Ulcers

Overview

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach (a gastric ulcer) or duodenum (a duodenal ulcer).

Peptic ulcers can be cured. First, you should avoid alcohol and quit smoking, since smoking and alcohol can make ulcers worse or slow the healing process. Your doctor may also prescribe medications, depending on what caused the ulcers.

Possible medications include proton pump inhibitors or histamine receptor blockers to reduce stomach acid and protect the stomach lining. One or more antibiotics may be prescribed to kill an H. pylori infection. Other medicines such as Pepto-Bismol may be used to coat the ulcer and protect it from stomach acid.

Applicable Procedures

EGD

What causes a peptic ulcer?

The most common causes of peptic ulcers are infection from a bacterium called H. pylori or from long-term use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. While they do not cause peptic ulcers, stress and spicy foods can worsen the symptoms of an ulcer. Smoking and consuming alcohol can increase the risk of peptic ulcer.

Are peptic ulcers dangerous?

Peptic ulcers generally heal if you follow treatment guidelines and reduce risk factors, but in some cases, they can lead to complications, like internal bleeding, holes in the stomach wall, and blockage of food moving through the digestive tract. A hole in the stomach wall can lead to serious infections. If your peptic ulcer is a result of H. pylori infection, you may be at increased risk of gastric cancer.

How are peptic ulcers treated?

Peptic ulcers are typically treated through the use of medications, such as antibiotics that treat H. pylori or medications that block the production of acid. Your doctor may also prescribe acid blockers, medications that neutralize acids, or medications that protect the lining in the stomach and small intestine. Surgery is required only in rare cases, as medications usually lead to healing of ulcers.

Common Symptoms

“I had heartburn and a burning sensation in my stomach.”
“I felt extremely full and nauseous after eating, especially when I ate greasy, fatty foods.”
“I had burning stomach pain and felt bloated. The pain was worse when I had an empty stomach.”

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What They Are Saying

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Excellent

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6261 reviews

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Robert H.

I was a little late but when I got there they put me right thru. They were all very professional and polite. When it was over the Dr came in and explained what happened and what he did. Being handicapped it took me a little longer to get dressed and then they wheeled me out to my vehicle.

Dottie D.

I trust Dr Nandi and his staff very much in taking care of me during the procedures I had. They are all super friendly which is very calming st a time like that. They all get a thumbs up!!!

Shawn S.

My first time going in and I must say staff was awesome 2 thumbs up made me fill comfortable just all around great "thank you"

Ted H.

They did a good job

michelle B.

Everyone there was so nice and made sure you understood everything that was going on, they all had smiles on there face and they made me laugh and feel very comfortable with being my first time having a procedure done there.

Suzette G.

I was very pleased in how professional, friendly,compassionate and caring everyone was. I would highly recommend them, especially Dr Bakken. Thank you very much for all 5he care you have given me.

Tangela S.

The staff was friendly, professional and knowledgeable. I was seen in a timely manner. Dr. Bakken was kind and was willing to answer any of my questions and concerns. Following the procedure later the same day, I was contacted by the staff to see how I was feeling and if I needed anything or had any other questions or concerns.

John W S.

Everyone here is incredibly kind and caring. I had some anxiety when I was preparing for my procedure, but it was done and over with before I had time to think about it. Dr. Donat is excellent, and takes time to explain everything.

Felicia E.

This is the second time we have had a procedure through this office. All of the personnel I dealt with were very professional and pleasant. The doctor updated me on the results timely. I would recommend them wholeheartedly.

G. C.

Well organized and every person explained what they were doing and why. It put me at ease

Dedee M.

Dr Bologna and his staff are wonderful. They were so quick and efficient and explained everything both before and after the procedure.

Jeffery R.

Staff was a pure pleasure to work with. Very professional.

Uwannahd U.

Arrived a little early, they took me back on my appointment time. Staff from front desk to each nurse was fabulous! Recommend this location because of Dr. and staff! Thank you

Mary B.

Friendly people! Clean and organized. Highly recommend! They even followed up the next day to see how I was doing!

steve C.

Everyone did a great job. Very efficient. This was my second colonoscopy with this medical group and would feel confident to return again.

Kurt R.

From initial contact through post procedure care, Dr. Willie and his team are exceptional at patient care and education of the procedure being conducted, the pre-procedure prep, and results. This my second 10-year screening procedure with Dr. Willie and hope that he is still in practice 10 years from now for my next procedure. Well done and thank you!

Albina G.

Excellent service

Pamela C.

Have been seeing Dr Baaken for years now for colonoscopies and to consult and treat my fatty liver disease. She is very thorough and takes time to fully explain things. I would highly recommend her.

Perry

I experienced a very friendly and professional administration and medical staff. The process was informative and fast. Thank you.

Giuseppe E.

Very friendly staff very professional

James D.

Friendly staff, Doctor's were on time with the schedule.

Stephanie

If you have to go through a procedure like a colonoscopy there is no other place I would go to then The Center for Digestive Health. I love all of the caregivers. Thank you for getting me in quickly.

Paul H.

I was brought in for prep and everyone went out of their way to make me feel comfortable!

MIke B.

I couldn’t have had a better experience. The staff members were kind, polite and professional. I would not hesitate to recommend this office to anyone looking for great care.

Don M.

Awesome staff and doctor. Couldn't be more pleased.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6266 reviews

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Debbie M.

Always professional and clean facilities. Roger was my pre-op nurse and was fantastic! Dr. Weber is exceptional. Wouldn't trust anyone else.

Joy

Efficient, friendly, it made that whole experience actually enjoyable.

Tiffany K.

Doctor was professional, office is organized, great bedside manner and had a great team! Great nurse anesthetist too.

Joan O.

Wonderful facility and excellent staff including front desk, assistants, RNs, CRNA and Dr. They made you, comfortable, warm. Skilled procedure such as IV, and sedation and colonoscopy done well and efficiently. Staff explained every step of the process. Could not have been more satisfied.

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?

If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.

What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised.

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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