Upper stomach ache

[candiemaietta]

70 yr old woman with upper stomach ache, worse after a meal. it has been about 6 or 8 weeks. I went to my primary Dr. and he treated me with 2 antibiotics, for diverticulitis , and 3 days after I finished, it started again. when I get up in the morning, my stomach is of normal size, but as the day goes on it swells and gets hard,

[greygoose]

Possibly low stomach acid. Food stays in the stomach instead of being broken down and passing into the gut. It then ferments, causing gas, bloating and acid reflux.

Try this:

The Baking Soda Stomach Acid Test

This test works by drinking baking soda and creating a chemical reaction in your stomach between the baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and hydrochloric acid (HCL). The result is carbon dioxide gas that causes burping. Ingesting baking soda is an old school natural home remedy for upset stomachs. This test will only cost you about $3 if you need to buy a new box of baking soda. Many people choose to try this test first because it’s very safe, low cost and you can get started tomorrow if it is in the cupboard.

But, there are problems with this test. Overall, there are a lot of variables to control. Trying to minimize all the variables can be tough and I would recommend performing the test 3 consecutive mornings to find an average. By doing this, you’re looking for more of a pattern than a one time test of “yes” or “no.” Also, to increase accuracy of the test, you must do it as soon as you wake up in the morning before putting anything in your mouth.

For the record, I’m unaware of any scientific studies that prove this method of stomach acid testing is either reliable or accurate. The results of this test can vary widely and it’s up to your interpretation, both of which are not ideal.

Here’s the Quick, at Home Way to See if You Have Low Stomach Acid

Mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 4-6 ounces of cold water first thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything.

Drink the baking soda solution.

Time how long it takes you to belch. Time up to five minutes.

If you have not belched within five minutes, stop timing.

In theory, if your stomach is producing adequate amounts of stomach acid you’ll likely belch within two to three minutes. Early and repeated belching may be due to excessive stomach acid (but don’t confuse these burps with small little burps from swallowing air when drinking the solution). Any belching after 3 minutes indicates a low acid level.

Because the time frames can vary person-to-person, as well as how they drink the solution, this test is only a good indicator that you might want to do more testing to determine your stomach acid.

This test is not accurate enough to rule out low stomach acid. To rule out low stomach acid, you will need to try the Heidelberg test or Betaine HCL challenge test.

healthygut.com/articles/3-t...

[Hillwoman]

Low stomach acid, and GG's suggested self-test, is a distinct possibility. Low acid often occurs with thyroid disorders.

There are other potential problems. Gall bladder and/or pancreatic malfunctions can also cause upper abdominal pain.

Has the diverticulitis - infection as a result of diverticulosis - been formally diagnosed, or is this your GP's assumption? I understand chronic diverticulosis can cause pain almost anywhere in the abdomen, but I'd be wary of a GP-level diagnosis without being referred for investigations.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Presumably you are on levothyroxine?

How much levothyroxine are you currently on

Do you always get same brand of levothyroxine?

Has brand changed?

When were thyroid levels last tested?

Low thyroid levels can cause low stomach acid, bloating and slow motility

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also EXTREMELY important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies

Ask GP to test vitamin levels

You may need to get full Thyroid testing privately as NHS refuses to test TG antibodies if TPO antibodies are negative

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .

Last dose of Levothyroxine 24 hours prior to blood test. (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin

medichecks.com/products/thy...

Medichecks often have special offers, if order on Thursdays

Thriva Thyroid plus vitamins

thriva.co/tests/thyroid-test

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

[posthinking01]

Hi there - I was getting this and it was gall bladder showing distress - do you find it gets worse with fatty meals or every time. I agree it could also be low stomach acid - what drugs are you being given for any medical symptoms. - can you tell us.

[candiemaietta in reply to posthinking01]

Hi, thanks for answering. I have already had my gallbladder out. Had my appendix out a yr ago. Hysterectomy and 3 c sections. Yes it hurts more after eating. I am on prilocect, Effexor, Clonidine, Metformin, synthroid .