Nancy,
I am sooo sorry for you. I wish I knew what to tell you. Have you tried coating your stomach with Mylanta or something like that? I know you have tried everything. Doctors need to know more about this and find out better how to treat. Instead they look at you with a blank stare.
How about Yogurt? I am just trying to think of something to help you.
Let me know.
Pat
It's time to try a different doctor. What kinds of doctors have you seen? Please remind me of the tests that you've had. Something is going on, and you just have to keep searching to find a doctor who will figure it out. Seriously......find a new doctor today.
I'm still keeping that Lyme disease in the back of my mind. It can cause all sorts of funky neurological problems (which might include sensory nerve problems). Something is wrong here Nancy, and you have to find a doctor who will help you. Don't settle for one telling you there's just nothing wrong, since the tests are "normal". Please find another one. It's not hopeless Nancy.
Would your doctor considering treating you for H.pylori, even though your test was negative? I think that's something you need to ask him/her.
Second that, Nancy. Have you tried a GI doctor at a university hospital? Often these facilities are better equiped and the doctors (who also teach) are up to date on current procedures, meds, and testing. Call, make an appointment, and then keep calling to see if that doc has a cancellation that you can take to get you in sooner.
Have you had stool tests for parasites, including giardia?
It is not hopeless, Nancy. As my own PCP stated, "You just don't have a normal, healthy person in good health come down with these issues without a reason." The crucial step in resolving your issues is to find that reason. In the meantime, the important thing is to manage your pain. Call your GI doctor and/or PCP and use the phrase "pain management." Also, I suggest stating, "I am at a pain level of 10." Often M.D.'s don't really hear you when you talk about discomfort unless you speak in terms they use -- the standard pain scale of 1 to 10. It is unethical practice to allow a patient to remain in level 10 pain without doing something, even if it's to prescribe a narcotic pain killer -- they have these in patch form now.
Cathy is correct. Find a new GI doctor TODAY.
Laura
P.S. There is a med called carafate (sp.?) that coats the stomach with a protective layer like mucus. It is used to treat people with ulcers. If you have reflux, the drug will also reflux into your esophagus and help coat that. You may want to suggest that your doctor prescribe to help with the burn.
Laura
Thanks guys. I totally think its the PPI's and my GI dr is almost in aggreement with me although he is going to do some more tests (read my other post). Im quitting them-gradually and I will NEVER go back on them again!!
Nancy
Nancy, please read my response to Jason's "PPIs cause more harm than good" if you haven't already. Believe me, I feel you're pain, literally. Hang in there and keep searching. Just because you haven't found the answer yet doesn't mean it isn't out there.
Thinking of you... Jamie 