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chronic pain 24/7 since 2006

I contracted Hep C in 1994 while using drugs (been clean and sober since 1997), in 2006 I developed an acute pain in my right side under the ribs (duodenum area), first gastroscopy revealed gastritis with H Pylori, I was revealed they found the cause (thats what i thought!) and was given triple therapy AB, the pain didnt go away so they gave another go at triple therapy anti-biotics (washing away any good gut flora in the process). The pain has never gone away. They keep telling me to take PPI's but they make it feel worse (except the odd time it flares up ripping my entire torso up, then they bring it back to the gnawing ache), recently tried ranatidine, still no good, i have tried pretty much every herb and supplement, aloe vera being the only product that reduced it slightly, sometimes. I have had 4 gastroscopies since 2006, always finding gastritis in the same-ish area. The last gastroscopy a couple of months ago found no h pylori or any infection, the diagnosis was "diffuse antral inflammation". I am at my wits end, every single waking moment of my life is buried by this god damn pain in my side. I have recently tired ASEA, PEMF, earthing, parasite cleanses, MMS, the list goes on, 8 years gives one a lot of things to try. I am sure my hep c is somehow causing the gastritis. I dont know why I am posting here because I am sure no one can help unless they have a gun but im frustrated to say the least waiting for interferon free treatment to hit the UK (tried 72 weeks interferon/riba backin 2006). Maybe someone here can tell me what test to ask for if there is one for a case like mine. Sorry for the rant, Luigi  
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20908880 tn?1622336237
Luigi I am curious you said you tried ASEA how long and at what dose.  When you deal at the cellular level it doesn't happen overnight.  I was on 16 ounces for 6 months and I am in my second year and all is well just asking....    
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1 Comments
Post is from 2014 Luigi hasn’t commented since August 2014
Avatar universal
i generally feel it more when relaxing or sitting etc. its definetly gastritis, its been found 4 times via endescope over 8 years. i have been taking slipery elm powder for the last couple months, also l-glutamine for 6 months. like i said i have not discovered anything that relieves the pain, i have been trying things/supplements for 8 years.

i meditate every day.

yesterday i stopped taking omeprazole as on the sixth day it hurt so much it was driving me mad. i have ranatidine but havent had any success with that.

as my thyroid TPO antibodies have been high on the last 2 tests i suspect there is a link with my thyroid/hep c driving an autoimmune condition affecting my gut.

regards

luigi
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Avatar universal
This may seem like a really stupid question but in my experience it is an important one.  Is the pain just the same if you are resting or moving?  I ask this because I had a pain in the duodenum area too but I only had it when I moved.  It turned out to be muscular and not connected to my digestive system at all, though I could have sworn that it was gastritis.

If it really is gastritis the best thing I found to help it is slippery elm powder.  You take about a teaspoon in half a glass of cold water and in about 20 mins it relieves the pain by forming a glutinous gel over your stomach lining.  Don't take within 2 hours of pills or medicines as it can prevent absorption of these.  

I presume that you don't take any NSAID type painkillers regularly like ibuprofen or aspirin as these can erode the stomach lining.  The best thing for supporting the whole lining of the digestive tract is glutamine.  Your lifestyle choices can also make a difference.  Don't go for hours with an empty stomach or drink alcohol on an empty stomach.  Eat every 4 hours at least.  Oats / porridge is also comforting and protective to the stomach.  I found that stress was the thing that brought on my gastritis more than anything else, so if you feel stressed then find a way to get yourself out of that situation.  

You have to persevere when you find something that might help.  Ranitidine should help over time but you might not notice it for a week or so.  Healing is slow.  I am not in favour of the PPI's which are much stronger than ranitidine but that is my personal choice and they do help some people and some situations.  

If you find after proper medical investigation that you still have gastritis then it can only be lifestyle factors.  Treat your stomach like you would treat a newborn baby.  I do hope you find a solution as I know how nasty gastritis can be.

Good luck
dointime        
  

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Avatar universal
its actually quite hard to source a gastroenterologist?
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Avatar universal
thank you for your comforting words x
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Avatar universal
Hi again...Yes that would be a gastroenterologist.   They do have another forum on here entitled digestive disorders/gastro where there used to be an
MD that would answer questions.  That expert is no longer available, but you can reread answers from prior questions posted.   You might run across someone else who experienced a  similar situation.
Unfortunately we can only speculate, and that is currently just guessing for answers.  I really hope that you can find relief as no one deserves to be in constant pain.
I wish you well in your quest, and when you decide to treat your Hep C we will be here to help you along the way.
Take care and be well
...Kim
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Avatar universal
i cant see a way to edit a reply, i forgot to ask regarding the gastro guy you mention, is that a gastroentorolgist (not sure if thats spelt right)?
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Avatar universal
obviously i forgot to mention the 4 gastroscopies to the list above :(
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Avatar universal
in the last 8 years ive had more tests than i can remember, ive had 3 CT scans, MRI scan middle abdomen. Various ultrasound and x-rays. Many blood tests. A Fibroscan. The tests have revealed gastritis, a hemangeoma, and fatty liver (thats why i went ketogenic diet and its worked) which is healed i believe through diet from my last ultrasound. The reason i suspect that my hep is causing the inflammation in my gut is they cant find any cause for the gastritis or maybe there are tests im not aware of that i need, this was my reason for joining this community.
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Avatar universal
I have made kombucha at home for at least 6 months, keefir for 8 months different time (made with raw milk). Various pro-biotics including soil based, pre-biotics, juicing including cabbage. Been on ketogenic diet for 2 years. Currently taking beta-glucan.    
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Avatar universal
Wow.   You do have unfortunately some pain mngmt issues to address.  My first impulse would be to find a gastro guy whom is at the top of his game.  You could do a google search and review former patients remarks regarding past performance.  I would then be willing to travel to get the best possible answers to your current dilemma.  Can't believe this pain cannot be conquered thru proper diagnosis.  Nerves are usually responsible for unrelenting pain, as organ pain can at times be controlled.   Would think from what you are describing that the gall bladder could be somewhat at fault.  Am not a doc but a closet MD, and intrigued by medical histologies.
Understand your desire to rid your body of the Hep C, but don't feel it's related to your pain issues.  Nevertheless, this virus is devastating to both our physical and emotional well being.  As you know gastritis is inflammation of the lining of the stomach, and not sure how this virus could relate.  
Again, not being much help but also don't know what Tx is available for you in the UK.  Responded to your plight as wanted you to know that others are listening, and sympathetic to your situation.  Do hope that you find some answers, and also rid yourself of this devastating viral disease.  Please keep us informed of your progress, and hope you attain relief soon.
...Kim




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Avatar universal
How have you tried replacing the good gut bacteria?  Just killing off the bad ones isn't enough.  The most simple method is plain, unadulterated yogurt with the bacteria that is there, or even some added ones.  Next there are medications that can help with the job.

Also, have you ever been checked for gall bladder?  

I AM NOT A DOCTOR AND NOT TRYING TO DIAGNOSE - just offering up things I have experienced.
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