H Pylori

[clhsc]

I had to go to the doctor for my follow up from my colonoscopy the day after Christmas. He did more blood test and order an endoscopy for yesterday. They called from the office today to tell me that my test came back positive for H Pylori. Finally... a diagnosis! So, I start the antibiotics tonight. Any crazy side effects I should know about? I don't know exactly what they are giving me yet since I am allergic to amoxicillin. Also, how is this spread? My boyfriend has an undiagnosed ulcer, could it be from him? He is going to the doctor on January 9th, so I have a feeling if it is spread my bodily fluids they will or should test him too.

[dlp252]

I had to go to the doctor for my follow up from my colonoscopy the day after Christmas. He did more blood test and order an endoscopy for yesterday. They called from the office today to tell me that my test came back positive for H Pylori. Finally... a diagnosis! So, I start the antibiotics tonight. Any crazy side effects I should know about? I don't know exactly what they are giving me yet since I am allergic to amoxicillin. Also, how is this spread? My boyfriend has an undiagnosed ulcer, could it be from him? He is going to the doctor on January 9th, so I have a feeling if it is spread my bodily fluids they will or should test him too.

I was just diagnosed with this too. I started the meds last Thursday, so one week to go. They prescribed a PrevPac which contains two Amoxicillin (500 mg), 1 clarithromycin (500 mg) and one Prevacid pill. My doctor said that protocol is about 85% effective so they are also having me take 10 Pepto Bismol tablets a day (apparently the Bismuth in the PB is toxic to H.Pylori)...so with the PB, the treatment becomes about 95% effective.

Side affects so far...the first couple of days I was really dizzy and slightly nauseated, but I'm also recoverying from a sinus infection and ear infection, so that could have contributed. Other than that the only thing I've noticed this week is that I'm EXTREMELY hungry, lol. I just can't get full...the meds MAY have something to do with that. I have a terrible taste in my mouth, at night--like in the middle of the night...I don't notice it any other time, so maybe it's because I haven't eaten or drank anything for several hours by that time...I think it may be the Pepto that's responsible for that though.

I've been reading a bit on the Internet about H.Pylori, and some sites say it is transmitted from person to person, but some don't mention it. It is a bacteria, so it seems to me it is at least plausible that it could be spread that way.

[Guest cassidy]

H Pylori can be spread person to person. I was diagnosed with it and asked my gi doc about testing my husband and he looked at me like I was crazy and said he has never tested a significant other. I did more research and found out that if the other person has a normal digestive system then most likely the bacteria will be killed off by their stomach acid and they won't be affected.

If your boyfriend has an ulcer then he could have given it to you and your celiac compromised digestive system may not have been able to fight it off, so I would definitely have him tested. Treating one of you and having you pass it back and forth isn't a good idea. I wouldn't be surprised if a doctor thinks he is crazy if he asks to be tested because you have it, so he may just want to tell them about the ulcer and ask to be tested.

The antibiotic I took (don't remember which one) gave me a horrible stomach ache the entire time. They said it was die off of the bacteria and I had to deal with it. It also left a metallic taste in my mouth. I honestly didn't feel any better after the antibiotic got rid of it. I later found out I had an amoeba and another bad bacteria. When I got rid of both of them (again horrible antibiotic experience) I felt MUCH better.

Hope you don't have a tough time with the treatment and please don't let the doctor tell you that you are crazy if you want to have your boyfriend tested.

[clhsc]

I have to take a stool sample to be tested for other bacteria and parasites. I have been putting it off because I really don't feel like walking through the hospital with something that is obviously a stool sample during the day (I know too many people there). Luckily the lab is open 24 hours so I hope to make a late night run.

Anyone know what I will take since I am allergic to amoxicillin?

[dlp252]

I have to take a stool sample to be tested for other bacteria and parasites. I have been putting it off because I really don't feel like walking through the hospital with something that is obviously a stool sample during the day (I know too many people there). Luckily the lab is open 24 hours so I hope to make a late night run.

Anyone know what I will take since I am allergic to amoxicillin?

Sorry, don't know what they'll use instead. I was diagnosed from a stool antigen test, which also found a klebsiella infection.

[blueeyedmanda]

I am glad to hear about the diagnosis, finally you have some answers. Good luck on the road to recovery.