h.pylori

[dapper]

Having just tested positive for h.pylori, I'm very nervous.My mother and her father both died at 60 from stomach cancer. Any advice or experience will help. I'm starting antibiotics today.

[Jessie809]

I have just started taking the Prepac.  I found information on another web site that this course of treatment is not recommended for those with GERD. It also stated that it can cause GERD.  

I have GERD, but my doctor still gave me these meds, so I am going to try them for a couple of days.  I have had esophageal ulcers and still suffer from strong reflux,chest pain, etc.

[Interested observer]

Regarding the hydrogen breath test:

Exhaled hydrogen is normally produced only by the bacterial metabolism of carbohydrates. In small intestinal disease or disaccharidase deficiency, ingested carbohydrates are not absorbed and are metabolized by colonic bacteria increasing exhaled hydrogen content.

This test is used to diagnose lactase deficiency. The patient is given 1 gm/kg body weight of lactose orally and exhaled hydrogen is measured. An increase of >20 ppm indicates lactose malabsorption.

In bacterial overgrowth, ingested carbohydrates are metabolized in the small intestine producing an earlier peak in hydrogen exhalation.

[JH]

How did you test for H. Pylori infection?
If it was through the blood test, taking antacid should not
influence the test result.  The blood test checks for the
antibody that you develop when you have the bacteria in
your system.  If it was through the breath test, I know that
proton inhibitors such as prevacid can infleunce the test result.
These medications should be avoided for at least month
prior to H. Pylori check.

[JH]

Antibiotic treatment can sometimes lead to severe post treatment
gastritis. So be carefule of what you are taking.  I went thru
the treatment myself in late January of this year.  Even
though I have tested positive for HP bacteria, I did not have
a symptom of having ulcer no other gastritis. During the treatment, I experienced sever nausea and complete loss of appetitite.   After stopping antibiotc treatment, my stomach never fully recovered.  I started to develop stomach pain and
hearburn as well as frequent acid reflux throughout the day.
Even till today, i am suffering from stomach pain.  So make sure
your body is in good strong state before you start the treatment.
Antibiotic treatment is very harsh on your immune system as well
as on your digestive system.  It will wipe out all the good
bacteria as well as the bad one.

[shan]

hey im sorry this doesnt have alot to do with your question..but i got an h.pylori test and i was on antacids and i read that your test wont be correct if your on them...does anyone know if thats true??

[Interested observer]

Dapper:

This site is very helpful:

http://www.endowsec.com/pated/ecdgs30.htm

Remember that H.pylori is an infection and can be easily treated. It very infrequently causes stomach cancer. I, too, tested positive for GERD and H.pylori a few years ago, underwent treatment and am fine. Take an occasional Prilosec or Tums for the GERD.

Hang in there. Remember that overanxiousness could make your symptoms worse and prolong healing.