HPylori

[Judystilldreamsofhorses]

Can anyone please help?

I “saw” a GP for acid reflux at the beginning of this month (main symptoms waking up with burning throat, mucus in throat, coated tongue, cough at night, but also some heartburn and stomach pains) and he suggested I was tested for H Pylori. I was surprised that was positive, but collected a prescription for two antibiotics and omepraole, which I took. I actually felt much better while I was taking the medicine, but after a week or so off it I feel like I am back to square one.

Has anyone had this infection? Did it go away after the therapy? Any ideas what I should do next? I wondered if my DP should be tested for it too - it seems soon for me to have “caught it back” from him if he is positive though?

It is SO hard to get an appointment at my surgery, and I hate being a nuisance while people have urgent needs. I had to wait about six weeks for the appointment I got, and that was a very rushed telephone call. (Not blaming the GP at all, I understand they are under immense pressure.) Is it maybe worth asking for a repeat prescription of Omeprazole? (That’s a recorded line rather than trying to speak to reception.)

Thank you for reading if you did!

@Judystilldreamsofhorses You need to let the GP know you still have symptoms. Occasionally the treatment needs to be repeated and you could ask whether your DP should be treated too. You definitely are not a nuisance.

@PurplePumpkinDream thanks for replying. I read that it can take a while to “heal” even after the treatment? I just don’t want to bother the doctor when they are clearly under so much pressure and there are people who have much more urgent needs. I think I might ring the repeats line but explain I am still having symptoms and maybe a doctor would need to speak to me - then they can decide. It is ridiculous that I am a professional woman in my 40s but feel “scared” about phoning the GP, I know!

I had it 2014) received the triple protocol as you describe, but it didn’t help. Have continued to take lansoprazole (easier on stomach) and GP says they no longer recommend the triple ( 2 AB&PPI) protocol.

Also, do your own research but I went on to develop some heart issues and have found research that links it to acid reflux, so don’t be fobbed off.

If you still have symptoms- you need to contact your GP again!

I had H pylori and was treated 2 yrs ago. They should re-check to see if you still have it-despite treatment, as it sometimes needs 2 courses- especially as you are still symptomatic.

@gulliblestravels that’s interesting, thank you - I was given Amoxycillin and Clarithromycin (sp?) plus the PPI for seven days, but I read it should actually be longer. I took a probiotic along with it and honestly felt “cured” about three days in. Now about ten days later I am no longer cured!

I am usually a pretty assertive person, but for some reason I am always very nervous about bothering the doctor. I would be the person crawling along the road saying no, it’s just a wee bit stiff. I feel completely different about eg the dentist - maybe because I pay there?

@Spikeyplants is it possible I just have the reflux and not the HP? I actually did wonder if I should have a second test to make sure it was gone but the GP didn’t mention that.

Hands up yes I had it and had to go through 3 courses of treatment due to being allergic to penicillin and any derivatives of it. In the end they had to take cultures to submit for antibiotic effectiveness. It was brutal.

OP have you been given a list of no go foods at all? My consultant told me no acid foods whatsoever, basically white wine, melon, tomatoes etc. You need to be very mindful of being kind to your stomach. I was a very advanced case with a chronic ulcer bleeding out, and the pain was unbearable.
Please don't put yourself through the pain, ring the doctor and ask for an urgent referral.
I really feel for you it's awful to be in this type of pain.

@Icepinkeskimo I haven’t seen anyone in person, just a telephone call with a doctor. No mention of diet but I tried to eat as blandly as possible when I was on the medication - chicken, rice, mashed potatoes, porridge, yoghurt etc. Maybe I should have kept that up?

I’m definitely not allergic to penicillin so maybe it did work and is just taking a while to heal up?

Even when I was given the all clear I was told to avoid any high acidic foods, as this could cause a fare up. I did have a chronic ulcer though and it was agony.
I would keep to a basic bland diet without any spices, acid, strong coffee etc. Alcohol is a no no as well.
You really do need a follow up and get back onto your doctor, and push for a referral.

GP says they no longer recommend the triple ( 2 AB&PPI) protocol.

Who are "they"? PPI plus two antibiotics (usually amoxicillin + clarithromycin) is what NICE recommends: bnf.nice.org.uk/treatment-summary/helicobacter-pylori-infection.html

OP, you might need a second course of treatment (different antibiotics). If that doesn't work, you need to see a specialist.

I had a sore throat for around 5 months on and off. Then for a week it was constant and I could taste acid. It was so bad I didn’t want to eat as it made it worse. I got over the counter Omeprazole and Gaviscon Advance. There was little improvement and the PPI gave me a headache. My GP tested me for Hpylori which was positive so I had the triple therapy. After that I remained on a single dose of Lanzoprasole (for me it’s the only one that works). I was referred for a gastroscopy and the Hpylori test was repeated during this procedure. I was advised about diet/lifestyle changes that would help. I was told the throat pain can take a few months to improve fully. When I try to come off the PPI the sore throat returns so for now anyway I will need to continue it.

Hi do another tets. If you had treatment to do the second test u wait 2 months then ask your go that your symptom is still same. I had 2 treatments and my symtom is still same now i get pain more in my chest and lost of appetite h pylori is very string bacteria sometimes 1st or 2nd treatment dont work. Now i will do my 3rd test if still there they siad they will give me anothet treatment. H pylori can cause infection inflamation more acid so please check if your husband/partner or kids have if they do and if yoyrs treated and gone u can catch it again such as puttimg tooth brush in same place or drink from that persons glass. Do u have pain where ur ribs are? Chest pain or burping some days lost of appetite ?

Just noticed this thread had popped back up. I rang the doctor after posting, and have another telephone appointment but the first available one was the end of October. I keep nagging DP to make an appointment in case he has it too but he hasn’t got round to it yet as been away with work a lot (plus appointments are like a rare jewell hidden in a council dump).

Just checking how did you get on with the doctors for the above symptoms?
hope you are doing better now!