Newly Diagnosed

[sylviav]

Hi. I am in my late 50's, and I was likewise newly diagnosed in mid-January, after 18 months of IBS and refux symptoms. I could not complete the Nexium HP7 treatment, as I developed an allergy to Klacid. My doctor knew I was allergic to Erthyromycin - which is similar. The doctor wants to repeat anitbiotics, but substituting Flagyl for Klacid. I read in the literature that you can substitute Amoxil for Flagyl (it is more common to be allergic to pennicilin). Is this correct?
Apparently this is the second line of treatment for H. Pylori. I worry about the success rates of treatment, and I am considering diet and homeopathic treatments. Has anyone tried alternative therapies? Sylvia

[Helico_expert]

Hi,

your dr. is right about switching amoxi to metronidazole. it still has a good cure rate of about 80%. should start taking it as soon as possible before the bacteria becomes resistant to clarithromycin.

The good news is, there are many more combinations to try on. the bad news is, all the treatment have side effects and long process. I do hope you can get through the treatment. and it is super important to finish the course of antibiotic to avoid resistance. remember to do a follow up breath test after 3 weeks time.

[Kalarov]

I dont want to rain on anyone's parade but after 3 attempts at eradication, I still have the desease and it does not look as if its going anywhere fast. I do get long periods of calm( several months) however, when the HP appears to be dormant almost , Is this common??

[Kalarov]

sylviav

I know the experts dont like it( altenative help) but broccoli sprouts are supposed to alleviate the symptoms. They are not a cure but taken in the right quantity they quell the symptoms. They can be obtained in tablet form.
Anythings worth a try, I think, when you are desperate

Good luck

[Helico_expert]

the 1st line treatment has a cure rate of 80%. 2nd line has another 80%. Assume you are from developed country where antibiotics are not abused and you had already been treated 3 times, following the correct treatment regimes, and you are still not cured, you are the rare case.

can you share with us what are your 1st, 2nd and 3rd treatment regimes?

in regards about the "brocolli treatment" I am not experienced enough to comment.

[sylviav]

Thanks for your prompt reply to my query. Just to clarify - I am allergic to clarithromycin, not amoxycilin, so the doctor wants to substitute Flagyl for clarithromycin. I already take Lansoprazole for reflux etc. but can take esomeprazole. (I also take BP meds, Crestor and amitriptyline 25mg). While on Nexium Hp7 had headaches, couldn't get to sleep, dizziness, metallic taste, swollen lips, hard to swallow and large hives-like rash on my torso. Still have the rash but it is fading. As I have still not recovered I want to wait another month or so - until next school holidays to try antibiotics again. In the meantime I have modified my diet - gluten free, no alcohol, off dairy, no spicy food. Thanks I will check out brochholi sprouts tabs. They say that Manuka honey is helpful - ofcourse this is anecdotal information - but like all of you, I will give anything a try to imrove symptoms!. Thanks so much for helpful advice. Sylvia

[Helico_expert]

Just a quick response to your post. Esomeprazole and metronidazole will interact with amitriptyline. usually the interaction is not severe, but you should speak to your doctor and monitor yourself closely.

[drgehlhaar]

Helico Expert: Since being treated for h pylori, I stopped taking any acid reducing meds. I was on Panteprozole. The doctor prescribed this to me because I had a burning in the upper stomach. I think the burning was caused by h pylori all along. I feel as though the Panteprozol allowed the h pylori to take over. What do you think of my theory?

[sylviav]

To Helico_expert:
Thanks for information re drug interaction with amitriptyline. I will raise this issue with GP before starting treatment again. Sylvia

[Helico_expert]

Response to drgehlhaar

H. pylori can survive in acidic environment. However, the optimum growing condition is still pH 7. Your stomach is protected from your stomach juice by secreting a thick layer of mucous layer. H. pylori is able to find it's way to the stomach wall under the layer or mucous. There, where no acid can reach, H. pylori can grow happily.

When enough damage is done on the stomach wall, there will be no more mucous produced. Hence, acid is attack the stomach wall. That's why you feel the pain. You know what happened when your hand touches hot water? blister form. That's what happened in stomach and it's known as ulcer. Therefore,
1) As long as H. pylori is present, there will be no mucous to protect the ulcer from acid attack.
2) your ulcer will not heal if the acid keeps attacking.

So, you take acid reducing drug to stop acid attacking the ulcer (or damaged stomach wall). and antibiotic to kill off H. pylori. so your stomach has a chance to heal.