73 replies to this topic

[Polly38]

Hi

3 weeks and 2 days off Cymbalta and am still having stomach issues. I just wanted to check whether this is to be expected or whether there's something else going on.

I had an endoscopy a few months ago which showed hyperplasia in my Oesophagus (sore patches) and a small polyp in my stomach. The doctor has put me on Lansoprazole and I have to go back and see her after Christmas. If it hasn't got better she will refer me to a gastroenterologist. I've got no other withdrawals so that's good but my Oesophagus and upper stomach are very sore and uncomfortable.

I'd be very grateful for your views.

Thanks!

Polly

[invalidusername]

Hi Pol....

 

From my perspective, it can - in some cases - still be expected, and as you have said, the withdrawal is for sure linked somehow, BUT... as it has shown up previously, I would not feel comfortable for you to rest on the laurels of withdrawal, so to speak. Yes, the dulox is out of the system now - even fat reserves will have been depleted by now, so any aggravation from the medicine itself should have stopped. The withdrawal part is what your system is trying to now do to rectify the situation. The chemistry has to be reset to its former levels and if there are pre-existing conditions which upsets levels of acid, cortisol and so forth, this will confuse matters, thus overruling what that "default" should be. So what I am saying is that your system therefore may feel that the correct default is the present state as a result of something underneath it all and that is why I feel it should be checked.

 

Again - my opinion.

 

What do you think brother Hat? 

[fishinghat]

Well, I know a lot of members (me included) had about 4 to 8 weeks of this after I got of the beast. Hurts like the devil. Mine did respond to pepto, Imodium, peppermint, Zantac and such but it was still an ordeal. I remember my dr told me it could take the Zantac (similar to Lansoprazole) 3 to 4 weeks to really have a serious effect. It took it about 2 to 3 weeks in my case to make a difference. Considering it has been going on so long a trip to the gastroenterologist might not hurt.

[Polly38]

Thanks very much both! I have only been taking the Lansoprazole consistently for about 10 days (as I didn't take it regularly before) so I'll see what happens over Christmas. Will definitely get a referral to the consultant if it doesn't resolve though.

You're right Hat, it does hurt like hell! That's a very good description of it. The fact that I haven't had any other withdrawals, like brain zaps, do you think I could still have them or I have passed that point? I've had a bit of anxiety and some sweating but nothing I haven't been able to push through.

Thanks again.

Polly

[fishinghat]

Usually there is a pattern to the withdrawal symptoms but I would say around 10 or 15% only a few of the major symptoms. Only time will tell.

[invalidusername]

I think the end of the holiday would mark a point at which it should be addressed as potential investigation. 

 

Some symptoms do linger as Hat said. Mine was the adrenal stuff. My legs were like jelly for weeks and I was convinced that I had something wrong outside of the withdrawal, but sure enough, it cleared up. 

 

But again, given evidence of prior issues, I wouldn't want to see anything being missed early which could potentially alleviate the discomfort.

[Polly38]

Thanks both. It is worse again today. Very sore and hard to breathe. It reduced me to tears at work today and I had to go into one of the side offices to have a damn good cry!

It's the shortness of breath getting me down most. I have also been shaking and randomly sweating and have a huge cold sore😟. My poor body must wonder what is going on!

I'm going to go and see another doctor tomorrow as mine doesn't work on a Friday. A fresh pair of eyes might be a good thing I suppose. I will ask for a referral as soon as possible as it feels like I have an ulcer down there.

Thanks for your support

Polly

[invalidusername]

Bless you Polly. I empathise with you so very much. It can be so disheartening when these things just seem to persist with no let up. I hope the cry helped a little. You are very lucky to be able to see a doctor on such short notice - especially this time of year. Please report back on the verdict.

 

Just remember you are being carried by Him during these times. May He continue to support you through your work. You are doing so well to continue with this during this time. Despite the symptoms, don't forget the compassion towards yourself.

 

IUN

[Polly38]

Thanks IUN. Lovely words. Hope you're doing OK.

Polly

[invalidusername]

Feeling a bit more rested today. I had an hour earlier when I felt pure bliss. I can't remember the last time that happened in the last two years - if in fact it happened. I feel some divine intervention was there as a reminder. Sometimes these reminders that our brainium can work properly sometimes....

