OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Help for Severe Duodenal Reflux Gastritis

Hello, f30. I'm reaching out for guidance on how to effectively communicate my condition to a gastroenterologist. I’m experiencing significant duodenal reflux, resulting in bile and fluid accumulating in my stomach. After only a few bites of food, my stomach fills with liquid rather than emptying properly, leading to prolonged retention that causes irritation. Over time, my digestive function has steadily declined. I’ve lost 13 kilograms and now find it challenging to consume even a single glass of water or two meals a day. While I don't experience nausea, I'm plagued by continuous liquid retention and a persistent dull burning sensation that is worsening, accompanied by a swallowing reflex that feels like water pooling in my throat. Previous symptoms, such as sporadic but intense feelings of hunger that were alleviated by eating, as well as brief periods of gnawing discomfort, were ignored during earlier consultations. I later realized these could indicate a mild form of erosive gastritis. Regrettably, the delay in proper diagnosis and the misleading advice from alternative healthcare providers have exacerbated my situation, something that is quite difficult to accept given that I may have been treatable at that time. In contrast, I’ve observed online communities where people suffering from gastritis report more severe experiences than I initially had, leading me to unknowingly consume foods that exacerbated my condition. Many healthcare professionals attribute my issues to anxiety or stress. Although I acknowledge that worrying about my health has not contributed positively to my situation, I have not seen a direct correlation between stress and physical symptoms. Moreover, I have no history of mental health disorders. I would have been open to a diagnosis of gastritis along with a stress-related component, but the biological factors have never been thoroughly explored. I felt as though I was on a path to recovery but, lacking essential knowledge, I inadvertently consumed inappropriate foods and drinks. My primary challenge lies in articulating the severity and progressive nature of my condition without coming off as self-diagnosing or exaggerating my symptoms. I wish to convey the abnormal and uncontrollable accumulation of liquid and its damaging effects, yet I am continually dismissed because I still consume food and my digestion appears normal. I seek an assessment of whether the fluids I'm retaining are from my stomach or the pancreas. A year ago, an endoscopy indicated a healthy stomach (only a month following an injury), yet my health has deteriorated since, a point that was previously dismissed. I now recognize this decline to be linked to more severe bile reflux, triggered by my injury, which has led to a gradual loss of stomach function. I am exploring the possibility of the DeMeester duodenal switch surgery, but it’s not feasible in my country. I hope to attain the necessary diagnosis to discuss this possibility. How can I express to a doctor that my issues are no longer merely psychological? I am unable to eat or drink the necessary amount for survival, and relying solely on a once-daily meal is not sustainable. How should I approach asking for further investigation or an open dialogue regarding future treatments, including the potential for surgery, when prior referrals have been declined without a full understanding of my situation? I appreciate any advice you might have regarding my language or strategy when addressing this. A candid discussion concerning the risks and benefits of surgery in my circumstance is crucial. Additionally, has my stomach lost neural function? Are the fluids I’m experiencing pancreatic, or are they unusual protective secretions from the stomach? It is vital for me to gain a realistic perspective on my future. I realize that whenever I suspect bile, the subsequent day becomes noticeably more challenging. Can surgery potentially reverse this damage, or is that a futile hope? Those are the types of questions I want to explore with a medical professional.

Answers (1)

2/6/2026, 3:10:49 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you are dealing with a complex and distressing situation involving duodenal reflux and digestive issues that have significantly impacted your quality of life. Here’s a structured approach to help you communicate effectively with a gastroenterologist and advocate for the care you need.

Main Points to Address

1. Clear Communication of Symptoms: Describe your debilitating symptoms and their progression.
2. Importance of Thorough Evaluation: Stress the need for comprehensive diagnostic investigations to rule out underlying issues.
3. Advocacy for Treatment Options: Discuss treatment modalities, including potential surgery, based on your unique situation.

Explanation

Communicating complex medical symptoms can feel overwhelming, especially if you feel dismissed in the past. Focus on sharing specific experiences and highlights of your condition to illustrate the severity and impact on your daily life. You can use the following framework in your discussions:

1. State Your Main Concern:

   • Start with a strong opening statement, such as, “I am experiencing severe duodenal reflux that leads to significant retention problems, which drastically impacts my ability to eat and drink while contributing to further health declines.”

2. Describe Specific Symptoms:

   • Be honest and direct about your symptoms. Use descriptors like "continuous liquid retention" and "persistent dull burning sensation" along with the impact on your nutrition and hydration.

3. Highlight Changes Over Time:

   • Explain that your condition has progressively worsened and that previous consultations didn’t adequately address your symptoms or symptoms that were ignored previously. For example: “I have lost 13 kilograms and can only manage one meal and a glass of water daily, which is not sustainable for my health.”

4. Challenge Previous Assumptions:

   • You might say: “While I understand anxiety may affect digestion, my symptoms have physical causes that have not been fully evaluated, leading to a decline in my health.”

5. Request for Comprehensive Investigations:

   • Instead of asking for specific treatments upfront, ask for further investigations to understand the root cause. For example: “I would like a reevaluation of my gastrointestinal function to determine if these fluids come from my stomach or pancreas and to assess whether there’s a loss of function.”

6. Discuss Treatment Options:

   • Express openness to various treatment possibilities based on definitive diagnoses. You might frame it as: “I am interested in discussing potential surgical options, like duodenal switch surgery, based on a clearer understanding of my condition and its biological implications.”

Prioritized Next Steps

1. Prepare for Your Appointment:

   • Write down your symptoms, their progression, and how they affect your daily life in a clear, concise manner. This will help you stay focused during the conversation.

2. Ask Specific Questions:

   • Prepare a list of questions for the gastroenterologist about your symptoms, potential surgeries, the biological basis of your condition, and what further tests you might need.

3. Be Open and Honest:

   • Share your history of misdiagnosis and any relevant personal insights, but keep the focus on your current experiences and needs.

4. Follow Up:

   • After the appointment, ensure that you ask for a clear plan of action regarding any further tests or treatments.

Conclusion

Remember, advocating for your health is not about exaggerating your symptoms but rather conveying the truth of your experience with clarity and honesty. Being well-prepared and using clear language will help ensure you communicate effectively with your healthcare provider. Don't hesitate to express your need for proper evaluation and treatment options; your voice matters and can lead to the care you need.