Pain After Triple Therapy

Exactly 2 months ago, I started to have lots of gas, nausea and lightheaded.  Thought it was due to a bad lunch.  Went to my FP couple days later and got Nexium for a month.  Symptoms didn't improve at all after two weeks, went back and tested for H. Pylori, came out +ve.  The same day I had Barium Swallow done, I started Losec 1-2-3A.  Bad things came about 3 days later, stomach cramps, burning abdominal pain, more bloating, nausea, very uncomfortable.  Went back to FP and thought it was all side effects.  It has been 2 weeks since I finished the therapy, and I am still getting little stomach cramp, some burning pain plus even more gas and heartburn.  The annoying thing is that stomach cramps wake me up prematurely early in the morning, couldn't get back to sleep.  I was taking Nexium after the triple therapy and got lots of dizziness, then I switched to Ranitidine 150mg BID.

I guess my questions are the following:
1. How long would those side effects stay with me, is it usually to experience this kind of symptoms after the therpay?
2. Is there anything I can do so that I don't wake up prematurely due to stomach cramp, pain?
3. What other sickness would cause this kind of pain?

P.S. I do have an Endoscopy scheduled in a couple weeks, and I am 32.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) It would depend on the cause.  You can consider further testing to confirm that the H Pylori has been eradicated.  A stool H Pylori test can be considered.  There are cases of resistance to antibiotic triple therapy.

2) The upper endoscopy is a more comprehensive test that can look for causes not seen on a barium swallow or upper GI series.  An ultrasound or 24-hr pH study can be considered as well.

3) You can consider GERD, an ulcer, inflammation of the upper digestive tract, liver/gallbladder disease, or gastroparesis.  In addition to the tests suggested above, a gastric emptying scan can be considered to evalute for gastroparesis.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician or gastroenterologist.

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.
kevinmd_b

[debrajo70]

A related discussion, questions about h.pylori was started.