The me no one knows - SI warning

@Flutterbug9 that sounds super painful 😧.

I know that H.p. is one of the common causes for ulcers, but is also not an uncommon infection in humans (and dogs!) often asymptomatic. But if there is pain also - then there is obviously something your system isn't happy with whether it is from the infection or from something else. 😬. If the meds are helping with the pain, then sounds like the infection is a good bet at contributing to the pain. I know it's really easy (natural) for anxious brains to jump to worst-case situations, and even more so when there is existing experience and memories of people having these situations occur 🤗.

Has the GP said how likely/unlikely they think it is to have a stomach ulcer, as opposed to have the infection and pain and GERD, but not have an ulcer?

Have they given you a referral to a gastroenterologist for an endoscopy to assess if there is any damage to the lining of the stomach?

I opted for an endoscopy last year with my GERD worsening for peace-of-mind to know there is no visible damage to my lining despite the chronic GERD pain. I feel better knowing. 😊. I get constant chest pain any time I stop the PPI meds for even 1 day, but have no sign of internal damage.

@AlwaysMyself

Has GP said how likely/unlikely its ulcer vs infection vs GERD = No. appointment on Thursday there was mention of tested positive for HP again, first time March last year. Issued with script with mention of all 3 possible impacts of HP.

referral to gastroenterologist = no. Is heaps better than where I used to go, not 100% with referrals though.

With having IBS and acid reflux I have a small bit of knowledge about GERD. Fully understandable erring on side of caution and being safe. I do the same thing. I get the peace of mind and got that last year with my chronic neutropenia. First diagnosis approx 8 - 10yrs ago I doubted there was any serious reason but I wanted to be sure and had hoped to find out the reason, no lucky on 2nd bit.

my mil and my husband both died from cancer plus having had cancer scare myself, all within last approx 10 yrs. Finding out I now have 2 medical conditions that both have risk of cancer on top,of everything else. Not been in good place last couple days and still not in good place.

Calligraphy, I can see how it would come in handy for me. I’ll pass though. My FIL gave me, what I’m guessing was, expensive kit in box with cover approx A4 size. I tried once and that was it. I haven’t got the patience for it plus, due to my hands, I won’t be able to do it for long. I’ve only used gel,pens for yrs

I think the fear and anxiety is quite understandable @Flutterbug9 , given your experience yourself and with loved ones. The good side is that you are *aware* and thus take your health seriously 😊 to treat things like the infection which in turn reduces risk. I wonder what % of people who get *a* stomach ulcer (not necessarily *chronic* ulceration) get cancer? I would hope it is a very low %, but i dont know without researching it.

Its frustrating when not knowing the cause for symptoms, eh! Can be extra worrisome.

With my GERD it was triggered off by a medication. But why did it stay after ceasing the medication? Why did it then get worse over the next 2 years (i didnt mention it to my GP for treatment until it became super bad) instead of stay the same or decline as i wasnt using the medication?

I actually do not know/understand what this medication has done in my body to cause this reaction as permanent. I never had any form of reflux prior to it. And im now 4 years post-taking it. Hence the endoscopy was peace of mind for me to see it had not caused visible damage at least, despite the GERD.

... and get this... last time i saw.my general GP - he asked if i wanted to try that medication again!!! 🤨 i mean, seriously?! Dude i should have gone to the Emergency with the severity of the reaction i got from it, but i was to go on a holiday for someones birthday celebration so i didnt want to spoil that so i didnt. 😅 but i couldnt eat for 3 weeks after ceasing the medication because of the pain and vomitting! ... and he suggests to try it again????

This type of thing is why i am now on a waitlist for a new general GP too.

@AlwaysMyself

There are variety of things in my past that when there is mention of possibly of same things that can affect me that unsettled me and leave a sense of worry. Bit of anxiety brain, maybe but not the primary cause. I don’t understand if I mention about being worried the words anxiety brain come into the conversation, especially when not knowing my family and person non-MH health background and conditions

I dont think you mentioned anxiety with regard to the health issues @Flutterbug9 , i think thats just what i reasonably imagine would be common for someone in your situation though (especially with you husbands cancer and the other relative too). A certain level of anxiety would be expected for anyone with health concerns and awareness that there is a possibility of their infection and possible ulcer being linked to a cause of cancer.

