Diane Carper – Ulcer Success Story
Minimally invasive procedure relieves stomach pain
Diane Carper, former Arizona County Health Department director, enjoys living in Mansfield with her sister, spending time with her three grandchildren, and being outdoors. But as her chronic stomach pain got worse, Carper tired easily and her interest in being with others diminished.
"I tolerated the sharp pain in my stomach for a long time and tried to ease it with antacids," Carper says. "After a meal, I would have burning in my chest, fullness, and pain in my upper abdomen. I couldn't get relief from the indigestion.
"One morning I woke up and was bleeding profusely, and it wouldn't stop. I knew something was very wrong, so I called 911 and asked that I be taken to the emergency department at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center."
There Carper was referred to Muhammad Memon, MD, an independently practicing physician on the medical staff at Methodist Mansfield and a board-certified gastroenterologist and clinical nutritionist with Southwest Gastroenterology Clinic. Dr. Memon performed several tests and diagnosed her with bleeding ulcers.
"Many people have ulcers and can experience burning in the chest that does not fade, black or bloody stools, nausea, uncomfortable fullness, or pain in the upper abdomen," Dr. Memon says. "Ulcers get worse if left untreated."
Treatment you can stomach
Treatment options for ulcers vary, and a physician may prescribe a variety of medicines to reduce acid and protect the lining of the stomach. If medications don't heal the ulcers, there are also minimally invasive procedures available to bring relief. For Carper, Dr. Memon recommended an esophagogastroduodenoscopy. This minimally invasive procedure enables the gastroenterologist to cauterize ulcers and stop the bleeding.
"Minimally invasive methods offer our patients many benefits, including shorter hospital stays, shorter recovery times, and less pain," Dr. Memon says.
'Home away from home'
Carper spent four days at Methodist Mansfield before she was able to return home.
"I feel so much better now, and it was a wonderful experience," she says. "The hospital staff made me very comfortable, and they were kind and considerate. The food was delicious, and I didn't want to go home. I have been to many hospitals; the caring atmosphere of the physicians and staff — who put their arms around me, kept me informed, answered all of my questions, and made me better-is second to none. Methodist Mansfield is my home away from home.
"I feel much better now, and my procedure made a huge difference in my life. I can be with my grandchildren without having all the abdominal pain and bleeding. I'm so happy to have my life back and proud to have Dr. Memon as my physician."