Helicobacter Forums

Hello,

I believe I have had h pylori for the last 3 decades. When I was 14 I became anaemic due to my stomach lining bleeding - put it down to junior disprin use but now Iook back I wonder... When I was 21 I had symptoms, doc said it was an ulcer and I was so upset I dismissed and never took it further. Symptoms gradually went away , used Zantac for a while. Came back with vengeance when I was 27. Had endocsopy and h pylori was diagnosed. Had triple therapy but was not retested for eradication. Last year it came back - I suffered for a year not believing it had returned. This time had stool test and it was confirmed. Triple therapy and eradication test two months later and it's gone! Very happy but it has left me so concerned about my health and turned me into a germaphobe. Driving myself and my family crazy.

I am now really concerned about the cancer risk. I had read the statistics, etc but still wonder if long time infection can increase the chances of cancer? Should I get an endoscopy to see if there is any damage? I have no symptoms and do feel I am being a bit neurotic but can't help it .

Thanks for reading and appreciate any advise.

H. pylori is associated with cancer. However, the risk is very very low. it's like 1% among the infected.

However, cancer is more related to host genetic and high salt diet. H. pylori is like a catalyst if someone carries the stomach cancer gene or has high salt diet.

if you are not in the above high risk group, then you dont need to worry too much.

Thank you so much for the reply. My grandmother had stomach cancer, would this constitute high risk?

what about your uncles or aunties? any of them developed stomach cancer? if not, your chance is still low.

I don't know, my father was adopted so we know none of his family and my mother has lost touch with hers over the years.

Do you think it's unreasonable for me to have an endoscopy? Just to see if damage has occured? I have read that early stomach cancer has usually no signs... this is what worries me.

sorry for all the questions, I do really appreciate your advice.

it's absolutely fine to ask for an endoscopy. It's very important to get a peace of mind. The constant worry is probably doing more harm than the actual disease.

Thank you Helico_expert. I have made an appointment with my Gp. Let's hope he agrees that I should have an endoscopy.
Until then I shall try and put this fear to the back of my mind. Easier said than done!!

Thanks again,

Well, keep us posted with your result. Who knows your story may inspire someone else.

I'm new to this site, And about diseases I'm not much acknowledged, So I couldn't suggest you anything but Michael70 this thread and Helico-Expert's replies are so useful to me. I'm lovin' to be here.