intestinal metaplasia

[Blowblow_]

Hi, my mom has just been told she has intestinal metaplasia. She hasn’t really been given any treatment, other than a higher dose of the omeprazole, she’s been on PPI for years though so can’t see how they will help, in fact I’ve seen some research that suggests they could actually cause IP. (Yes I google, a lot... ) So my question is for anyone who has been diagnosed with intestinal metaplasia, what treatment have you been prescribed if any?

[Mauser1905]

What about genetic, has anybody in her family had had gastric cancer? the IM is a pre cancerous conce3rn with the risk increasing with age and genetics.

H pylori infection has been looked for if she is continually having ppi for years?

[Blowblow_ in reply to Mauser1905]

Hi thanks for replying, we aren’t really sure on family history re gastric cancer. Yes it’s the pre- cancerous bit that concerns me, particularly as no treatment has been given, other than the higher dose PPI. She tested neg for h pylori which makes it more of a mystery really. Since I posted this query she has had a further letter from GI consultant who advises ‘no features of gastric atrophy’ and ‘no features of dysplasia’ which I’m assuming is a positive. He recommends GP should review all her meds to see if any can cause the inflammation, he also said she should be tested for autoimmune gastritis. And he concludes by saying he will arrange to speak to her further in the clinic. And that likely 3 yearly endoscopes for oversight. Frustratingly the GP hasn’t yet been in touch to give any guidance or reassurance or to consider a med review.

[Mauser1905 in reply to Blowblow_]

Suggest trying to get an appointment with the GP to discuss further.She also needs referral to investigate the autoimmune gastritis.

medicine review can also be done by your local pharmacist. You can always get their review and then they can feedback to your GP.

[GraceDelaney in reply to Mauser1905]

Hi there, I currently have autoimmune gastritis/pernicious anemia & also intestinal metaplasia has been picked up on my last three endoscopies over the last several years. I never have any symptoms or take any medication for it. By chance it was picked up through a bloodtest which led to several other tests.

I have been ruled out for h. Pylori also my gastro specialist suggested I get 3 yearly endoscopies to monitor it but assures me I have nothing to worry about metaplasia on the last biopsy was 5%.. He says the risk is so low and most of his colleagues wouldn't even suggest 3 yearly check-ups.. I find it all a bit of a mystery as I feel so well.

[Blowblow_ in reply to GraceDelaney]

Hi that’s quite reassuring. I’m getting very frustrated on behalf of my mother as firstly the GP has been quite dismissive of our queries and concerns, you get to the point of feeling like a hypochondriac but all we wanted was a bit of information other than searching the internet which can be quite scary In parts and also from the consultant who hasn’t replied to our queries either. My mom had been feeling sick most nights, waking up very nauseous which is what led to the referral for the endoscopy and that’s how the IM was picked up, since being on the higher dose PPI she tells me she no longer feels sick so that’s something at least as she was getting to the point of being scared to go to bed. She is now suffering with chronic constipation I think due to the PPI (as well as long term co-codomol use) but I guess that’s for another topic 😂

[Mauser1905 in reply to Blowblow_]

Hi "Blowblow_"

The more pressure on the GP's, channces are continual high dose prescriptions of PPI's and then painkillers. At times a balance has to be sought from patient's own doings.

high dose PPi will completely/significantly suppress the stomach which is required as part of normal digestion process. This means further issues delevope as underlying as collateral damage. for this further medicatons are thrown in, which complicate the matter further. As you have rightly noted with constipation issue.

(you my add extra iron supplement in her diet to counter the constipation, as well fibres like laxido or fybogel if her GP ok)

The consultant or may not have objective information to your questions possibly hence not reply, and obviously without Consultant giving specific advise/guidance to GP as the case rests with Consultant, GP will be in greay area for the time being.

PPI's are most commonly overprescribed and over used medicines.

Co-codamol is a strong pain killer and long term use can be addictive.

Point being, with the limited information shared, my understanding is the root cause issues may be not resolved. disclaimer would be this does necessarily mean the mental health anxiety, general exercise related physical health included same weightage with genetics, age, other underlying issues etc.

[Blowblow_ in reply to Mauser1905]

Well this is exactly my point and wanting GP to do their job and review her medication rather than keep pumping her with pills, but they aren’t. May I ask your occupation as you seem quite knowledgeable or is it personal experience? Whichever it is your advice is certainly more helpful than that we have had elsewhere so far

[Mauser1905 in reply to Blowblow_]

Your local pharmacist is great friend. You may ask him/her to do the whole review for the medicines, they can always feed back into GP. Even GP's check with them for more details!

Glad to be of any help, obliged. But as always remember the "Stranger Danger" Disclaimer!

[Blowblow_ in reply to Mauser1905]

Hahah

[Mauser1905 in reply to GraceDelaney]

Hi there GraceDelaney,

Its good that H pylori is negative as well subscribed for 3year routine gastroscopy. Thats good measures.

Many of the cases have polyps and lesions etc most of the time. Only when seen on scopies tthe protocol is to do biopsy to rule out worst case scenarios. This does not necessarily mean all lesions or polyps are cancerous or potentially leading towards it.

the cell change (IM) is said to be reversible. How is subjective. and definitely not blindly consuming stomach acid suppressants in hugh doses for longer periods. chances are there will be more collateral damage induced due to this approach of fiddling with normal digestion, than the original issue.

I see your 2 year old post had very good quality responses that time and are still relevant. Continuous PPi will disrupt your normal chemical balance and nother issues develope on the side unnecessarily.

other thing is to cut additional sugar content in your diet completely, as this glucose feeds cancerous cells, I think.

and most importantly, what our mind think, our body manifests. so if you worry constantly (unnecessarily) and beleive you are going to get worst, then your body will manifest exactly what your thoughts were. So a lot of positivity, optimisim, blissfulness and along with dietery changes, meditaion, regular exercises et al may help significantly.

[GraceDelaney in reply to Mauser1905]

I agree with all of the above I have changed my diet limiting sugar as much as possible I also take a liposomal vitamin c liquid which my specialist recommended can help reverse the (IM). Since my last scope my (IM ) has decreased it was only 5% of the biopsy which is quite low. Thankfully I don't require any medication as I have never had any symptoms or discomfort.

[Mauser1905 in reply to GraceDelaney]

Thats good job you already done. well done. we all have good days and not so good days, just try and perservere this attitude you are currently working with. Good to know you arent needing or taking more meds, something you are currently doing is working in your favour, suggest expanding upon that potential.

I would also recommend CBD oil to help and see if that assists your general health.

[Blowblow_ in reply to GraceDelaney]

I will look up this lipsomal vit c and ask the consultant when we finally hear back. Atleast you were offered something to try and reverse it, my mom wasn’t.

[GraceDelaney in reply to Blowblow_]

Yes I find my gastro specialist to be really good he even said most of his colleagues wouldn't bother if I was there patient going for anymore future scopes unless I have symptoms my metaplasia is so low but he wants 3 yearly ones just to be safe. Also I take a really good probiotic it's a practitioner brand BIo-ceuticals I take there b-12 spray and vitamin c it seems to be working for me so far.

[Blowblow_ in reply to GraceDelaney]

Thankyou will check those out

[Blowblow_ in reply to Blowblow_]

Ah I just saw that you are in Australia GraceDelaney perhaps that’s the difference, in the UK they just throw medication at everything :/ glad it’s all going well for you though, I imagine you are probably a lot younger than my mom too which I suppose is also a big factor.