Ulcer prevention

By Scott Long
editor in cheif

In May of 1998 I was admitted to the hospital suffering from tremendous abdominal pain. After hours and hours of testing the hospital staff still had no idea what was wrong with me. Emergency surgery was deemed necessary. I would have never guessed what they would find, a perforated ulcer the size of a fifty cent piece. I barely survived this ordeal and am lucky to be here telling you about it. An ulcer is something to be taken very seriously. It CAN and WILL kill you if not properly taken care of. No, the ulcer itself won't kill you, the pain that comes with it will. When I asked my surgeon what to tell people when they asked how bad it hurt, he said "worse than giving birth". Yes ladies, I know, what would any man know about that kind of pain? Well you tell me, ladies, how many women that you know have died from child birth due to shock caused by convulsive pain spasms? Not too many I'd venture. The point is, avoid getting one at all cost.

According for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 80% of gastric ulcers are caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium. This common, spiral-shaped bacterium can weaken the protective mucus coating of the stomach, allowing acid and bacteria to ulcerate the sensitive lining underneath. About two-thirds of the world's population is infected with H. pylori, but most of those infected do not exhibit symptoms related to the infection. Chronic or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen can also cause gastric ulcers. About 2% to 4% of gastric ulcers are caused by stomach or pancreatic cancer. Gastric ulcers are not caused by spicy foods or stress. I can tell you however that you do not want to get one, and yes, I speak form personal experience. To prevent ulcers avoid alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, aspirin, and ibuprofen.