H. Pylori Treatment with Chronic Anxiety

[Mi7ch]

I'll start by saying I'm an 18 year old from Australia and I only weigh 50kgs. About a month ago I started experiencing a really severe "trapped gas" sensation in my chest, it felt like i constantly needed to burp and even if I managed to force one out, the feeling would come back almost immediately. I told my symptoms to a family friend who mentioned H. Pylori, because her son had it so bad that his ulcer put a hole in his stomach. So I went to the local doctor and he made me an appt. for a breath test and sure enough, it came back positive.

I then had to have a blood test to test the severity and it came back high. The doctor then prescribed me Nexium HP7 (combo of osomeprazole, amoxycillin and clarithromycin) and told me to start Monday so if I experience any issues I can see him ASAP. A caution had popped up on his computer screen that mentioned being cautious whilst taking Avanza (mirtazapine) with what I think was osomeprazole, but he said not to worry.

Now this seems all fine and dandy to a normal person but I have chronic anxiety and depression and have extreme difficulty swallowing pills other than my current medication (seroquel and avanza). I have a strong fear of side effects. Thinking of taking ten pills a day is really getting to me and I'm worried I'm going to avoid taking them like I have in the past with Valium for my anxiety. Reading Nexium reviews almost every one seems negative (Depression, nausea, lethargy, weight loss, headaches, constipation, increased anxiety, diarrhea) but if I don't do the treatment I could end up with an ulcer.

I really need some motivation/reassurance. Anyone else also got terrible anxiety and fears?
Also any tips on what time morning and evening I should take my dose (regular medication is taken at 9pm), reducing nausea, easy tolerable foods, healing, distractions, staying positive, reducing anxiety, etc.

[Helico_expert]

the good news is, you found the bug and there is a treatment for it.

The blood test cannot tell you the severity. It only tells you if you have been infected recently or more than 2 weeks ago.
The breath test cannot tell you severity either. We have seen patients with super high level of breath test result without symptom and we have seen borderline level breath result with all sort of problems.

Nexium HP7 has been prescribed world wide and used many years. You can assume it is safe. However, it is important that you finish the course once you start. Stopping the treatment midway may make the bacteria stronger and you'll need stronger antibiotics with stronger side effects in the future. Nevertheless, everyone experience side effects differently. You may not feel anything at all. But, if you kept thinking of it, it is almost 100% that you'll suffer some kind of side effect.

If you have problem swallowing the pill, you can try break the pill to half.

Everyone suffers a little anxiety and fear. It's good that you are not denying your feeling. However, you really need to find a way to distract yourself from taking HP 7. Try to think positive thoughts and maintain positive energy.

There is no special tips on diet. Just take more vege and fruits.

Lastly, remember to do a followup breath test one month after your treatment.

[Mi7ch]

Thanks heaps, it really means a lot to me. The chest pressure and shortness of breath have been really bad today so I guess really I have no choice but to start tomorrow.

[Helico_expert]

keep us posted with your follow up breath test. Remember, try not to think about the antibiotics you are taking.

[Tweenie]

I also have anxiety issues and am very sensitive to medications. I finished my triple therapy almost 4 weeks ago and it went amazingly well. I didn't have any side effects at all. I had a little nausea for about 2 or so weeks afterward not nothing crazy.

Try not to worry and as you are taking the meds, just think "these are going to help me in the long run, I won't have side effects and will feel so much better when they are finished". It helped me to talk to myself like that.

I go for my 4 week breath test this week to see if the bug is eradicated. I hope so! Best of luck to you!

[Mi7ch]

Had my first dose this morning, no side effects apart from a little stomach ache and a weird taste in my mouth/throat but I drank some milk and I feel fine.

I must say though they weren't the easiest pills to swallow haha.

[Helico_expert]

the "metallic" taste is the side effect of clarithromycin.

the diarrhea side effect will probably kick in towards the middle or the end of the treatment. But, you may be lucky and not having it.



Be brave and positive.

[Tweenie]

Excellent!! Stay positive!! It really worked for me. I want that bug gone and will do what it takes to accomplish that!

I didn't even experience the diarrhea and I'm about as sensitive as you can get!! I found that eating quite bland and drinking a LOT of herbal tea and water was very helpful. You will do great! Hang in there!!

[Mi7ch]

Thought I might as well let you guys know that my H. Pylori has been eradicated.
Thank you for your support.

[Helico_expert]

Congratulation. Thanks for reporting back.