Helicobacter Forums

I have had I think about 10 years of suffering symptoms of halicobacter pylori with either limited, or no success, through multiple antibiotic treatments. The lastest one just a few months ago when I took a combination of Clarithromycin, Metronidazole, and Nexium, despite already knowing that I was Clarithromycin resistant (why we used this still I am unsure). Symptoms remain and actually are worse. My surgeon has suggested either another scope to get cultures to grow (which they were unsuccessful in doing last time) or to see a Dr Paul Georghiou (infectious disease expert) at the Wesley in Brisbane. I'm hoping for some advice moving forward. I have suffered chronic gastritis over the years and thinning of the stomach lining is evident. I often have shown inflammation of the duodenum as well and suffer pain/tenderness under my right rib cage often. I am currently taking 40mg of Nexium daily.

Seeking any advice you may have for a treatment protocol that will eradicate the bacteria.

Priscilla

I agree with you completely; it's definitely best to avoid a clarithromycin-based therapy if you already suspect the H. pylori strain is resistant to it.

It sounds like your doctor's suggestion to perform an endoscopy and culture the bacteria is an excellent strategy, provided it isn't overly burdensome for you. This procedure will allow the lab to precisely determine which antibiotics the bacteria are resistant to, which is invaluable. With that specific information, your doctor can then prescribe the most effective antibiotic combination, significantly boosting your chance of a successful cure.

Another crucial factor for boosting the cure rate is achieving very strong stomach acid suppression during the treatment period. You should discuss this with your doctor and ask about using vonoprazan, which is a highly potent acid blocker. If vonoprazan isn't available, an alternative would be a high dose of rabeprazole (20mg twice daily). The stronger the acid suppression, the better the antibiotics can work.

Hey Helico_admin,
Was not getting option to create a separate post so adding here. Firstly, this forum has lot of helpful info regarding this disease and has helped me clear most of my confusions all thanks to you.

I also have certain clarifications, would appreciate your insights on this.
Im from India, have taken 3 antibiotics course for this.

First 2 courses were of amoxicillin and clarithromycin. After the 2nd treatment i was feeling awesome and was able to most of the things perfectly. But i started smoking and after 20 days of doing so my symptoms came back. Then i again went for endoscopy and hpylori was found. 3rd time i took levofloxcin metronidazole bismuth and a high dose of ppi. This was 2 months ago. I tested negative on UBT and most of my symptoms are gone. I still have burning sensation and nausea here and there.

Questions
1. How can i prevent getting re-infected as i know its very prevalent in my country? Any foods i can include that can kill the incoming bacteria?
2. When are people more vulnerable to catch the infection? Im asking apart from general conditions like sanitisation and close contact. What bodily conditions allow the bacteria to colonize.
3 How common is for the people to suffer from symptoms even after successful eradication?
4. What is your opinion on taking zinc l carnosine for mucosa healing?
5. Do people who smoke are generally more prone to the disease?



Thanks again