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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Treatment For Bleeding Ulcers Causing Pain In The Chest?

I have a history of bleeding ulcers. ive had gastric bypass and the ulcer is at the connect area where my stomach and small intestines are stapled. I take Prilosec most of the time but sometimes go off of it when I don t have money to buy then my ulcers start hurting to point where it goes up to my chest cause bad chest pain. my blood pressure is 150/102 at the moment. ive been drinking alka selzer the last few days, because its a temporary relief for a few hours but according to the box that s bad for the ulcers. I cant afford to be hospitalized and I just started back on Prilosec today but it will take a few days to kick in. I guess my question is, ive been taking way too much alkaselzer but it s only relief of pain even if just for a couple hours, then it spikes again to the point of intoleration. the box says don t take more than 8 in 24 hour period and ive exceeded that each day for probably the last 3 days for the temporary relief. could drinking that much hurt my ulcer to the point where the Prilosec might not work? I take care of my mother and can not be away from her really to go the the e.r., im confused and don t know what to do since the alka selzer is only thing that helps when pain is so bad???
Wed, 21 Sep 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello dear,
Thank you for writing.

In my opinion, there may 1 or more factors that contribute to your increasing pain:
1- Discontinuation of Prilosec, that can have contributed in exacerbating the ulcer. Now that the ulcer situation is worse, Prilosec will need more days to start its effect.
2- Alka-Seltzer is indicated as a sporadic heartburn relief, but not as a long term solution. Since it contains Aspirin as an active ingredient, frequent usage can cause a deterioration of the ulcer.

Therefore, I would suggest to continue using Prilosec for the moment, and to consult a gastroenterologist as soon as possible. Please keep in mind that ulcer should be taken seriously, because it may lead to dangerous complications. Your doctor may order an urea breath test to determine if you have a H. pylori infection, and may add medication accordingly. You may need to go under an endoscopy procedure, so your doctor can evaluate the evolution of the ulcer.

For a better pain control I would suggest water with a teaspoon of baking soda rather than Alka-Seltzer. But this is a short term solution that you can't use more than a couple of times a day.

For

I hope this was helpful.
Wishing you good health,
Dr. Alma
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What Is The Treatment For Bleeding Ulcers Causing Pain In The Chest?

Hello dear, Thank you for writing. In my opinion, there may 1 or more factors that contribute to your increasing pain: 1- Discontinuation of Prilosec, that can have contributed in exacerbating the ulcer. Now that the ulcer situation is worse, Prilosec will need more days to start its effect. 2- Alka-Seltzer is indicated as a sporadic heartburn relief, but not as a long term solution. Since it contains Aspirin as an active ingredient, frequent usage can cause a deterioration of the ulcer. Therefore, I would suggest to continue using Prilosec for the moment, and to consult a gastroenterologist as soon as possible. Please keep in mind that ulcer should be taken seriously, because it may lead to dangerous complications. Your doctor may order an urea breath test to determine if you have a H. pylori infection, and may add medication accordingly. You may need to go under an endoscopy procedure, so your doctor can evaluate the evolution of the ulcer. For a better pain control I would suggest water with a teaspoon of baking soda rather than Alka-Seltzer. But this is a short term solution that you can t use more than a couple of times a day. For I hope this was helpful. Wishing you good health, Dr. Alma