So I think I might have a stomach ulcer.....

[Learning_Mum]

I'm going to go talk to my doc when I can.

I've had alot of trouble with stomach acid over the last few years but recently it's gotten really bad. For about the last two weeks about half an hour to an hour after I eat breakfast (one or two eggs scrambled with some milk and a pinch of salt) I start getting this burning? aching? just plain uncomfortable feeling in my stomach. It's just below my ribs, right where your stomach is located. It has been so bad at times that I have vomited because of it. Generally after vomiting one or two times it improves.

I have been taking HEAPS of antacids. Losec as well as a liquid one that people use during pregnancy. They aren't really cutting it in the last two weeks to be honest.

Occasionally the pain feels as though it 'spreads' round to my back. I have been having dark, odd smelling stools for about the last 8 months or so. I thought it was from not drinking enough water as I've also been having problems with constipation (which has NEVER been an issue for me in the past)

Does this sound like a stomach ulcer to anyone else? Are there medications that I can take that will control it? I've recently gone GF and begun eating a paleo diet because my iron levels are extremely low and my immune system is shot. I'm not really a big dairy eater so I'm basically eating meat, fish, eggs, fruit, veggies, nuts and seeds. I drink water, occasionally juice and tea. Oh and ALOT of chocolate. I haven't given that up yet!

[Naturopath Mom]

It sounds like digestion problems to me. Enzymes and probiotics would be what I would try first. Homefirst has a product called Betten-aid. It contains probiotics and digestive enzymes. If that doesn't work or you still have some problems you may have low HCL levels. If you have allergies/immune problems you more than likely have problems producing enough Hydrochloric acid. You can take something for that as well.

In peace & health
Kimberly

[Britishmum]

This is something I'd get checked out, rather than play around with diet etc. It is most likely fixable with diet, but it might be something more serious, and you want to rule that out first.

I personally have learned not to put off going to the doctor with these sorts of problems. Get checked out first, then once they rule out something sinister, you can experiment with your diet to try to settle things down.

I don't run to the doctors at every symptom, but I certainly wouldn't try to self-diagnose something like this. The results if you are wrong are too serious to risk.