Endoscopy - confused about results, cause and treatment

Ive had horrible burning pain in my digestive system for about 10 months, with a sharp isolated pain radiating to my back. I was sure I had an ulcer. I endured it for about 8 months and it improved with reducing stress, heavy meats/meals and trigger foods (caffeine, spicy foods etc), until I eventually decided to an endoscopy. I was relucant to get an endoscopy because I hate operations and also it was slowly improving.

The results were:

- No peptic ulceration.
- Moderate hyperplasia of the squamous epithelium and mild hyperplasia of gastric mucosa.
- Changes appear to be reparative hyperplasia to reflux irritation

My doctor said he saw some blood (specs of blood) and even thinks there may have been an ulcer that healed and now I just have the mild/moderate inflammation.

I was put on a 6 week couse of Famotidine and I continued my lifestyle changes. I definately continue to improve but I still feel so far from better. Im also not sure if the Famotidine is helping.

Can anyone make any suggestions based on my results?

My doctors never mentioned H pylori or any other infection so I believe that is not an issue.

I don't know how this happened (other than i was under a lot of stress and drinking lots of coffee and energy drinks).

I also heard acid reflux issues can be caused by low stomach acid (but I suppose my gastric mucosa wouldn't be infammed it I had low acid..?)

Thanks

SharonZ said...
See if your doctor will prescribe Sulcrafate. It coats the stomach and they use it to treat ulcers. Also, your doctor has only presribed Pepcid, an antacid, and you may need an actual PPI.

Sharon

Thanks Sharon Ill do that.

Can you recommend any natural alternatives?

Also, my doctor never told me how/why this happened, Doing so will help me prevent it coming back. Can you guess what may be the root cause?

SharonZ said...
Sometimes you can't figure out a cause. You are correct, anxiety/stress can cause/make your symptoms worse. Did you doctor suggest keeping a food diary to try and see if you can pinpoint any food sensitivities. As you already know, quit the alcohol, coffee, any carbonated drinks, you can introduce them back later. Also try and stay away from Dr. Google, there is a lot of misinformation out there. Your doctor should have checked for low stomach acid, I wouldn't worry about it. Again, I would contact the surgeon and ask if the Pepcid is enough for your symptoms and ask about the sulcrafate. Unfortunately, the symptoms don't disappear as quickly as we would like.

Sharon

Thanks again

No he didnt check for low stomach acid. Could that be an issue? I dont think so because my gastric mucosa is also inflammed...

Ill ask for those two medications.

What about green juice? Aloe vera juice etc?

Also, can an inflamed stomach and esophagus cause radiating pain to the back? I read only a duodenal ulcer can do that