Bleeding Ulcer, SH*%!

It started with me feeling a little run down.  I blamed it on my attempt to get back into shape.  I would push myself hard.  I learned I should lounge and gradually get back into shape, not play like I am in the best shape of my life.   But I lose brain cells as I age and seek the health of a younger me.  This scenario has played out routinely for years now.  I feel run down and blame it on all sorts of circumstances. 

Earlier in the week, after dinner, I went to my room to hide.  My stomach pain was as intense as tears were the result.  It was excruciating! 

So I went to the doctor to get some help.  I have recurring extreme stomach pain and indigestion.  I thought it may be from the OTC sleep medicine and the daily need for ibuprofen to sleep and function.  There is extreme tenderness in the belly.  So, that led to additional examination/testing. 

In the end, it shows that the stool has occult blood, which is the blood that cannot be seen with the naked eye but shows up with a chemical test.  Putting the results together, the doctor told me the fatigue and tiredness were due to bleeding.

He explained that the stomach combines food and digestive juices, and digestion begins.  This is accomplished with a protective lining that protects the stomach from digestive enzymes that can eat away at it.  When the lining is damaged, inflammation and pain occur.  The inflammation worsens until the stomach or the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) bleeds.

I learned red blood cells carry oxygen to all body organs.  When there are too few red cells, symptoms like fatigue, weakness, lack of energy, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort are standard.  Even lightheadedness may occur when I stand up quickly.  I learned it is because my body can't pump oxygen-carrying red blood cells fast enough to the brain.  It is acceptable in a few seconds as I adapt or sit down.

Long-term inflammation caused a small crater, or ulcer, to form.  I had occasional black tarry stools.  A source of bleeding was found through endoscopy.  They cauterize the blood vessels.  Now, I am to avoid Aspirin and ibuprofen.   I was given lansoprazole to decrease acid secretions in the stomach and allow it to heal.   I will see the result now, as I do not feel better today.  One day at a time. 

I know diet plays a vital role in treating a bleeding ulcer.  Nutrients and foods that should be included in a diet are:

• Vitamin A: Apricots, cheese, carrots, cantaloupe, eggs, spinach, mangoes, sweet potato, and milk
• Vitamin C: Mangoes, peas, melons, beans, oranges, cabbage, milk, berries, potatoes, yogurt, lemons, pork, beef, liver, mussels and chicken.
• Vitamin E: Spinach and other leafy greens, Egg yolk, peanuts, mangoes and kiwis.
• Zinc: Dairy products, peas and oranges

My foods to avoid are:

• Pepper
• Chili
• Caffeine
• Fried and oily food
• Chocolate

Let's see if I am intelligent and disciplined enough to conquer this pain.

Carry on, my friends, carry on…