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Gastritis Or Something More Sinister?

Hello everyone, I've come seeking advice to possibly put my mind at ease. I've suffered with health related anxiety since I was very young and while I've manage to ease some of it, it still rears its ugly head from time to time. This will probably be quite a read as I explain my situation but please bear with me.

Here's some background: I'm a 21 year old female, and slightly overweight. Around the time that my problems started I was working a very stressful and demanding job. I was taking a lot of NSAID's on a daily basis to cope with the demanding nature of my work. I was constantly in pain, and would take anywhere from 2 to 3 pills every other day if the pain was bad, but at least one a day before leaving for work. Additionally, I developed a soda habit. Often I'd drink at least two Kickstarts during my shift, and occasionally either a third or a Monster Energy after my shift. (And before then I had been drinking a Monster at least once every other day, if not every day.) My diet was quite poor, as was my family. I existed on ramen and ate a lot of junkfood at night. If my parents cooked I would have one large meal after work then eat very little else throughout the day.

My first attack happened while I was having a junkfood and videogame binge with my girlfriend on one of my very rare off days. I'm sure I had eaten Cheetos and other junk type foods. My stomach felt kinda unamused, but I dismissed it. I drank a Monster while eating some of those Sour Punch filled Twizzlers (They are my weakness,) and that's immediately what set it off. The burning grew into a gnawing burning sensation right in the pit of my stomach. It hurt so deeply it went all the way through into the bottoms of my shoulder blades. I wouldn't describe the pain as 'sharp' or 'acute,' but it is more of an 'ache' around my back and a gnawing 'burn' in my gut.  My stomach was punishing me so fiercely I couldn't even find a comfortable position to lay in. In all, it wasn't so much painful as it was annoying and scary. It was definitely intrusive enough to spike my anxiety and keep me from sleeping or being comfortable. This went on for a few hours, then eased off and stopped. I didn't think much of it however, until I set it off again around three to four months later.

This time my GF and I had gotten Chinese, and I noticed it was giving me a small bit of indigestion. I shrugged it off, and we got pizza that night (God we sound so gross, we cook most of the time but when both of us have been working we get really lazy and just order out.) I had a slice, and sipped on a Coke. Then, the final catalyst came when we ate some brie cheese and crackers. My stomach fired off again, starting with that burning gnaw right in the center of my gut and aching into my back. I also noticed it makes me bloated and gassy, while the attack is happening I'll belch a lot. I went and laid down, which only made it worse. Finally I couldn't stand it anymore and popped some Tums, then I built a little lean that I sat against while in bed so I was upright. This eased it until it stopped. I had a third attack following the same lines a month or so later that wasn't as severe. A day filled with meals of junkfood+soda+cheese=stomach attack. By this time I had been watching what I was eating, but got too careless. I took some peptobismol, then sat at my desk browsing the internet and nibbling on some licorice which seemed to soothe it away.

After the second attack I realized something must be wrong with my stomach. I looked into the type of pain that I was feeling that 'goes right straight through to your back' as some people have described it. I came across gastritis, and it seems to be a match. The timing falls in perfectly, and it does seem to be alleviated with acid reducing medicines. Attacks only come when I really push the limits of my stomach. Typically, it's the combination of soda plus something else really acidic such as dairy or the twizzlers. I can sip a soda by itself just fine (though I avoid it), I can have a bit of cheese by itself just fine, but combining these or eating too much take out or junk food in one day seems to build and build upon itself until I have an attack. (As a side note, if I'm playing a videogame and something stressful happens, it actually makes my stomach burn very slightly then goes away.)

Since then, I've cut out all soda and all really acidic foods. It ***** because I'm often cooking separate meals for myself and my girlfriend but I really don't want to chance damaging my stomach further. I've been drinking green smoothies with ginger, and nibbling on licorice. I don't have any other problems or pains as long as I avoid 'over doing it.' (Possible TMI but my bathroom situation hasn't been affected either. I'm not having problems with 'dark' or 'sticky' stools as if my stomach was bleeding, nor have I had diarrhea.)

Now, here's the main reason I am coming to everyone here for help. I cannot see a doctor. Right now, I'm living in Canada with my GF on a visitors visa until October when I can apply for Permanent Residency. Of course it's my luck that I go years without needing any kind of medical intervention until the one time that I can't just run out and see a doctor. If you have any advice, I'd love to hear it. Thank you for your time!
5 Responses
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620923 tn?1452915648

  Good Luck with your Diet and be sure to keep in contact with your Dr so they know what diet you plan to follow.....

And do update here so we know how it works for you <3
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for you replies!

Unfortunately no, there's nothing than can be done for my foot aside from surgery possibly. It's the result of a hairline fracture I sustained during my time at a job before the one I was at when my problems started.

I know quite well how much diet can affect your overall health, I am the walking embodiment of 'You are what you eat.' As soon as I replace my personal blender I intend to go on the green smoothie diet. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time, the problems with my stomach only encourage me further.
Helpful - 0
620923 tn?1452915648

  I am happy to hear you have modified your diet and that you are feeling better.....diet is so very important to ow we feel and our overall health.

Is there a way to fix your foot?.....

Keep in mind changes in weight, be it a gain or loss can cause reflux to flare...as can stress .....so it is important to also look at lifestyle as well.....

I pray you continue to feel better <3
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for your reply!

Usually we don't eat as terribly as that. I have green smoothies for breakfast in the mornings and cook for ourselves but we occasionally get lazy and order out. What I described happened over a period of around five months.

Since then I have cut out all soda and energy drinks from my diet, as well as actively avoiding greasy and spicy food. I haven't had any problems like the ones I described since my last attack.

The pills were for my foot. I have an old break in my foot that, when I worked 12hr shifts 3+ days in a row, would radiate up into my leg and cause me horrible pain. And my job didn't allow for breaks longer than an hour, I was constantly moving (even when on my break.) Getting through the day was agonizing.
Helpful - 0
620923 tn?1452915648

Hi and welcome to the GERD forum.

First any energy drink is not the best thing for someone having health issues...so do avoid them...and the junk food.....you already seem to be aware that that is not the best thing for you....try changing your eating habits and you may find you are feeling better.....

May I ask what pain you take the NSAIDS for? If it is stomach, do modify your diet and lifestyle to help and see a GI Dr as soon as you are able....
Helpful - 0
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