Helicobacter Forums

Hi Everyone, I'm new to the forum.
I have been suffering with stomach acid for around 7 or 8 years. I would always take Zantac and the acid would simply go away. A couple of years ago the acid started to get worse. Then last September I had what I would describe as gastritis, stomach ache, really bad acid and then, burping. I went to see the doctor whom gave me Omeperazole 20 mg to take twice a day. Eventually the stomach ache went(so did the acid) and I was left with the burping, as if the burp was stuck in my throat all the time? Still not satisfied, 3 weeks ago I went back to the doctors and they tested me for H Pylori and yes, the test came back positive. At this point the stomach ache was gone may I add and so did the acid.
I took the triple therapy (Metronidazole and clarithromicin, along with Omeperazole 20 mg). 3 days ago the stomach has come back( between my belly button and the middle of my rib cage) I feel slightly bloated, the burping/ burp stuck in my throat is still there, however doesn't seem as bad?
The questions that I have are - Could the triple therapy have been unsuccessful?
Can I be retested straight away?
Are my symptoms standard for H Pylori?
Is it possible I could have an ulcer?
Am I right to be also worried/ concerned?!

Many Thanks,

Mark.

Could the triple therapy have been unsuccessful?
the only way to find out is to do a follow up breath test.

Can I be retested straight away?
you have to wait for a month before the follow up breath test.

Are my symptoms standard for H Pylori?
Yes, they are standard symptoms for H. pylori

Is it possible I could have an ulcer?
You'll need a physical examination from your doctor. If he suspect you have ulcer, you'll need a month supply of PPI. other wise, you can make an appointment to see a specialist for endoscopy examination.

Am I right to be also worried/ concerned?!
Do you have family history of stomach cancer? if no, then there is no need to be too worried. However, an endoscopy examination will tell you an idea of your stomach condition.

Helico Expert,

Thank you very much for your help on the answers.
I'm 37 years old.
I have no family history of stomach cancer.
I'm just very puzzled as to why I'm still symptomatic after taking the triple therapy? I guess I could be right in saying that it could take some time for the damage to repair? Can this sometimes be the case in your view? Can some of this also possibly be in your head, so to speak?

Many thanks,

Mark.

Hi Mark,

unfortunately the recovery differ from people to people. Some lucky ones recover almost immediately. Some not so lucky one recover months or years later. If you read through this forum, you'll find most people recover slower. However, that's not the case. Because we rarely have visitors who recover immediately. Most members are desperate for answers and hence registered here. So, there is a bias towards slower recovery and more severe disease outcome.

Nevertheless, I would like to share a story. We did a human trial experiment a while ago. We gave our volunteers some H. pylori to drink. one group was given the real deal and the other group was given the placebo. It was a double blind study so nobody knows what was given to the volunteers. One week after the inoculation, one subject experienced severe gastric problem. Vomit and in great pain. He was admitted to emergency in the middle of the night and was given all antibiotics to make sure whatever is in the stomach is eradicated. We were very worried at that time as nobody knows what's going on. Several months later, at the end of the trial, the mystery was unfolded. This volunteer was given the placebo. he was under so much stress that he developed all the H. pylori symptoms. It was a very interesting study.

In addition, now that H. pylori is gradually being eradicated. We are facing more and more non-h. pylori related gastric diseases. People who are nervous or under a lot of mental stress, often ends up with stomach butterfly or burping. We have seen many cases like this and they are all H. pylori negative and have a perfect healthy looking stomach. So, mental does play an important role in stomach problem.

So, I would advise you to think positive. Follow the guideline. one month after treatment, do a follow up breath test. If there is no H. pylori, then we know your stomach is recovering.

Helico Expert,

Again thank you so much for your help!
I have a greater understanding now. I guess everyone heals at a different rate?
Also, positivity is a must!
I will keep you updated!

Many Thanks.