[Polly38]

That is great news! Praying that there's lots more of the same to come for you🙏I've had quite a weepy day today and cried on and off. We were going to the cinema from work tonight (a group of 13 of us). I wasn't going to go as I have been so fed up but decided not to let it get the better of me, so I went. Really glad I did and I also gave my friend a lift home. We have to push through this😁.

I'll see if the pain is still there tomorrow and make an appointment to see the doctor after work. Will keep you posted.

Polly

[invalidusername]

Well done on pushing through! That is great courage there. This is where the real strength is, not the win at the end of the withdrawal, it is all the times you have had to drag yourself up and keep going.

 

My day took a bit of a dive, but I am doing everything I can to keep going. The fear came back after the depression left. Seems to take it in turns!

[Polly38]

Hi

The stomach pains seem to be getting worse and have moved to my lower stomach - like bad stomach ache - which is making me feel miserable. I've also had a headache for the last few days. I think the Lansoprazole the doctor gave me is giving me worse stomach ache. Could this all just be withdrawal? 4 weeks off on Monday.

I couldn't get to see the doctor on Friday so will try again on Monday. Would I be better taking a probiotic? Any advice appreciated please as I'm at my wits end!😭

Thanks.

Polly

[invalidusername]

Hi Polly...

 

The problem is now there are more meds in the mix, it is difficult to tell what is causing what, but generally, withdrawal symptoms should peter off over time and not get worse. I don't think a pre or probiotic is the answer here. I personally feel the next course of action lies in the appointment with the gastroentorologist.

 

Really sorry to hear that this is continuing - I can only empathise with what you must be going through. I know it isn't of much consolation, but I have just hit the inaugural Christmas family feud and it has sent me off in a tailspin. 

 

This is a very difficult time of the year, and I for one cannot wait until it passes.

 

IUN

[Polly38]

Thanks IUN and so sorry to hear about your family troubles. Christmas can sometimes bring out the worst in people unfortunately 😡. You were so right to react the way you did though!


I'm seeing the doctor Monday, hopefully, and will insist on a referral as I can't carry on like this. Anything I eat makes my stomach cramp. I think the polyp needs to go and I hope there isn't an ulcer there too

[Polly38]

Will keep you posted. Hope your Saturday is going OK.

Polly

[invalidusername]

Thanks Julia...

 

This is what worries me - if there is an ulcer, it needs rectifying quickly as they can cause problems with the stomach lining, but with this you would notice blood in stools and so forth. But you want to sort it before it gets to that point. I think it is time to insist on a follow-up. 

 

Things uncomfortable here, but just letting life go on as it will. Thank you for your words of support.

 

IUN

[fishinghat]

Definitely time to see the dr. It has lasted too long. Can't say it isn't withdrawal but better to be safe.

[Polly38]

Hi. An update on my stomach issues.

The doctor has referred me to a gastroenterologist but I'm not sure how long I will have to wait😥. The pain has moved from behind my breastbone to my lower stomach. It's really painful. I have had to watch what I eat and haven't had any alcohol, which has been miserable as it's Christmas (not that I'm a big drinker).

I'm still convinced this is from withdrawal. I'd appreciate your views. The shortness of breath is a bit better today and is definitely linked to the stomach issue. I have been off Duloxetine 5 weeks this Monday.

I hope everyone has had a peaceful Christmas.

Polly

[fishinghat]

Way to long. Definitely time to see the dr. It probably is withdrawal but you need to be sure.

[invalidusername]

I'm convinced the shortness of breath is all tied into the anxiety of the physical illness as you had it when you went shopping with your friend that time, and when you have been out for meals etc. But I'm still not convinced as Hat and yourself are regarding the stomach issues. As there is a pre-existing condition, I still feel something may have flared up. Nothing sinister, but as it is not being completely treated by medication, it does say to me that there is something that might need attention. 

 

Obviously none of us are going to know until you have seen the specialist. 

 

So are you now in that position whereby you are waiting for a letter from the relevant hospital with your appointment day?

 

You can find out expected wait...

 

• Go to the following page

 

https://www.nhs.uk/S...rch/7/Hospitals

 

• Put in your postcode and search, then click on the name of the hospital in red.

 

• Then click on the "Departments and Services" tab.

 

• Then click on Gastrointestinal option.

