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A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Witbank, ZA

I was recently advised that my stomach is inflamed

May 23
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A MyLupusTeam Member

(I am not a licensed medical professional)
Before he knew he even had lupus, my husband paid attention to what was triggering it (it was acidic food). Now he takes Pantoprazole because the meds for his treatment are causing irritation. But for some, it can be anatomical. (For example, a valve that doesn't close properly, etc). So to give any 1 solution is difficult. Unfortunately, taking things like tums/antacids can have a serious interaction with other meds. Antacids are a bandaid to the problem; they treat the symptom. Do you know why your stomach is inflamed? Could you have a food sensitivity or a response to medication? Our stomach lining can be affected by everything from smoking, drinking, illness (yep, even auto-immune diseases), bacteria imbalances, and high doses or chronic use of anti-inflammatories. And etc, etc. But untreated acid reflux/GERD can be harmful to the lining of your esophagus well. Long story short - my recommendation is to brainstorm trends (when does it happen, what were your doing at the time, etc) or do a food log while you wait to talk to your doctor (if you are able).

May 24
A MyLupusTeam Member

Refilwe, acid reflux is generally aggravated by fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, acidic foods, heavy meals, and spicy foods. Everyone has different triggers, and you can investigate which foods worsen yours, as @A MyLupusTeam Member says.

Waiting at least 1-2 hours after eating to lie down is helpful, as is avoiding eating late at night. For some people, elevating the head of the bed along with the chest is helpful, and with severe reflux, smaller, more frequent meals are necessary. Medications like famotidine are available over the counter here in the US and are helpful; you can discuss them with your doctor.

With your stomach inflammation (gastritis), did they test for H pylori? I'm sure your doctors advised you to avoid NSAIDs, which can cause and worsen gastritis. I hope you get relief soon!

May 24
A MyLupusTeam Member

The same

May 24
A MyLupusTeam Member

My reflux got so bad it couldn't be controlled by any medication. My teeth were being damaged as I slept, no matter how much I inclined the top of the bed. I was risking losing my teeth and aspirating during my sleep. I contacted a local surgeon I know well, and he performed a partial wrap of my esophagus with my stomach. I still get heartburn, but I am no longer refluxing like I was. He could only do a partial wrap, because I have no motility in my esophagus due to overlapping Sclerosis. The partial wrap was enough, and it prompted me to get a Myomarker Panel done to see what all else was overlapping my lupus.

May 24
A MyLupusTeam Member

What does your diet and nutrition actually look like? I know that plays a huge role and also hope many bowel movements you have as well. I know for me I've gotten acid reflux bad, I've used prilosec but it's not something to use all the time; so it's really looking at your diet and lifestyle.

May 24

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