Hyperplasia

[Helliborous]

I have been diagnosed with mild diffuse atrophic gastritis and and prominent foveolar hyperplasia. Returned to GP and no further follow up. GP prescribed Gaviscon , symptoms settled but 11 months later are back. Does anyone know if it is

necessary to have follow up gastroscopies. I have had PA for many years . Thank you

[wedgewood]

please say what your treatment for P.A. is . It’s important to know .

Atrophic Gastritis causes Pernicious Anaemia. The parietal cells in your stomach will be damaged by the Intrinsic Factor Antibodies . The parietal cells supply stomach acid and the Intrinsic Factor , both of which are needed to break down and absorb vitamin B12 . Other nutrients need stomach acid , but not the Intrinsic factor for absorption.

Gaviscon will have lowered your stomach acid even further , if you had any , and as aPernicious Anaemia patient you will either have low stomach acid ( Hypochlorhydria) or no stomach acid ( Achlorhydria)

All fermented foods, sauerkraut, kimchi , real yoghurt and kefir (contain probiotics) are great helps in getting rid of the bad bacteria which can take over in your stomach as a result of low/no stomach acid . Stomach acid keeps most of bad bacteria away . It’s a very important element involved in keeping us well. It’s needed to help us absorb vitamins and minerals .

Bad bacteria cause stomach pain and bloating . Also either diahorrea or constipation. Do you get any of those ?

Sorry that I haven’t answered your question . Probably bored you to tears also ! But I mean well ! Best wishes .

P.S. A really good thing to do for your stomach is to have real porridge for breakfast, or any other meal ( NOT quick oats !) Old fashioned unprocessed oats Even if you don’t like porridge, do give it a try . It contains something called beta-glucan —It helps feed good bacteria and slows down digestion .Oat cakes also good .

[Helliborous in reply to wedgewood]

Thank you for your reply wedgewood. I have B12 injections monthly and have a fairly healthy diet making a lot of various vegetable soups. I also eat Fage yoghurt every day and have started kefir as well. I will try the unprocessed oats you suggest. I am going to cut down on dairy to see if that helps and try gluten free bread . My concern with the bread though is the amount of additives . I also have Hashimoto's disease and AF . The AF is so much better since I started to self inject on a monthly basis . Regards and thanks again

[wedgewood in reply to Helliborous]

You do know that you can inject more often if you feel you need to . You cannot overdose on B12 , no matter what doctors may say .

Very best wishes .

[Helliborous in reply to wedgewood]

Hi wedgewood, regarding increasing B12 injections , would that help the chronic atrophic gastritis. I have read that no matter how often we inject the stomach damage will continue. Thanks

[wedgewood in reply to Helliborous]

I think it is a mistake for people to say that this or that can or cannot be helpful in a particular health problem . If there is one thing that I have learned by reading posts daily on this forum since 2014 , it is that we are all so different . What helps one person , doesn’t help another . And vice-versa . You have nothing to lose by increasing the regularity of B12 injections ( except the cost of an injection—about £2.00 each) As you know B12 cannot be overdosed , unlike most other vitamins .

“Slippery Elm “ was mentioned on the forum the other day . I remember this remedy for “ Tummy upsets “ from my childhood ( a long time ago ! ) A possibility ?

As a P.A. patient you have either low stomach acid ( Hypochlorhydria) or no stomach acid (Achloryhdria) Having smaller meals more often , and chewing very thoroughly helps your stomach cope with this .

Yes , I used to get palpitations until I started regular , once a week B12 injections- All gone now .

So yes , do try more regular B12 injections. Best wishes .

[Helliborous in reply to wedgewood]

Thanks wedgewood, I am going to try 2 weekly injections to see if that helps. Interesting you also had improvement with palpatations with extra B12, me too although my GP told me low B12 did not cause my AF . Well he was wrong about that. Have you heard of a drink called 'switchel'. Thanks and regards

[charks]

There is no point having a follow up when your GP doesn't appear interested in helping you find out what is wrong. Your GP isn't trying to find out why you have diffuse atrophic gastritis and prominent foveolar hyperplasia he/she is just treating your symptoms. IMO Wedgewood is right to suggest you alter your diet. A lot of people with PA find relief from gut problems when they eat acidic foods.

Another thing to consider is that people with PA very often have food allergies as well. For example I have PA and I am also a celiac and dairy intolerant. I used to get terrible acid reflux, indigestion and bloating. Once I stopped eating gluten and dairy my problems disappeared. My body's reaction to gluten and dairy was causing inflamation in my gut which has now gone away. I really miss bread and cheese (and doughnuts) but I there is no way I would eat them now.

I think GP's can't be bothered to investigate gut problems in elderly patients, They think it is normal to get this sort of thing as you age. I think a lot of elderly patients have PA or B12D but their GP's attribute all their symptoms as 'old age'.

[Helliborous in reply to charks]

Thank you Charks for your reply. I have just started to reduce dairy and gluten in my diet. You are right regarding GP's and their lack of interest in trying to find out why. I have an appointment with a Gastroenterologist next week to see if he can help but I'm having to pay privately which shouldn't be necessary. If I am given any relevant info I will post it. Regards

[Helliborous in reply to charks]

Hi Wedgewood, yes I do suffer from constipation but have been told it's ' slow transit ' and pelvic floor disfunction, maybe low stomach acid is to blame for that as well . Thank you for your advice. I also have vague stomach discomfort regularly.