To the past few weeks I’ve had terrible burning pains in my stomach and feel very sick every day. I have difficulty eating. The doctor says it’s gastritis, but I’m also suffering nauseating headaches. The GP won’t refer me for a scan.
Gastris refers to inflammation of the stomach lining.
Although it feels like you are experiencing constant indigestion the severity of symptoms can vary greatly. Some people feel nausea, burning, vomiting, or discomfort following meals. Some sufferers do not experience any symptoms.
Gastritis could be due to many different causes. It’s often triggered by eating or drinking certain things, such as alcohol, caffeine or spicy, acidic food. It can also be caused by regular smoking or anti-inflammatory drug use.
Gastritis may be caused by stress or by a chronic bacterial condition called Helicobacter pylori. While many people will not experience symptoms of the infection, some may feel regular nausea and vomiting.
Today’s reader questions Dr Ellie Cannon regarding gastritis, which makes her feel constantly nauseated and unsatisfied. Stress, spicy food, and smoking can all contribute to this condition.
Gastritis can lead to serious problems such as stomach ulcers, cancers, and even death.
Gastritis diagnosis is difficult to diagnose with a scan. An endoscopy (or camera down the throat) would detect inflammation. You can also take tissue samples.
This is an uncomfortable test but it is necessary if someone is so unwell they can’t eat, particularly over the age of 50 when cancer is more likely.
One month ago, I received my flu vaccine. Soon after that I began to feel a slight tingling sensation in my lips on my left side. It gradually decreased over the course of my arms. Soon, it was difficult for me to speak.
So I dialed an ambulance thinking I had a mild stroke. My speech was much better by the time I arrived at hospital. No trace of bleeding or clot was found in tests.
The doctor diagnosed me with a severe migraine.
Is this possible?
For Sunday’s Mail, Dr Ellie Cannon will continue to provide more information…
Fast action is key when it comes to stroke treatment. As soon as you notice any symptoms, call 911 or visit the hospital immediately.
A stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIA) or mini-stroke are symptoms that include weakness, speech changes, facial changes, and numbness.
Patients who are admitted to the hospital for suspected strokes will need to have their brains scans done immediately. This is to detect any blood clots or bleeding. The scans can also detect any brain damage that could be attributed to strokes.
Also, heart checks and blood vessel tests will be conducted.
If all symptoms are quickly resolved and everything seems normal, doctors might rule out a stroke.
Other conditions can cause very similar sudden symptoms – including migraines. They can cause difficulty talking, pins, needles, numbness and other more common visual symptoms. Migraines can easily be mistaken for strokes, especially when they are accompanied by speech symptoms.
It is crucial to act quickly when treating strokes. As soon as you notice any symptoms, call 911 or visit the hospital immediately.
You should follow-up any such event with your GP. A GP can arrange additional testing and take into consideration personal risks.
My best friend suffers from chronic pain since at least 5 years. She takes prescription painkillers each day.
She’s getting worse by the day and seems to be gaining weight, despite not being able to eat much.
Yet she still hasn’t received a diagnosis.
It is common to believe that doctors can only treat medical problems. In fact, many patients who visit their GP won’t necessarily want treatment – they are looking for answers.
Many people suffer from symptoms that are not easily diagnosed. Research shows that up to 25% of all appointments with a GP could have this problem.
The lack of clear answers can make it very hard for patients. Understanding the root cause of an illness is often a key part in recovery.
Some people have shared with me that they were unsure if their symptoms exist after having tests done and the results returned normal.
Chronic pain – in the muscles, joints, back and abdomen – is one of the most common unexplained health problems. Patients suffering from chronic pain are all too common to go to different doctors. They often pay privately for scans and do not receive any form of treatment. Accepting that the symptoms are not caused by something physical is sometimes the best way to find help.
An experienced GP, or any mental health professional (such as a psychologist), could assist with this.
Many patients report that stress reduction, relaxation, exercises, and pausing medical investigations, such as scans or other diagnostic procedures, can be helpful in relieving symptoms.
Patients should also stop searching for their symptoms online as it can increase anxiety.
There are many clinics that specialize in treating medically unrelated symptoms. They use medication and talking therapies.
Strangely, chronic painkiller use can make pain worse, so doctors help patients to wean themselves off the pills and try other methods – such as those mentioned above.
Predictions of professors as accurate as a Horoscope
Of all the scientists who share their pandemic predictions publicly, oddly there’s one who people seem to trust the most: Professor Neil Ferguson – the Government adviser who made headlines when he broke lockdown rules to meet up with his married lover.
He is about as accurate as a horoscope, but I will tell you that his forecasts are not very useful. He’s been known for his (inaccurate) gloomy predictions in the past and he was at it again this week, telling BBC Radio 4’s Today that lockdowns ‘can’t be ruled out’ in the effort to beat Omicron. Many people on Twitter were furious and resigned to an isolated, miserable Christmas.
Ferguson is actually a good name. [above]He’s been just as wrong as he is right. And his estimations often make no sense: he said we’d have 200,000 infections after freedom day in July but the next month predicted the pandemic would be over by the autumn.
Don’t hang on his, or any scientists’ every word when it comes to Covid. Except perhaps they are able to see the future.
Of all the scientists who share their pandemic predictions publicly, oddly there’s one who people seem to trust the most: Professor Neil Ferguson – the Government adviser who made headlines when he broke lockdown rules to meet up with his married lover
Your GP will help you get a booster jab
I have a mailbag full of letters from readers still struggling to get their Covid booster jab.
Some people have not been able to make an appointment at a time that suits them, and others remain housebound without options.
Your GP may be able to help you in the first instance. While we don’t arrange boosters for all areas of the country, many surgeries have an administrator who helps to organize the vaccine program.
Your GP will know where the vaccine hubs are located and can help you find the right centre. People with allergies may need to be referred by GPs for an alternate type of vaccine.
Although it is annoying to spend a long time on hold while calling your GP surgery you should still be able speak with someone who can help you.
If you’re still struggling, please write and tell me.