Helicobacter Forums

Hi Helico_expert

Just wanted to ask if its normsl to loose weight with h pylori infection.

I was diagnosed with h pylori after biopsy in October and then went through with 7 day triple therapy course. Since then the acidity symptoms are still there but managing it with omeprazole 20mg one daily.

However I continue to lose weight. I am at present around 61kg. I was around 65kg in September and 72kg in June (before acidity problem started). In July blood tests (thyroid, liver, kidney and blood count) came back fine. The endoscopy also did not.show any ulcer, gastritis or anything else

Initially I thought that weight loss could be because I have cut out all fast and fried food, cakes chocolate etc because of acidity and eating smaller potions. But this has now been my diet for last few months so the weight should have stabilised.

I don't feel weak or less energetic. So other than the acidity issue I feel fine.

61kg with my height of 178cm is still within the healthy range but worried it keeps going down.

Spoke to the GP 2 weeks ago and he said that I should do a stool test again to see if h pylori had been eradicated but for that I have to stop omeprazole completely for 2 weeks which is very difficult at the moment. Because I am still having acidity symptoms 2 months after first eradication therapy and I am on omeprazole 20mg daily

Another option he gave me was that I could assume that it has not cleared and just take another 7 day antibiotics + ppi course. But given the heavy dosage of antibiotics and ppi and the side effects I am worried.

What are your thoughts. If I did go for another 7 day course what combination should I go for,? My first therapy in October was Amoxicillin 1g BD, clarithromycin 500mg BD and Pantoprazole 40mg BD for 7 days

Yes, H. pylori can lead to weight loss due to poorer appetite. many patients reported weight gain after HP eradication because they can eat better.

Perhaps you can switch your omeprazole to famotidine.

Famotidine is a H2 blocker that temporarily reduce your acid. You can continue famotidine for 2 weeks and you can do your stool test.

famotidine or any form of H2 blockers are not available in the UK or US i believe because of cancer susceptibility.

We only get antacid like Gaviscon or ppi

gasvicon is fine.

here is a guide of what you can take before breath/stool test.
https://helico.com/PYtest_guide_2013.pdf

Unfortunately Gaviscon effect is too short ived and I can't leave on just Gaviscon for 2 weeks especially as I have just stated a new job


I have now started the second 7 day eradication therapy consisting of:
Omeprazole 20mg twice daily
Amoxicillin 1g twice daily
Metronidazole 400mg twice daily

This is on the assumption that h pylori has not cleared because acid reflux symptoms have gradually increased post 1st eradication therapy.

The first eradication therapy was similar but I had clarithromycin 500mg twice daily instead of Metronidazole

What do you think about this Helico Expert?

Forgot to mention the second eradication therapy is based on my GP advice in line public health England guidance

I think that you shouldn't start second treatment before check up after first treatment. These are strong antibiotics.

Increased acid reflux is common after H.pylori eradication. I've developed it after eradication.

Give thanks to you

I agree that you shouldnt take any antibiotics without proper diagnostic.
but if you have already started, dont stop. just continue.

perhaps you can try add bismuth into your treatment.