implications of your biopsy results.
Related Questions
Anxiety About Starting Cyclosporine for My Psoriasis – Seeking Genuine Feedback
Hello everyone, I’m a **25-year-old man** working in the tech field, and I’ve been struggling with **moderate to severe psoriasis** for quite some time now. This persistent condition affects my **scalp, face, the area behind my ears, as well as my arms, legs, and back**, essentially all over my body. Lately, my dermatologist has recommended that I start taking **Cyclosporine (Psorid 50 mg) twice daily**. While I understand that it’s a potent medication that has benefited many, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of **fear** about using it. Several years ago, around **7 or 8 years back**, I underwent treatment with **methotrexate** which did show some effectiveness in managing my psoriasis. Unfortunately, once I ceased taking it, my condition not only returned but worsened significantly. This negative experience led me to abandon all medical interventions and instead find ways to cope with my psoriasis on my own. Now, at the age of **25**, my psoriasis has flared up yet again for reasons that are unclear to me, and it seems to be spreading. The trauma from my previous treatment has left me deep in **overthinking**, **doubts about possible treatments**, and second-guessing every medical decision, resulting in considerable **mental fatigue**. Here are some of my concerns: * I’m uncertain about the **duration** required for taking cyclosporine. * I worry about potential **kidney and liver damage**. * I’ve had recent blood tests, and some of my results were borderline, which has only increased my anxiety. * Additionally, I’m dealing with a **vitamin D deficiency**. * The **financial strain** is significant, as the costs of frequent blood tests and the medication itself can be overwhelming. * I’m afraid that in my quest to appear "normal," I may be harming my body in the process. On a psychological level, psoriasis has taken a considerable toll on me. I often feel **self-conscious when going out**, tend to avoid social interactions, and it is gradually making me more **reclusive**. There are days when I just cannot muster the energy to face others. I’m in such a conflicting place that part of me wonders: I can't determine if this is the **correct decision** or if fear is clouding my judgment. I have faith in my doctor, yet my previous encounters make it challenging to fully trust the path forward. For those who have taken **cyclosporine for psoriasis**: * How long did you remain on it? * Did you experience any kidney or liver complications? * Was your doctor careful in tapering the dosage? * Was the outcome worth it for you? I’m not seeking medical guidance, just **genuine stories and reassurance**. I feel trapped, anxious, and mentally drained. Thank you for taking the time to read my post. 🙏
Could This Incident Relate to Medical Malpractice?
I’m reflecting on an experience from a decade ago that might be linked to some ongoing health issues I now face. Back in 2016, I made a serious mistake by attempting to overdose on ibuprofen. I had prescription pills that were 800 mg each, and I estimate I consumed about twenty, though the specifics are hazy due to the time elapsed. Approximately eight hours post-ingestion, I found myself in an emergency department. I recall undergoing an electrocardiogram (EKG) and receiving IV fluids. At one point, the medical staff requested a urine sample. I tried to comply, but the urge to urinate eluded me. When I expressed my struggle, the nurse indicated that a catheter might be necessary if I continued to be unable to provide a sample; I agreed, unaware they might suspect I was hiding narcotics use. In reality, I was genuinely unable to urinate. I spent roughly twelve hours in the ER, enduring significant bladder pressure without being able to relieve myself. Subsequently, I was transferred to a psychiatric facility where they also requested urine, but again, I couldn’t manage it. Despite my repeated pleas about the intense discomfort I was experiencing, no assistance was offered. For at least two entire days, I didn’t urinate, enduring severe pain that felt invisible to the medical staff. Eventually, when I finally did manage to go, the urine was a dark hue, and bladder pain lingered for several days afterward. After my release, I was directed to a psychiatrist, but no follow-up was arranged for the physical complaints I had endured. I'm left wondering if the absence of alarming findings during my ER visit contributed to that lack of further investigation. Since that incident, I’ve frequently felt a pressure in my bladder and the urgency to urinate. For a while, this was manageable, but it has escalated in recent times. Additionally, I have had several urinary tract infections (UTIs) over the years. While I seek treatment whenever these infections occur, I haven't undergone any thorough assessments related to my bladder problems. Ultimately, I'm left questioning whether the two-day period of not being able to urinate could be tied to the symptoms I currently experience, and if the medical team could have handled the situation differently.
Seeking Urgent Guidance on Benzodiazepines and Mood Stabilizers
At 23 years of age, I stand 186 cm tall and weigh 89 kg. I have a habit of smoking cigarettes frequently, yet I abstain from consuming alcohol. ***Diagnoses:*** **Insomnia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder (DPDR), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)** ***Medications:*** **Clonazepam (2mg), Lorazepam (2.5mg), Eszopiclone (3mg), Sertraline (150mg), Sodium Valproate (1000mg)** It’s currently 3:17 AM, but it feels as though time has come to a standstill some minutes ago. I’m reaching out because I’m overwhelmed and can scarcely type due to the tremors in my hands. I made my way into the kitchen intending to grab a glass of water, but as I approached the counter, I was startled to see all the medication bottles sitting there, wide open. Every last one of them: Clonazepam, Lorazepam, Eszopiclone, and the mood stabilizers, each with their caps removed as if they had all surrendered in battle. Turning to my planner, I checked Tuesday's entry. Nothing listed. Wednesday? Blank. Thursday? Same emptiness. I suspect I might have woken up an hour prior, forgotten I had already taken my doses, and ingested them again. And perhaps again after that. My doctor had warned me about the haze that can come with sleep medications like these. My mind seemed to operate without me: spot the bottle, uncork it, consume the content, and repeat—like a malfunctioning device. The taste in my mouth is reminiscent of chalk mixed with metal, and the floor beneath me feels unstable, as if the ground beneath me were tilting like a distressed ship. I grapple with the calculations, how many milligrams have I ingested? My stomach feels like a swirling concoction of chemicals. I feel weighty—not tired, but as if I’m being dragged down, as though an increased gravity weighs down my eyelids. I realize that sleeping is not an option; I must avoid that at all costs. However, the overwhelming silence is becoming deafening. I find myself in dire need of guidance. Should I try to induce vomiting? Drink some water? Or should I simply let everything drift into sleep?
Experiencing a Strange Flaky Sound and Pain in My Ear
I'm a 20-year-old female, weighing 97 pounds and standing at 5'1". I’m currently on a regimen that includes sertraline and latuda, and I’ve received diagnoses for OCD, severe anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Struggling with Tinea Cruris for Over Four Years
Hello everyone, I've been battling tinea cruris for more than four years now, and I still haven't found relief. I've consulted numerous dermatologists, and their recommendations have all been similar, prescribing treatments such as itraconazole, terbinafine, and topical antifungal creams including luliconazole. Unfortunately, none of these solutions have proven effective for me. The only remedy that seemed somewhat promising was a 10% salicylic acid treatment that I started about five months ago; however, it hasn't brought about any healing and the condition continually reappears. I’ve conducted tests for diabetes and liver function, and all results came back normal. Any advice or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated!