I think I have stomach ulcers and I'll tell you why:

1.) Blood in the bathroom

2.) Stomach hurts constantly

3.) Recovering alcoholic

4.) Usage of excedrin (with asprin- NSAID use)

5.) Nervous worrier

6.) Smoker (pack a day)

7.) Jalapenos daily for 4 years (I feel I can't eat a meal without them, or some form of habanero salsa etc.)

I know this is usually not a life threatening condition but it still worries me. I have looked up natural remedies online and took their advice. Any thoughts or advice? Can this get worse? I don't know what to use for my pain/headaches since I found I shouldn't use excedrin. Tylenol has the risk of hurting the liver, which I am worried about also since I have probably already enlarged it because of my alcohol use. I usually either minimize or maximize situations by my natural personality and I have minimized this situation to help me sleep at night but I am increasingly worried about it. And advice is welcomed and appreciated.

[ECHOES]

You should be seen and evaluated by a doctor, if possible.
You could try an acid reducer, like Prilosec. There are store brands too, and those are less expensive. My doctor suggested I take one daily for 2 months to see if there is improvement.

[hamster-bamster]

You should get tested by H. Pylori and treated with antibiotics if you have H.Pylori. Untreated H.Pylori can lead to stomach cancer, so take care of this issue, please.

[hamster-bamster]

It can be life-threatening in the long run because of the stomach cancer connection. It is a serious issue and now is not the time to experiment with a variety of natural remedies.

The antibiotic treatment of H.Pylori is quite intense and you would need probiotics in large quantities to help as an antidote.

Thanks yall, I am going to get this taken care of. I also have some other health concerns so maybe I can do a one fell swoop kind of thing and kill two birds with one stone. Thanks for the info.

[Jan1212]

You do have the top causes of peptic ulcers.

Good that you're getting checked out especially because of the bleeding and it could be various things with little stomach coating, too much acid, infection, perforation, erosion, masses. Any pain before or after eating, where. ANy burning sensation? Color of blood? Bright red is nearer the colon and darker is from upper region, is it maroon, tarry in stools. History of polyps, cirrhosis, family hx of GI cancer? Find out if they ask you, how long has it been going on for, and if you ate any beets

Meanwhile,
No large, spicy or irritating meals esp at night
Stop taking aspirin for the bleed and chronic use of NSAIDs for stomach coating
Protective mucous of stomach with peptol bismol

They'll probably check your blood, breath or screen test for h pylori, maybe liver tests or endo or colonoscopy and go over your medications. Compromised liver increases risk for liver disease such as hepatitis so look over your vaccinations

[hamster-bamster]

Oh, and please get a regular blood test. You might become anemic if you bleed through the stomach. Anemia is a pretty bad thing and can even be a physical cause of depression, so you really do NOT want that!

[Perna]

I'm glad you are getting it checked out with a doctor; it could be something else entirely; if you are not drinking any longer, that might not be a factor anymore; I know there are many nationalities that eat salsa/peppers daily with no ill effects; how much Excedrin and NSAID use, not "that" you use it, etc., especially the blood could be from other, less "innocent" causes.

Oh boy, I can relate! I am sooo glad to know you are going to see the doctor for this. I was having severe stomach pains and symptoms which were radiating up to my chest area and around my back like a vice grip, so naturally I thought it had something to do.with my <3. I went to the Cardiologist, and he immediately referred me to a Gastroenterologist and scheduled an edoscopy for a week later.

I was really scared about the procedure which of course created more of a stomach ache from worry. I didn't make it a week I had a major ulcer attack and went straight to the ER. Next thing I knew, I was overnight in hospital on pain killer. First thing in the am, I had the endoscopy.

Do not worry or even be remotely nervous about it. It is a very quick procedure and you are in a twilight sleep so you have no clue what is going on.

When I woke up, I had temporary amnesia. That was fun I remember asking my doctor repeatedly if I was ok

Thankfully, my doctor had the sense of humor of Woody Allen and the looks of Steven Spielberg. He told me my stomach looked.like the surface of the moon and then asked what in the world I had to worry about (I was in my early 30s).

He checked for the bug but it was negative. Just old fashioned genetics and constant worrying.

He put me on 3 or 4 different stomach, acid, healing meds and I healed right up! That is one of the good things....body heal thyself

I had to change my diet to totally bland foods and I was walking all hunched over like a lil old lady for a couple of weeks (I was misersble)...and it took a good 6 months but all is (mostly) well! There are foods I cannot eat - one being definitely no spicy. And I have to eat small portions (GERD is a pain), but there are great OTCs for management. He also told me to be careful with otc pain meds (for instance for headaches,.pms, that type of thing. They are harsh on the tummy)

Funny thing, I cannot drink anything carbonated at all, but I can still drink a coffee or two, no problem

I wish you all the very best, and I hope you feel better soon. Your eating or lifestyle habits change a bit but again the good thing is those lil suckers heal so the sooner you see the doctor the better.

Please let us know how you are doing. Everything is going to be ok

Rose

Oh thank you everyone, I forgot to check back on this thread and I apologize for my tardiness. I went to a regular physician and I do have peptic ulcers and I was treated with the antibiotics. He said my liver is fine so I can take tylenol at the recommended dosage. I also have PCOS and I had worried that they were teaming up against me lol, but that was not the case. I could have a total hysterectomy coming up since my husband and I are finished reproducing (three children is enough lol) and I feel optimistic about this now. I have stopped drinking but from time to time I do relapse, but this is one more reason for me to stay on the wagon for good. Thanks everyone!

[sandworm]

I took the antibiotics strictly and recovered.

i was told I would have to eat bland for the rest of my life.
i got better using herbs.

this system is buggering up so write me if you want to know more.

Sandee