How many treatments can I endure? Read this one

I was diagnosed with H-pylori in July of 2003. I was given triple therapy for 10 days, bismuth, tetracycline, and metronizidole. I found out about a week before I was flying off to start work overseas. I did most of the initially therapy, probably 8-81/2 days but jet lag, time change therapy got off.

Started having same symptoms as before, burning sensation, waking up in the morning with upset stomach. A hospital here did a stool sample and h-pylori again. The gave me treatment for 10 days with clarithromycin, aciphex and metronozidale. Side effects were  better and finished treatment.

However, symptoms returned. In the summer of 2004, I visited my GI Doc in the states. They did endoscopy showing gastritis and did a biopsy which confirmed h-pylori. They gave the triple therapy of bismuth, tetracycline, and metronizidole  again but for 14 days. Didn

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Furazolidone is not available in the US, so I am not familiar with that medication.

As you know, there are several treatment regimens for H Pylori.  I am also not aware of sucralfate being part of the standard regimen, although some experimental studies have suggested that it increases the eradication rate.

One treatment regimen that has not been mentioned is amoxicillin, clarithromycin and a PPI.  This is normally the first-line treatment.  This treatment regimen can be discussed with your personal physician if the H Pylori is refractory.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com

[cocoj]

I'm not a doctor but I would like to share with you what treatment regimen worked for me. Since my system is very sensitive I took the natural route which includes; herbal extract of Mastic Gum 500 mg 4x day on empty stomach as well as
Licorice Root DGL chewable tablets 2-3xs day 20 min. before meals ( you can find these products and info. at most health food stores and on-line).  You have already gone through so much and you will need to give your body time to heal. Hope you are feeling better soon.