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Hello Doctor. I Recently Went To My Doctor For Stomach

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Posted on Fri, 5 Apr 2019
Question: Hello Doctor.
I recently went to my doctor for stomach pain.. that I have been having for many months now. It appears in the morning when I wake up and sometimes during the day when I have not eaten for over an hour or so. As long as I eat or drink something I do not feel any pain. needless to say I have added weight. I went to my doctor and he suggested getting a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy to see if anything is going on inside. My question is that he said he heard that there is a pill out now that can be used that travels through the body where the doctor can see everything without using internal scopes. Is there such a thing?
Thank you for your response in advance..
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Capsule Endoscopy

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Noted the history well and understood the concerns.
Yes, there is a camera in capsule that can be swallowed and it takes pictures that your receiver stores. This is called capsule endoscopy.

As for your symptoms, medications history your problem looks be Gastritis and is best diagnosed by Upper GI Endoscopy as it allows full visualization form oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus and upper duodenum, also allows biopsy of the suspected areas and is easily available.

I hope this answers your specific query.
Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.

With Regards.
Dr T Chandrakant.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (47 hours later)
Hello Doctor and thank you for your response.
I will do some research on the Capsule Endoscopy to see if it is available in this area as yet and if Insurance will cover it. However, in the interim, I have noticed that now the aching continues and I have this bloated feeling all the time now. I have started an exercise program which does provide me with energy which I have been lacking recently but the weight issue continues with no reduction. I should say my diet consists of mostly salads, sometimes with chicken or salmon and for snacks I eat a lot of celery and apples in addition to about a gallon of water daily. but still no weight loss. very discouraging to say the least.. I am urinating but am wondering if this bloated feeling can be from all the water I am drinking. I am not sure, all I know is that my stomach seems to be getting bigger and at times painful. I might add if this has any value is that my brother and mother passed away within the past two years of Pancreatic cancer. should I be concerned about this as well? I did have a CT Scan over a year ago after my mother passed and it came out where everything was fine. should I get another CT Scan in that area?
Thank you so much for your help!
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
As detailed.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback and added history.
Surely yes, please get a review CT scan of the abdomen done.
It will help to rule out many a things and possibly give a probable diagnosis.
Drinking too much water gives only temporary bloating as water is absorbed fast and passes out as urine.
Since you have changed the diet, observe if anything in the foods and beverages is instigating or enhancing the bloating and stop such things altogether.
Stop aerated drinks.
Get the stool tests done.
See if Activated charcoal tablets are helping with bloating.
And see if stopping Alprazolam can help you to reduce weight.

I hope this answer helps you further.
Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication and give feedback.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (33 hours later)
Hello Doctor and once again thank you for your response.
I do have a couple of concerns though.
1. My doctor never requested or mentioned anything about a stool tests ( would this be covered with the colonoscopy?)
2. I have not heard anything about activated charcoal tablets. Are these something that are useful in treating these type of stomach issues? Is it prescription or OTC?
3. Not sure about stopping the Alprazolam. I have been taking this for over 20 years for Anxiety and, believe me, it has gotten me through many many difficult times ( panic attacks etc). They did tell me to not take it the day of the Upper and Lower Endoscopy's which is when I will probably need it most due to being anxious about the tests. but I can deal with that.. I will be following through with the abdominal CT Scan after the Colonoscopy and Endoscopy to hopefully rule out any issues.. so I thank you SO much for your help in easing my anxiety over this.. :-)
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
As detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your appreciation.
Your Concerns:
1: Stool test is done on the sample of stool/poop that you give to the lab. Request your Doctor for one test at least as this can give a lot of information.
2: Activated Charcoal tablets: Available as Gasex by Himalaya in XXXXXXX please see if you can get online - Which country do you live? I will try to see what may be available.
3: I can understand for Alprazolam; no problem please continue as and when needed basis as every day is not the same. Many days are uneventful and can in fact be more relaxed when you may not need Alprazolam.
Please let me know the reports of CT scan and other investigations.

I hope this answer helps you further.
Relax and take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (8 hours later)
Thank you again
I live in the US in the state of New XXXXXXX

Once i Have all my tests completed and results, I will certainly let you know.

Thank you ever so much !

Regards!
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Thanks for your appreciation.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks.
You may get the Gases tablets by Himalaya in USA - online or so. Please try.
Awaiting for the reports.
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. T Chandrakant

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19780 Questions

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Hello Doctor. I Recently Went To My Doctor For Stomach

Brief Answer: Capsule Endoscopy Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for your query. Noted the history well and understood the concerns. Yes, there is a camera in capsule that can be swallowed and it takes pictures that your receiver stores. This is called capsule endoscopy. As for your symptoms, medications history your problem looks be Gastritis and is best diagnosed by Upper GI Endoscopy as it allows full visualization form oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus and upper duodenum, also allows biopsy of the suspected areas and is easily available. I hope this answers your specific query. Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication. With Regards. Dr T Chandrakant.