Helicobacter Forums

Hi there,
So my doctor has ordered a stool test and I have been instructed to come off all PPIs for a minimum of 2 weeks prior. Is there anything I can take to help with the severe acid reflux I have been experiencing, such as Tums or Gaviscon? Or will Tums or Gaviscon potentially cause a false negative. The acid reflux has been so bad that I have been unable to function the past couple days. I have only been off the PPI I was on for 10 days. I know the said specifically no Pepto-Bismol 5 days prior, but is there anything else I could take that would not put me at risk of a false negative?

Thanks in advance!

Yup, Tums and Gaviscon are fine. You can also take H2 blockers like ranitidine or famotidine.

good luck to your test.

The ten days since I stopped taking the PPI have flown by. Am I putting myself at danger of a false negative by taking anything other than Pepto-Bismol, even though they clearly stated not to do so five days ago?
dordle

Pepto bismol can suppress H. pylori and give false negative result to breath test.
you need to stop pepto bismol for at least 2 weeks before breath/stool test.

It’s best to consult your doctor or healthcare provider about what you can safely take for your acid reflux during this time escape road

Are there any dietary changes or natural remedies that can help alleviate severe acid reflux symptoms while waiting for the stool testdrive mad, without interfering with test results?

lendingpaws wrote: Thu Jul 29, 2021 3:57 am Hi ,
So my doctor has ordered a stool test and I have been instructed to come off all PPIs for a minimum of 2 weeks prior. Is there anything I can take to help with the severe acid reflux I have been experiencing, such as Tums or Gaviscon? Or will Tums or Gaviscon potentially cause a false negative. The acid reflux has been so bad that I have been unable to function the past couple days. I have only been off the PPI I was on for 10 days. I know the said specifically no Pepto-Bismol 5 days prior, but is there anything else I could take that would not put me at risk of a false negative?

Thanks in advance!

Because your symptoms are severe and you’re close to the 2-week mark, it’s best to call your doctor or the lab to confirm exactly what’s allowed for your specific stool test.

Are there any dietary changes or natural remedies that can help alleviate severe acid reflux symptoms while waiting for the stool testdrive mad, without interfering with test results?

you can try H2 blockers, eg: famotidine and ranitidine
These drugs are usually short-acting and if stopped for 12 hrs, will not affect the tests.

lendingpaws wrote: Thu Jul 29, 2021 3:57 am Hi ,
So my doctor has ordered a stool test and I have been instructed to come off all PPIs for a minimum of 2 weeks prior. Is there anything I can take to help with the severe acid reflux I have been experiencing, such as Tums or Gaviscon? Or will Tums or Gaviscon potentially cause a false negative. The acid reflux has been so bad that I have been unable to function the past couple days. I have only been off the PPI I was on for 10 days. I know the said specifically no Pepto-Bismol 5 days prior, but is there anything else I could take that would not put me at risk of a false negative?

Thanks in advance!

Okay, stool tests huh? Who knew something so…unmentionable could be so helpful? Acid reflux is a real drag, I'll tell you. Thinking about it, diagnostics are truly an amazing feat in medicine!