I didn't mean to imply that anxiety was the "fuel" of you concerns, or that your concerns are not valid and reasonable. Sorry if it came across that way 😬. 🤗. They are quite reasonable concerns.

Its the challenge of online text - not knowing the emotion behind the words, or the strength of the emotions. Normally can guage it by "intensity" or body language as to how heighten the emotions are -- but can't tell that from text 🫣.

If you're not feeling anxious about the infection or possible ulcer that is great! I am very happy if i have misread the underlying emotion and you aren't worried.

In my terms, anxiety does not mean "irrational". Anxiety can be absolutely a normal and reasonable reaction! Its a natural thing that helps keep us safe 😊, its our systems alarm bell.

@AlwaysMyself 💜

when there has been any miscommunication or misunderstanding, I prefer to try to chat it through asap so pleasant chats can continue.

I try not to let things sit and start to fester, too quickly things can snowball and result in negative outcomes

I have the same problem with written communication at times. Words “on paper” don’t convey emotions which can lead to misunderstandings.

Hey @Flutterbug9 ,

How are we today?

I read your posts, and I also feel that talking through things is good. I used to avoid it and it would eat me up inside. Glad I'm more open to talking things through now.

Movie night today?

@AlwaysMyself

Wow the trial prep is really moving along. You’re really starting the process now and will in no time be participating. I like the updates I’m really interested in how they do things and how you find the participation. it’s good you’ve been having all these tests to prepare and that you could identify low feratin. Now you’re addressing it which is great.

Not having anxiety does hekp a lot with social interactions and just going out. You are always a friend who does make an effort to get to know the person and you are also open to being asked questions so I can get to know you too. Building friendships that way and being empathetic and understanding really builds trust and a decent friendship too. You definately are a person who wishes to do no harm. I really love that about you. I’m glad you don’t have anxiety. I have anxiety and panic attacks and it’s a hard one to live with.

The tapering plan soubds very sound to me and I like how you are able to control how that happens and decide the best way. You know your body better than anyone so when tapering listening to the patient is so important. I do agree doing a day on and a day off isnt great and likely to cause more intense withdrawal. How much longer will the taper go? I understand the dizziness and nausea. I get so dizzy it’s quite awful.

@Flutterbug9 @AlwaysMyselfHello to you both? How are you?

That was really good advice. I used those tips. I was lucky to have a gentle and understanding dentist. Unfortunately the news isn’t good.

I need 8 fillings and multiple extractions that will need surgery for each one. As the teeth are right on the gums. There’s roots from other teeth thet have come out and gum healed so surgery for that too. The public dental can’t do them at the local one because I have peripheral artery disease and thallasemia. They don’t have the facilities if something goes wrong or the specialist dentists required.

They are referring me to the big public dental hospital in city and have to liase with my vascular surgeon. The surgeries are high risk and can cause serious issues including stroke or heart attack.

This has really caused me a great deal of distress. Everything is going down hill at the worst possible time. I don’t even have a carer.

I see vascular surgeon early next month for advice plus he’s checking my arteries and I’m having some issues with them. So medically I’ve got too much going on and all triggers for me.

Trying to chat with and sort things out for me depends on the other person. Some people are comfortable and ok about talking things through, either in person or via typed message whereas some other people aren’t.

I used to be the latter @tyme until I realised it was resulting in number of people I could chat were decreasing.

maybe due to we have found we get along, cuddle bear, always myself and myself all opt to try to talk through things. From my perspective, it’s allowing us to get to now more about the other person.

I had thought about walking over to the building where the movie Nyad will be shown this afternoon. No enthusiasm or interest to do anything atm. Has taken me double length of time would normally take to get things done and I’ve still got to get into the kitchen.

electrician due at my place tomorrow afternoon to install new external power point. Need to deal with some weeds and cobwebs before he gets here. With next 2 days predicted to be 30+ prior to rain Tuesday afternoon I’m not looking forward to going to Mexican trains. Might be lazy and drive the car