H. Pylori tests low

[lexlarrylawrence]

I've been suffering with symptoms of an ulcer for over a few years. My Kaiser doctor gave me the blood test to test for H. Pylori antibodies. The result was 4.4 units (I guess Kaiser says if it's less than 20 units, it's negative). The doctor said the 4.4 was nothing and that everyone has those antibodies; he said I don't have the bacteria. I asked him if he could just treat me to see if it helps. He declined. That was over a year ago, and I still have the burning and bloating between meals.

The problem with the blood test is that I've never been treated for H. Pylori before, so why do I have antibodies for H. Pylori? Plus, for months before the test I'd been taking Mastic Gum, PPI's, Pepto Bismol, Tums, Gaviscon, etc.

Isn't it possible I do have H. Pylori, but the test was low because of all the pills I'd been taking to keep the pain away? I read somewhere that it's recommend there is no treatment for 2 weeks before the tests.

Thanks!