Helicobacter Forums

Hi all,

About two years ago I tested positive (blood) for h pylori, I was having reflux symptoms, mainly burping all the time. My doctor decided to do a stool sample because she said the blood test can stay positive for some time, even if you're not currently infected. I was on protonix when she ordered the stool test, it came back negative! I stayed on protonix for 4 weeks and my symptoms went away. Fast forward to last summer, same symptoms so my Gi doctor put me back on protonix and I got no relief. She decided to do an endoscopy.. I was on Keflex (an antibiotic) when I had the endoscopy done, it came back normal. Ugh. I've been doing a lot of reading and it looks like you should discontinue ppi's 2 weeks before a stool sample and discontinue antibiotics before endocopy.. Is this right? I'm so fed up with my doctors at this point. I'm still havering symptoms and they are telling me it's anxiety. I just don't get how my blood test could be positive and everything else negative--- I've never taken treatment for this disgusting bacteria.

I agree, it is unusual to have a blood test positive and everything else negative if haven't been treated for Hp. It is better to stop ppi and antibiotics before any test. I would recommend you to try another stool test or breath test without taking ppi or antibiotics for at least a week.

Blood test is very sensitive. However, since you have taken antibiotics, you cannot use blood test any more. your blood test result will stay positive from months to years.

as suggested, you should try stop PPI for at least 2 weeks and perform a breath test.

Thanks for responding. I see my gi doctor tomorrow. Will ask for a repeat stool/breath test.