can someone help me?

[Newguest]

I’ve had chronic pain for the past 10 years. The headaches are manageable now but the stomach pain is really bad. Recently it’s gotten worse. Constant burning pain, acid reflux, chronic gastritis. I try to eat simple things like chicken, potatoes, soups, but I’m still in pain and I get tired of eating the same things all the time. I was taking omeprazole for years but it started making me feel worse and I was getting vitamin deficiencies and other problems so I stopped. I tried taking it again for a week but it ended up making me feel worse. I also get very nauseous from certain foods even if they’re not so bad. I don’t know what to do anymore. I’m so tired of being in pain all the time. The past 5 months or so it’s been so bad. Does anyone have advice?

[BenHall1]

Hi,

I have found that the very last person you need to talk to is a GP ... the very last. In the context of another medical condition I found a range of foods ( even the ingredients of foods ) triggered the condition. My GP at the time arranged for IBS tests and Coeliac Disease tests as my symptoms were burping, intestinal gurgling, diahrrea and massive, massive and painful bloating. All tests returned normal.

I then consulted a Nutritionist. She got me to go Gluten Free, Wheat Free and Oats Free .... for starters. She taught me how to keep a food diary writing down food I'd eaten and precise side effects.

This process went on for some years but eventually I got there and most of my symptoms eventually minimised and finally disappeared. I discovered the pain came from the bloating ..... oh gosh ... what a time that was. I also have to say during the process I found that the thing that made thing worse for my gut was prescribed medication from my GP. If you know all this then I apologise - all this applies to me and me only and I'm telling you in case it is of some help. Good luck.

[Newguest in reply to BenHall1]

yeah I gave up on seeing doctors, none of them help me and it’s very expensive. For me the pain is also caused by stress and being unhappy, so it’s more complicated than that. And things like bread, potatoes, macaroni, cookies are what makes the pain more bearable and don’t irritate my stomach too much. If I eat something that is just meat or fruits for example then I get this burning pain like I’m hungry or nausea. But thank you for the advice

[mapadale]

First stop eating processed food, anything you buy that you have not made is processed for your consumption and will contain more than just natural ingredients. Stop eating junk foods, as they are full of chemicals that will make the issues worse.

Cut out the carbs and starch, as they are the biggest problem for you.

The omeprazole will have made things worse, they did me and why I stopped taking them.

You've not mentioned what 'pain medication' you are on, as many pain medications can cause all the problems you are having and so without knowing what they are, this is all just going to be opinionated responses.

Pain medication will cause most of your problems, as pain medication can make you intolerant to many of the things you already eat, as the medication can make you body act naturally to things it shouldn't be digesting such as Milk and Dairy (Shits), Bread, Cakes, Cookies all contain added sugar and preservatives, these will cause things such as constipation and cramps and things such as high carbs, will cause bloat.

I was on sertraline until recently, but I've been through most of the pain medication available and they all have these side effects.

If you eat naturally such as fruits and meats, that feeling in your stomach that you are getting, is your body actually acting how it should with natural foods (just a bit more intense because of your medication). This since coming off my medication, is a natural occurrence for me from time to time and the best way to combat it, is a glass of water.

Me personally, I would start looking at the pain medication you are on before going down any of the routes we suggest, as it is most likely the culprit causing it and so changing pain medication is the most easiest to resolve these problems.

[Batty1]

What type of pain medicine have you been taking?

[DevineOne]

All good advice here which I can also agree on. Gastritis takes time to get rid or improve upon. It takes careful eating and listening to your body to know what you can eat and what not. You probably know what foods to avoid like fried, oily and greasy foods. Cod and haddock are usually easy on the stomach.. Figure out which ones and It doesn't mean you can never eat it again but your body needs time to heal before then. Meds as all have said doesn't heal this but instead makes it worse. One book you might try is The gastritis healing book. I have also found supplements that help like vitamin D with K3, glycine,calcium alpha -ketoglutarate, pomegranate juice 15ml/day and japanese knot weed root powder in water before eating, bedtime and upon awakening. You may also want to only drink bottled spring water as it could be tap water which has something you don't agree with. Try a few different kinds to see which one is best for you. Also never give up. Remember before you were fine and had no pain. You have to believe that you can return to that state. Tell yourself each day that you trust your body and it's ability to heal. I hope this helps.

[DevineOne]

You may also want to try and delay breakfast to around 11am and also eat no later than 6pm. After eating try and go for a walk and don't lay down for at least 3 to 4 hours after eating. Reduce or cut out salt in your foods as it can also be irritating to your stomach.