I’ve spent this week in a lot of agonising pain from Gastritis, not far from an ulcer. This was most likely brought on by stress as there’s no other reason for it. I know I’ve been pushing myself this year when it comes to work, it’s just been non stop and because of this my health, eating habits and exercise (or lack of) have all suffered. It’s all accummulated into far too much acid being produced in my stomach and it’s painful that’s for sure. It’s like indigestion but about 20 times worse. Luckily I’ve seen the doctor and got some Ranitadine tablets to help reduce the acid whilst it heals itself. These have already started to kick in however I’m still getting a few short sharp pains in my stomach.
So what should I be eating and what should I be avoiding? Well I’ve taken a look on the web and found a few conflicting sites. From what I can tell Milk is on the side of good which is good as I like Milk! I have to avoid acidic (so that’s the fresh orange juice, plums, clementines and kiwis out that I bought at the start of the week – trying to be healthy!) and spicy (no fajitas 
) foods. I’m living off water as I can’t have Tea or Coffee, and alcohol should be avoided too. To be honest I’m fed up and very tempted to finish the Baileys truffle chocolates that my parents bought me from Ireland that are sitting on the side! I’ve realised that a lot of my daily foods contain a lot of acid or spice. I often eat something to do with tomatoes, and if it’s not tomatoes it’s a spice of some sort. I’m on a diet of bland food and it’s very, well, bland.
I’ll be off out to the supermarket tomorrow so I’m hoping to find something with some taste that I can have. I’ll keep it going until the pains stop completely, so I pray that’s before Sunday so I can hit the wine 
How’s your stomach now, Sarah? Jeremy has taken Ranitidine for years due to acid being brought on through stress – and I know through him how terribly painful it can be. I imagine the ADSL situation can’t be helping you either :-/ Hope you feel better soon.
Hey Sam, unfortunately with the ADSL situation getting worse I’m getting worse again, plus I’ve run out of Ranitadine as I was only given 2 weeks worth
So it’s a diet of plain food and gaviscon right now!
Hi Sarah -
I just did a search and came across your post. I started suffering from gastritis around the same time as you. (sept 06) I am still pretty bad. dr did emdoscopy and confirmed that i have severe gastritis. It so does suck!! I was just wondering your progress? I have really good days and bad days (it is probably 70% better from Sept 06) but sometimes still haults my daily plans. Let me know your progree (i feel I am not healing as quick as I should be) – Thanks Marissa Please email me at the address above since i am not sure how to go back into this check to check reply.
Hey Marissa (and I’ll drop this in an email too)
My pains have pretty much cleared up. I still get them if I miss a meal, spend the day rushing around, or over eat. I’m not sure if stopping drinking alcohol for two months contributed to getting better but I know before I stopped everytime I drank wine it h-u-r-t!
I’ve started to drink wine again now and am feeling okay from it. Admittedly it’s just a glass or two and I’m still taking it easy.
Some people told me to possibly look at intolerences that could be causing the pains. I’ve not eaten oats since this all flared up, which used to cause pains at times.
But now I’m feeling 100% better. I hope you get past your pains soon