I have pernicious anaemia treated with vit b12 injections. Prior to being diagnosed I suffered with terrible indigestion and the usual meds, like gaviscon, windeze, omprezole did nothing to alleviate it. Since starting the b12 injections the indigestion is less frequent but still very painful and wakes me up if I am sleeping. It usually takes a couple of hours to settle. I've had upper endoscopy which did not show anything. I'm also on weekly alondronate for osteoporosis, caused by my breast cancer treatment. ( 2002 and 2021) this also causes indigestion. So I did not take this weeks dose. I know what food causes my indigestion so steer clear , however most times it just comes on for no reason.I would be grateful if any of you have any advice. I've seen my GP over the years to no avail regarding this problem.
Thank you.
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Kangarooiom
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You say you have had an endoscopy which showed nothing but the test is not 100% accurate. You could have a false negative. Most gastric reflux is caused by allergy to certain foodstuffs. You know one type but there could be others. Have you tried cutting out gluten and dairy as they are the most common cause of gastric reflux? I know how painful it is - I too had nights when I couldn't sleep. Since I stopped eating gluten and dairy I haven't had it.
Hi Charks, Thankyou for your reply. Sorry, I thought I had replied to you yesterday but if I did it has disappeared. I shall try gluten free, others seem to also suggest this too. Dairy will be harder as I love cheese, but as the problem isn't each time I eat cheese it may not be that. However I will endeavor to cut down.
A diet high in saturated fats – which are plentiful in cheese and full-fat dairy products – can increase inflammation. It isn't an instant reaction but an ongoing situation. I too love cheese but it was worth giving it up as it helped me. And another plus is the fact I lost loads of weight.
pernicious Anaemia is an autoimmune condition which produces antibodies which destroy the parietal cells in the stomach . These cells produce the intrinsic Factor and Stomach Acid both of which are needed for the break down and absorption of vitamin B12 . P.A. means that you have low or no stomach acid . ( Hypochlorhydria / Achlorhydria) Stomach acid is needed to maintain the good bacteria in the stomach ( sometimes referred to as “stomach flora”) Low or no stomach acid causes bad bacteria to flourish leading to bloating and stomach pain .
Omeprazole is a PPI which would totally annihilate stomach acid . Not good at all .
An acidic drink taken with protein meals can help . Eg. Diluted Apple cider vinegar . In severe cases Betaine HCL capsules with pepsin can help with protein meals .
Probiotics ( good bacteria) are needed to restore and maintain the gut flora . These come in the shape of capsules , Symprove , a water based probiotic , fermented foods like yoghurt , sauerkraut , and my favourite now , home made kefir . taken first thing in the morning . Home made is superior to shop bought as it has many more strains of probiotics and yeasts . Easy and cheap to make . Only one make of kefir is as good and cannot be bought in shops .
Eating smaller meals more often , chewing really thoroughly in order for enzymes in the saliva to start the breaking down process , can help . Also eating in a relaxed atmosphere is helpful . I find that REAL porridge for breakfast contains something very good for the stomach ( can’t remember what it’s called ! ) Beta - glucan ? Must look it up !
Hope this is a bit of help to you . We are all different , but you will eventually find a solution to your tummy problem by reading all the advice you get . Best wishes .
Hi Wedgewood, thnkyou for your reply. I'll have to look up how to make the kefir. I do eat Greek natural yogurt and I also find porridge helps if I've had a funny tummy, never thought to try it when I've had indigestion. I must have it more regularly instead of just wintertime. I also take either yacult or Activia drink but don't really know how beneficial they are. Thank you again for the advice.
Home made kefir has the most types of probiotic bacteria and yeasts of all probiotic foods . Shop bought kefir is made with a commercial powder , not the traditional grains . It does have probiotics but not so many different types and not in the quantities of home-made , made with traditional grains . It’s not practical to sell the traditionally made in shops because it can explode bottles ( fermenting yeast !) One firm does make traditional kefir from goats milk , but not to sell in shops- Sent by courier . Called “Chuckling Goat”. It has to be opened very carefully .as it effervesces prolifically!
You can make your home-made to suit yourself . Lots of information on the internet !
I take betaine Hcl regularly and especially with protein meals. Sometimes in the night my stomach starts to bloat and I can't sleep. I get up and take a small dose of betaine Hcl and that resolves the matter. I'm not on any acid inhibiting meds. You have my sympathy.
Hello Kangarooiom, I have Pernicious Anemia, Rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, poly arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ... so, we went gluten-free years ago, and it seemed to help with your similar problem. We have also stopped eating anything with high fructose corn syrup, and soy. If I eat anything with soy, even a spoonful of something, I will be in the bathroom for hours. It's hard trying to dodge all the horrible stuff they throw at us these days, plus over here in the U.S., it's a constant watch for recalled things that are contaminated with who knows what. We check everything we buy at the grocery store. Hope this helps a little. Mjat.
Thankyou for your reply Mr Justatip, others have suggested gluten free. I need to try this to see if it helps. I don't think I eat anything with fructose corn syrup as mostly I cook from fresh and rarely eat cakes and biscuits. But I shall look out for it.
Hi Hockey player, Thankyou for your reply. I have tried a wedge pillow and trying to sleeps higher, but cannot get off to sleep. Yes my problem could be that I tend to sleep on a flat pillow.
Hi I get really painful 'indigestion' if I need to pee. A quick 'visit' 🚺 & B12 jab sorts it out. I obviously don't get the signal from a full bladder when my B12 is low, so don't know that I need to go. It's the first symptom to return when I try to space out out my injections.
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