H. Pylori and living in the "third world"

[Eleanor Sylvia]

Hello,

I've been traveling in the third world for work for the past nine years or so and have experienced almost constant stomach bloating, the development of severe allergies (dust, mold, food sensitivities) and have been diagnosed with H. Pylori twice in the past few months.

During my first treatment, (Amox, Clarithro & Omperazole) I felt much better but the symptoms came back as soon as it finished. Stomach bloating also never went away. I asked the doctor to retest and he said it was "impossible" I would have it again.

I went back to visit family in the U.S>, did a whole body cleanse (vitamin) and felt much better but my stomach was still very bloated. Came back to the "third world" and within two weeks my health had decreased significantly, allergies extremely bad and also sharp, burning stomach pain and vomiting. Doctor initially didn't believe it was possible to have H. pylori but blood test came back positive and I did one week of same treatment followed by optional second week of the same medicines. Again, significant improvement *during* treatment, within two weeks all symptoms came back.

My question is, living semi-permanently in the third world, how can I be sure I will ever get rid of it? Even if I kill H. Pylori, most of the local population here is estimated to be infected due to the extremely poor sanitary conditions here, and so this means the people I live and work with all likely have it.

I went to the doctor today but they reminded me one can test positive for years after eradication. She recommended Nexium every day along with Domperidone (10mg) and something for constipation when needed.

Right now, though, I feel awful. Everything feels inflamed, my eyes and face have swelled up (as they always do when I'm sick) and my allergies have gotten much worse. Plus I have a constant "full" feeling (not hungry), am constipated and have burning stomach pain.

What can I do? is it possible I got reinfected again? I've tried to be very careful, btu I did eat raw salad a few times after treatment. Not all of the third world is unsanitary, of course, but the country where I work is known for being among the worst and also has absolutely terrible air quality/pollution. I love my work here and believe it is important, but am at a loss to what to do if I keep getting sick. I'm also under a lot of stress.

Thanks for any advice from any medical professionals. Because of my work, I cannot travel back to the United States at this time,so I would be grateful to receive medical advice online.

Warmest Regards,
ES

[luci2010]

Hi!

I live in England and I am suffering from exactly the same problem... I feel much better after I have eradication therapy for HP, but after a couple of week, the symptons come back!

The advice I can give you is to do a Helicobacter Breath Test and not a blood test. Because of the antibodies in the blood, you can test positive even though you no longer have the bacteria. Breath test shows only active infections, so it will tell if you have been re-infected. It's VERY important that you take a breath test 28 days after you do the treatment to confirm if the bacteria has been killed. Don't believe what the doctors say that it's impossible to still have it, a LOT of people have HP resistant which means the antibiotics do not succeed in killing the bacteria so you might need another course. Taking the same course of antibiotics is also a bad idea, you should be treated with a different set of antibiotics if the first ones didn't work.

Good luck! Hope you feel better soon!

Luci.