Pressure in the upper abdomen
July 9, 2021 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring
Hello,
I have been experiencing pressure in my upper abdomen again for a few months, along with occasional mild nausea. About 4 weeks ago, I started taking Pantoprazole, morning and evening, and it helped a lot. Then I tried to slowly reduce the tablets, and after my first coffee in weeks, the symptoms returned. I increased the Pantoprazole again and it got better, but I still have days where the pressure sensation comes back and feels uncomfortable.
Six years ago, I had a major abdominal surgery to remove a benign tumor. Last year, I also had these symptoms and they disappeared after about 4 months. In September last year, I had a follow-up MRI with contrast and everything was fine.
Now I am terrified of stomach cancer. Is it possible that the pain is coming from the scar?
Good evening,
The symptoms do not come from the scar if they occur depending on the food, and the nausea does not fit either.
Unfortunately, you did not mention your age: Under 40, stomach cancer is extremely rare. It also does not cause pain or irritation depending on acidity (in your case, coffee), but rather initially leads to loss of appetite and weight loss. Ultimately, Pantoprazole cannot improve the symptoms of stomach cancer, so it is more likely to be an inflammation.
Pantoprazole only works if taken 30 minutes before a meal after at least 5, preferably 6 hours of fasting. Perhaps you have not been consistent in doing this, which may explain the unusually poor effectiveness of this high dosage.
Please discuss with your general practitioner whether it would be appropriate to have your stomach examined.
I wish you all the best!
Warm regards,
Dr. Gehring
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