Treatment?

I have been diagnosed with H. Pylori.  I have tried to start the standard treatment a couple of times but am very sensitive and have had to stop. I have seen four specialists including leading doctors at USC and UCLA in California. Not one of them took this infection seriously as being the cause of my stomach distress.  None of them seemed at all interested in trying to work with me in treating this, ie. possible smaller doses of the typical medications.  I only weigh about 105 lbs. and don't understand why I'm being prescribed the same dosages that a larger person would take as well. The biopsy of my stomach did show this bacteria.  It seems many people  have had stomach upset from this infection so I'm interested in your opinion as to why these doctors aren't taking it very seriously, and if there is any knowledge of treatments that are more individualized.  There must be some way to treat this, or someone or place where I could get some help and support. As a side note, my symptoms started about 14 months ago when I went to the emergency room for heart related symptoms.  After ruling out a heart problem the ER doctor gave be strong acid blockers and a perscription for Protonex which made be sick. (Had no indigetive symtoms (symptoms) at all leadng up to this)  Because of this medication and a change in diet (stopped all alcohol and tea) I think the balance in my stomach changed.  I think both the alcohol and tea kept the bateria at a lower level and I didn't have any symptoms.  I now have almost constant stomach distress in varying degrees. Would be interested if you  thought this was possible.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I cannot comment on why other doctors aren't taking it seriously since I am not familiar with your case.

Unfortunately, as a side effect, all antibiotics are going to have varying degress of patient tolerance.  With H Pylori, there are several regimens for eradication.  These can include different combinations of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, flagyl, or tetracycline.

I am not aware of Protonix as well as stopping alcohol and tea affecting the bacterial flora levels in the stomach.  

You may want to discuss with your physicians different antibiotics regiments for H Pylori, or obtain more specialized tests (i.e. 24-hr pH study for GERD) if it is believed that the H Pylori is not the cause of the discomfort.

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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[TJV]

Most h pylori doesn't cause symptoms. The doctors didn't see anything serious going on during endoscopy, ulcers etc.  -- so that is probably why the lack of concern or urgency

Most likely a superficial gastritis was present which they figure wouldn't be attributable to your symptoms.