 

• On the next page there is an orange box on the right to compare waiting times.

 

So my local hospitals all take twice the required timescale to see 90% of patients... so that is 7 months+ to see a specialist!! I seriously hope your area is better. And why people are campaigning to stop Boris Johnson trying to sort it out I don't know. It's not like it can get much worse by going into cohorts with the US is it?!

[Polly38]

Thanks IUN. Well at my local hospital the wait is 26 weeks!😫. There is another hospital I can choose (a private one that does NHS appointments) and the wait is 16 weeks! God, I really hope I don't have to wait that long🙄.

Had a good day yesterday and the stomach issues eased a lot. However, we had family over last night and I ate a lot of things I shouldn't have and am suffering this morning! I really am going to have to watch my diet to get this under control. I haven't had any alcohol over Christmas and now have to watch what I eat. Great! My poor gut needs to be healed.

Hope you're feeling OK and had a good day yesterday.

Polly

[invalidusername]

Hi Polly...

 

Been catching up and seen you on Lyla's thread today as well - you poor thing. Stomach is still being a pain in the nuts.... or the girl's bits...

 

Must be so difficult trying to suss out what and what you can't do with the diet. I have foolishly had some alcohol and it has really messed me up. I managed to drag myself outside for some fresh air, and now just chugging lots of water. When will I learn!!!

 

How's the rest of the day been for you?

 

IUN

[Polly38]

Hi.

Well done on getting out. I've been in most of the day curled up on the sofa watching TV. Had the house to myself which was good. Popped out to see my dad later this afternoon as he has been poorly with the flu over Christmas. He's 86 and usually still quite fit but it hit him hard so I've been worried about him.

I really don't feel right this evening. Sort of a hollow aching feeling in my chest and stomach and my joints ache. Maybe it's a virus and not related to any of this at all, as there have been a lot of bugs going around. I'm hungry but when I eat it just aggravates my stomach. Grrrrr😡.

Thanks for asking. Hope you're starting to feel better.

Polly

[invalidusername]

Bless you Pol....

 

You should give yourself a sofa day from time to time! Sorry to hear about your dad - my best wishes for an expedited recovery for the brave soul. 

 

And you are right about all these bugs. You should never write off the potential. I had a throaty cough last Monday out of nowhere, but fortunately it disappeared overnight. Lucky escape. 

 

I'm feeling more physically poo than mentally like you. So I too just wish I could unscrew my head, put it through a wash cycle and put it back on. It is all over the place. I also managed to see my friend earlier, but the dog was going sparco at something outside and her youngest was playing some computer game that required repeated screaming at his team mates. So it was quite a trying visit. 

 

There's nothing for it. I'll pick up some Pepto and be over to join you on the sofa in our combined self-pity for more bollocks on the telly

 

IUN

[Polly38]

Ha ha thanks IUN, your replies do make me laugh sometimes! Currently watching Mamma Mia - seen it before but it's easy watching. Lol.

Thanks for your good wishes for my dad. He's quite resilient and still plays golf 3 times a week, so hopefully he'll be back on the golf course soon!

Off to take some Pepto now😏. Enjoy the rest of your evening.

Polly

[gail]

Bless you Pol....

You should give yourself a sofa day from time to time! Sorry to hear about your dad - my best wishes for an expedited recovery for the brave soul.

And you are right about all these bugs. You should never write off the potential. I had a throaty cough last Monday out of nowhere, but fortunately it disappeared overnight. Lucky escape.

I'm feeling more physically poo than mentally like you. So I too just wish I could unscrew my head, put it through a wash cycle and put it back on. It is all over the place. I also managed to see my friend earlier, but the dog was going sparco at something outside and her youngest was playing some computer game that required repeated screaming at his team mates. So it was quite a trying visit.

There's nothing for it. I'll pick up some Pepto and be over to join you on the sofa in our combined self-pity for more bollocks on the telly

IUN

Out of likes! Time, Polly? I'll join you on the sofa. Love old movies! Not to old!

[gail]

Polly, I meant Tom's and time also!

[Polly38]

Thanks Gail. The discomfort has moved to my lower stomach today with bad stomach cramps. I am praying it is on the way out.

I hope you are OK.

Polly

[invalidusername]

That would be wonderful... my daily prayers continue for you Polly.