Helicobacter Forums

I have posted on this forum before regarding my treatment for HP and how it was not successful. My GP has referred me to a specialist and I will have a Gastroscopy on May 13. My question is: what is the purpose of the test and how will it help my treatment plan? I did not even get a consult with the specialist so I'm not fully aware of how the test can help me. Thank you.

The gastroscopy will allow the specialist to look into your stomach and check for any damage the bacteria could have done, such as gastritis or ulcer. The gastrologist will also take biopsy to run more tests and have an accurate diagnostic. If he has the possibility to culture the bacteria, ask him to do sensitivity testing so he can personalise your next treatment with antibiotics that will work for you.

Because I didn't even have a consultation with the speciaist first, I assume that is why I'm being scoped - to find out about antibiotic sensitivity. I found it strange that I wasn't consulted first but I assume that she had all of the information from my GP that she needed to immediately book the scope.

If they test for sensitivity, can they find a treatment that will be sure to eradicate the HP for me? I truly hope so.

Thank you for your advice.

nothing is 100%. H. pylori is a fast mutating organism against antibiotics.

we did antibiotic sensitivity test on all our patients and about 5% is uncured. in another words, there is a 95% cure rate if antibiotic sensitivity test is done.

Thank you, expert. I hope I will fall into the 95% category! I am a bit concerned about having the scope. I'm afraid that there may be some kind of damage done by the HP. I hope not!!

Hello, I have a few more questions regarding my gastroscopy:

1. Do you know if antibiotic sensitivity testing is done in Canada?
2. If so, will the doctor do it as a routine or do I have to ask for it?
3. What type of damage might they find in doing a scope?

Thank you!

1. I am not sure, but Canada should be advance enough to have such test.
2. again, I am not sure. It may not be routine because some doctors believe that they can keep giving their patients the alternative antibiotic treatment until they run out of choice. After all, it's only a small group of people that is resistant to many antibiotics. One of those alternative regime should do the trick.
3. all physical damage or abnormality can be detected by endoscopy. eg gastritis, ulcers, cancers, bleeding, etc etc.

Thank you, Expert. The "C" word scares me. I hope there is no damage other than, perhaps, gastritis. I have had HP for a long time and I fear that it may have done damage that I am not aware of. I think you mentioned before the chance of cancer is a very low percentage?

hopefully "C"anada wont scare you too much. Just joking. I have been to Vancouver a few years ago. It's a lovely city.

In regards to stomach cancer, yes, the chance is very low. It'll take years or decades to develop. If endoscopy showed clear of cancer, you can relax for years.

Lastly, the chance of developing cancer increases if you inherit the cancer gene or has high salt intake.

Ha ha! Good one! Yes, Vancouver is beautiful, I agree!

Well, I have had HP since at least the 1990s so it has been a while and that is what worries me. I don't have a diet that is high in salt. I hope all will be well.