Helicobacter Forums

Hi Everyone,

First and foremost, this forum is a great resource. Many thanks to all the contributors.

I tested positive with H. Pylori about 4 weeks ago (breath test). My symptoms included mostly indigestion. No appetite and early satiety. Discomfort would get worse at night.

I was prescribed a 10-day triple therapy (amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and omeprazole). I felt terrible at the beginning. Most of my symptoms became worse and I started having a burning sensation in my upper-abdomen. I couldn't eat or sleep properly. Over the course of this therapy, I had some good days as well. Most of my symptoms calmed down and my appetite started coming back.

It has been 2 weeks now since my treatment ended. I'm still on Omeprazole. And my condition is still mixed. I have 4-5 good days followed by 3-4 bad days. My bad days are really terrible. I have bloating, urge to pass gas, urge to belch, and nagging pain in my upper-abdomen (mid-region, above my belly button). If I put some pressure on it, I feel really nauseous. I also have a complete loss of appetite and early satiety. I have been on a fairly consistent non-acidic diet. I eat a lot of oatmeal, bran, and non-fat greek yogurt. I eat protein too at dinner. Been taking Omeprazole regularly (twice a day/ 20 mg). I have no idea what is triggering the bad days. My GI thinks I still may have H.Pylori.

This has been a very demanding time (as most of you know). I have fallen behind at work and school. I'm thinking of going in for an endoscopy.

Thanks,
Alec

P.S. I also would like to note that before I started my triple therapy I did not have any pain or discomfort in my upper-abdomen (mid-region, above my belly button). I feel it began after I began the treatment.

you may need to discuss with your doctor about switching your omeprazole to H2 blocker and then get another breath test 2-3 weeks later to see if you still have the H. pylori.

Helico_expert wrote:you may need to discuss with your doctor about switching your omeprazole to H2 blocker and then get another breath test 2-3 weeks later to see if you still have the H. pylori.

Thanks, Helico_expert. Could please explain the reason behind it? I ask this because I have thought if Omeprazole is not working. But then I think why would it work some days but stop working other days. Also, do you feel this condition has more to do with acid indigestion?


Thanks again.

omeprazole and other PPI are more thorough inhibition of acid secretion. However, you'll need to continuously take it for a few days to reach the full capacity. You'll also need a few days for its effect to slowly subside.

H2 blocker, like zantac, on the other hand is more acute as in, the effect is immediate. it doesnt block the acid secretion but it provides immediate protection to your stomach and throat. Because it doesnt stay in your body for a long time, you can continue taking it until the day before your follow up breath test.

http://www.helico.com/PYtest_guide_2013.pdf

Helico_expert wrote:omeprazole and other PPI are more thorough inhibition of acid secretion. However, you'll need to continuously take it for a few days to reach the full capacity. You'll also need a few days for its effect to slowly subside.

H2 blocker, like zantac, on the other hand is more acute as in, the effect is immediate. it doesnt block the acid secretion but it provides immediate protection to your stomach and throat. Because it doesnt stay in your body for a long time, you can continue taking it until the day before your follow up breath test.

http://www.helico.com/PYtest_guide_2013.pdf

Thanks so much again, Helico_expert. I discontinued Omeprazole and it appears that the nagging pain I had in my stomach/ mid-region has gone down. I had been taking Omeprazole for about 3 weeks. So, presumably my body got used to it. Yet I still have a periodic spell of bad days with severe stomach/ mid-region discomfort. No sleep or appetite. Feel nauseous. Is it possible that it was being triggered by Omeprazole?

I'm now on 75 mg Zantac and that seems to help.

if Zantac works, just stick on it. take it when you feel any heart burn or too much acid.

3 weeks later, remember to book yourself another appointment to get a follow up breath test to make sure your H. pylori is definitely gone.

Thanks for the response, Helico_expert.

I'm wondering if anyone else wakes up feeling nauseous with a gnawing stomach pain. This has been a recurring thing for me ever since I finished the treatment.

Just a quick update. I believe I'm getting some acid rebound now. Still have a sour stomach that goes away temporarily with Zantac. Have some heartburn and neck stiffness too. Talked to my GI and he suggested I take Zantac 300mg at night and Omeprazole 20mg in the morning.

yup. That sounds like a good idea.

Is it now accepted as evidence-based medicine on the need to take PPIs post H Pylori treatment to heal the stomach? For example, is this addressed in a Cochrane Review?

Thanks