When 22-year-old Amarachi Ahamefule went to the hospital for what she believed was food poisoning, she didn’t expect to leave with another diagnosis: a gastric ulcer. Looking back, she realised there had been habits she never imagined could affect her health.
In this interview with Koyo, Amarachi shares how she discovered she had a gastric ulcer, the lifestyle changes she had to make, and the lessons she hopes other women can learn from her experience.
When did you find out you had a gastric ulcer?
“It all started when I had food poisoning. I was constantly stooling and throwing up, so I went to the hospital. After running a series of tests, the doctors concluded that I had food poisoning. But the tests also revealed something I wasn’t expecting. They told me I had a gastric ulcer.
I was shocked because I never thought I had an ulcer. I didn’t have the kind of stomach pain people usually talk about, so I asked the doctor how I could have developed one.
The doctor asked if I regularly took painkillers for my period. I told him I usually took Felvin whenever I had menstrual cramps. I used to have really painful periods, so there was always a card of Felvin in my bag. Once I took it, the cramps would stop, I’d fall asleep, and by the time I woke up, the pain was gone. It had become something I relied on every month.
The doctor explained that taking that type of painkiller regularly could contribute to stomach inflammation and increase the risk of developing a gastric ulcer.”
Did the diagnosis change your everyday life?
“Yes, it did.
The first thing I had to do was stop taking Felvin completely. That was difficult because my body had gotten used to it. Whenever my period came, I had to experience every cramp without the painkiller I normally depended on.
Most times, I had to stay at home because the pain wouldn’t let me go out or do my normal activities. I would lie in bed all day, unable to move much or even eat because I had little or no appetite. I simply had to endure the pain until it passed.”
Looking back, were there any signs you now realise were related to the ulcer?
“Yes. Even though I never had the usual stomach pain people often associate with ulcers, I did have other symptoms.
I would sometimes have chest pain that felt like heartburn, especially after eating something acidic. Whenever that happened, I took Gascol syrup, which my doctor had recommended.
I also experienced back pain, especially when I hadn’t eaten a proper meal. It felt like a deep muscle ache and could become very uncomfortable. At the time, I didn’t connect these symptoms to an ulcer because I wasn’t having stomach pain.”
Besides stopping Felvin, were there other lifestyle changes you had to make?
“Yes.
The doctor prescribed medication and also advised me to avoid acidic foods while I was recovering. I was told to stay away from foods like oranges, pineapples and some other acidic fruits. Spicy foods weren’t really a problem for me because they never seemed to trigger my symptoms.
I followed the treatment and paid close attention to the foods I ate while I healed.”
How long has it been since your diagnosis, and how are you doing now?
“I was diagnosed in January 2022. The ulcer lasted for about two years, although the symptoms weren’t constant throughout that period.
Since I stopped taking Felvin, I’ve had to train my body to cope with my menstrual cramps without depending on strong painkillers. I also started paying attention to what I ate before my period because I realised certain foods made the cramps worse.
Over time, I noticed a big improvement. I believe stopping the medication that triggered the problem, following my treatment and changing my eating habits all helped me recover.
Even now, I still avoid some acidic foods because I notice they can trigger mild symptoms, although it’s nothing like it used to be.”
What would you like to say to women and young girls who regularly take painkillers for period cramps?
“The first thing I’d say is to pay attention to your body. Becoming more self-aware made a big difference for me.
I realised that whenever my period was approaching, I would start craving sugary foods. After observing my body, I noticed that eating a lot of sugar made my cramps worse. Once I reduced my sugar intake, the pain gradually became more manageable.
I also stopped drinking carbonated drinks. Over time, my period became much easier, and today I don’t even feel the need to take strong painkillers anymore. If I need anything at all, it’s usually just Paracetamol or Panadol for an occasional headache.
What you eat really does make a difference. Learn what triggers your cramps and what helps your body feel better. Instead of immediately reaching for strong painkillers every month, you can also try gentler options like ginger tea or lemon tea if they work for you.
Most importantly, listen to your body. It tells you more than you think.”
From the Desk of Koyo Doctors
While Amarachi’s story is personal, it’s important to remember that not everyone with a gastric ulcer will have the same symptoms or develop it for the same reasons. Gastric ulcers can have several causes, including infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), regular use of certain painkillers known as NSAIDs, and other medical conditions.
If you regularly rely on painkillers for menstrual cramps or any other condition, speak with your doctor about the safest way to use them. And if you notice unusual symptoms that don’t seem to go away, don’t assume they’ll resolve on their own. Getting an early medical checkup can go a long way.
Every health journey is different, but paying attention to your body and seeking medical advice when you need to is one of the best things you can do for your health.
