Follow up after successful eradication

[cindylou]

I have finally tested negative by the Urea Breath Test, after the second round of therapy, for H. Pylori . What do you suggest for treatment of symptoms until healing is complete? Doctor put me on Zegerid for reflux as I had erosions in my esophagus. Still dealing with gas (although much better) and excessive burping. Other than probiotics do you have any suggestions for helping the healing process?

[trishok]

How soon after triple therapy can a follow-up breath test be done? I completed the triple antibiotic acid suppressant therapy on August 17th, just over 9 weeks' ago. I still have symptoms.
Have just this minute joined the forum and have lots of questions. My mother and her brother both died from stomach cancer and had the symptoms of gallstones, reflux, diverticulosis, for decades prior to cancer diagnosis. I have had symptoms for over 30 years. Now aged 66. They both died in their 80's. They did take NSAID's for osteoarthritis, and both had osteoporosis. I do not have osteoarthritis, but sometimes take Ibuprofen (Brufen) for torn tendons in rotator cuff, and chronic tendinitis.
Had gallbladder removed 17 years ago. Digestive enzymes (Betaine Hydrochloride) have made my life easier for the past 8 years. Had two colonoscopies and endoscopies during the past 8 years and due for a 3-yr follow up next month. All that was revealed were a couple of rectal polyps and mild diverticular pockets. On both occasions the h.pylori test and histopath revealed no abnormality.
I believe those breath tests were false-negative.

[Helico_expert]

you'll need to wait at least 2 weeks without antibiotics or any acid reducing drug before doing the breath test to check for eradication.

since you are genetically more likely to have stomach cancer, you should monitor your stomach condition more frequently.

as a reminder, H. pylori is only one of many factor of stomach cancer. Genetic inheritance is the most important factor, follow by diet and environment factor. High salt intake has been shown related to stomach cancer. H. pylori just speed up the cancer process.

[trishok]

Thank you for your prompt reply. I am very glad I found this site. I appreciate the interest and concern shown by Dr Marshall and you and all the people connected with this forum.
Are you able to recommend gastroenterologists or practices, from Sydney to Brisbane who are aware of the implications of h.pylori re stomach cancer, and eradication treatments and monitoring of same?
I live in a laid-back region of NSW, where specialists are hard to come by, but I could travel to Brisbane or down to Sydney, to obtain treatment if necessary.
I understand you probably cannot recommend specific people, but could you please indicate the hospitals you know that do the largest number with the best outcomes of gastro-intestinal investigations, diagnoses and treatments please.
Also looking for prolapse monitoring or repair, (rectocele, cystocele, endocele, inguinal hernia). Hysterectomy 37 years ago, now prolapse. Probably encouraged initially by constipation from h.pylori for several decades.
Thankyou

[trishok]

WEIRD SYNDROMES: forgot to say that together with gut and bowel problems over the years, I have come to realise that the skin condition, Roseacea, is connected with gut inflammation, flareups, and this is also manifested in tandem with DEMODEX mites overload, (i.e. follicle mites, eyelash mites).
I have not spoken with a pharmacist or GP in the past 3 years who has knowledge of demodex mites -
In my own experience and observations, the correlation between gut inflammation, a certain type of roseacea, often inclusive of ocular roseacea and blepharitis, and demodex overload - is proven.
Now that I have tested positive for h.pylori, I would like to hear of any other people experiencing these symptoms please.

[Helico_expert]

I cannot recommend specialist to you. However, there are some studies that show correlation of H. pylori to certain skin disease such as roseacea. I am not sure what's the true connection but, antibiotic treatment for H. pylori usually solve the skin disease problem too.

[trishok]

Thank you for your reply. I have a flare up of eyelash mites (demodex) AND roseacea on my nose for the past fortnight. Will be having a follow-up breath test next week. Will be interesting to get results. I have read that there are several strains of h.pylori. I think there is still inflammation in my gut, which is causing the flare-up of roseacea and demodex.
Results of breath test will be interesting.