Knowledge of H.pylori eradication & aftermath

[Raghu]

Dear Dr.Barry,
After reading various bulletein boards and consulting few gastro's , doctors seem to have very less knowledge of this bug and HP eradication aftermath. I request you to throw some light , I believe many who have gone thro HP, its treatment would be greatly relieved.

- Why does it take longer for full recovery ( ~50% of people) after the bug has been confirmed eradicated ? I am not talking of refractory cases

- Are there any diet restrictions after the bug has been eradicated ? If so can you provide a high level list ?

- How long can one feel fully relieved from aftermath ( I understand it depends from person to person) ?

Appreciate your response

Thanks

[luci2010]

I think your questions are of great importance!

I'm myself have gone through HP eradication therapy many times (just finished the last one a couple of days ago), and it usually takes me something between 3 to 5 months until I am fully recovered. During this period, the doctors have no idea what to do with me... I've heard all sort of things, from "PPIs don't work on you" to "you need surgery to tighten up the eosophagos".

How long is this aftermath supposed to last for?
How do you know you are suffering from the aftermath and not something completely unrelated to HP?
Is the aftermath the time it takes for the stomach to heal from the gastritis caused by HP?
What can we do to speed it up? Should we keep on taking PPIs until the symptoms go away completely?

Sorry for so many questions, but after seeing so many doctors and not getting any real answers I'm becoming really frustrated... Sometimes I feel like I know more about HP that my doctor...