DH is sick...UPDATE in original post

[EthansMom]

...and, of course, we leave for WDW on Saturday!

It sounds like he has an ulcer (too much work, not enough vacations). So, he's going in for a CT scan tomorrow. Hopefully, his results will be back on Friday, so the doctor can tell DH what is up and (fingers crossed) give DH a prescription that can help him out.

At this point, DH's stomach is upset enough that he's eating a fraction of his usual portions. It would really suck if DH can't eat much at WDW. And it would really suck if he's still in pain for the trip.

So, I'm hoping it's nothing serious enough that DH has to miss our trip. (We're meeting my family at WDW, so the kids and I would go without him, if necessary.) And I'm hoping for a miracle cure for his stomach ache so DH enjoys himself too.

If anyone has an excess of Pixie Dust, we'd appreciate a little.

UPDATE: DH's bloodwork and CT scan came back and he does have an ulcer. The Dr. gave him a prescription for Nexium and an antibiotic and he should be feeling better real soon. In fact, after 4 days on Nexium, DH is already feeling better, so he should enjoy WDW with the rest of the family!

 

[Christine]

Good luck. I don't have an ulcer but I have acid reflux disease and when I'm stressed/anxious/whatever, I can hardly eat. Hopefully it is nothing serious. They will probably at least start him on Nexium or something similar after the test (whether he has an ulcer or not). Those things usually kick in after 3 days or so and the appetite comes back.

 

[EthansMom]

They will probably at least start him on Nexium or something similar after the test (whether he has an ulcer or not). Those things usually kick in after 3 days or so and the appetite comes back.

Actually, the doctor gave him Nexium to take while his tests are being done. He's only taken them for a couple of days. It's nice to know that the Nexium might give him some relief soon. Thanks!

 

[Christine]

Quick question: why a CT scan? Usually for a suspected ulcer, the "gold standard" is an upper endoscopy (tube down the throat).

 

[EthansMom]

Quick question: why a CT scan? Usually for a suspected ulcer, the "gold standard" is an upper endoscopy (tube down the throat).

DH said his doctor said his symptoms aren't really symptomatic of one thing. Could be an ulcer or hernia or ???? So, I think he's doing the CT scan to get a more definitive answer. The Dr. also had DH go in for an echocardiogram in case his pain was being caused by an enlarged heart (recent problem for DH's brother).

DH had to have an appendectomy five years ago and his pain then wasn't symptomatic of a ruptured appendix, either. That time, DH almost died (appendix had ruptured and was gangrenous by the time I dragged his butt to the hospital) because, although he was in pain, he was able to "deal" with it. At least, DH learned from that experience what pain level meant "go immediately to the doctor".

At least DH's doctor seems to be proactive and genuinely interested in helping him to feel better.

 

[Christine]

Okay, I see. I just couldn't quite figure out how they will "see" an ulcer on a CT scan. I hope he gets better soon. It stinks when you stomach hurts.

 

[anewvance]

Yuck, I got my ulcer when I was like 20 years old.. still flares up from time to time. My nephew is sick and we leave tomorrow night! But won't go to a park until Fri afternoon so hoping his antibiotics work quick. Hope he feels better soon and have a great vacation.

 

[EthansMom]

I just couldn't quite figure out how they will "see" an ulcer on a CT scan.

Honestly, I have no idea what the doctor thinks he might or might not see, but as long as any problem can be identified and treated, I'll be happy.

As much as anything, I think DH's problem is an ulcer because he's been burning his candle at both ends working 60 hours a week the last several weeks. He'd been feeling uncomfortable for a few months and then really started to feel miserable over Thanksgiving, when he'd been eating more and drinking more alcohol than usual. But, his pain is kindof upper left, just under his ribs. The Dr. said it could be his spleen that's the problem since it's right in that area.

Thank you for your concern, Christine. I'm sure the doctor will have him fixed up soon! I just hope DH is able to enjoy his vacation and get better at the same time.

 

[Christine]

He'd been feeling uncomfortable for a few months and then really started to feel miserable over Thanksgiving, when he'd been eating more and drinking more alcohol than usual. But, his pain is kindof upper left, just under his ribs. The Dr. said it could be his spleen that's the problem since it's right in that area.

Men are something aren't they? They just wait and wait until they are miserable before they will get help.

 

[EthansMom]

My nephew is sick and we leave tomorrow night! But won't go to a park until Fri afternoon so hoping his antibiotics work quick.

DD got bronchitis last week and will still be on augmentin for this weekend. At least, it will be more difficult for her to pick up a bacterial infection from the air on the plane. I hope your nephew is feeling better soon! Make sure to let him get plenty of rest and use lots of hand wash so he doesn't pick up anything else while at WDW.

 

[EthansMom]

Men are something aren't they? They just wait and wait until they are miserable before they will get help.

Oh yes! And mine is one of the worst! With his appendix, DH had extreme stomach pain for 5 days. The first few days, we figured he had a nasty stomach bug. On day 4, he promised that he would go to the doctor's office on day 5. Of course, I came home and he hadn't gone to the doctor's office. When he didn't sleep all night (and kept me up with the moaning and groaning), I dragged DH to the hospital the next morning. He had to be in the hospital for 3 days instead of the customary 1 day because of all the gangrenous infection. DH was supposed to go on a business trip the next day -- he would have gone travelling and died if I hadn't taken him to the hospital! His surgeon and all of his nurses told him that next time I said DH had to go to the doctor, he'd better listen!

 

[hydster]

I have had an ulcer for years. I always thought it was stress but stress does not cause an ulcer but can make it worse. Most ulcers (80 percent of gastric ulcers and 90 percent of duodenal ulcers) develop as a result of infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). I would ask for some antibiotics (I took Amoxicillin) and some zantac or tagamet and hopefully he'll get feeling better.


Hope they figure it out soon and get him well enough to go with you on your vacation.