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C14 Test Result dpm of 2727

Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 10:48 am
by Patient101
I have just had a high result from my C14 Urea breath test of 2727 dpm. I undertook the test as I was experiencing bloating, nausea and a stitch like feeling near my left (heart) chest area, which I thought was due to having either somac or celebrex, which I use to manage my Ankylosing Spondylitis (which I have had misdiagnosed for 20+ years until I had iritis and was positive for HLA-B27 in October 2012).

I am 49, male, have a good diet, don't smoke or drink and no family history of stomach cancer. I have been taking Celebrex since October 2012 (not prolonged uses) for managing Ankylosing Spondylitis but have taken aspirin over the years to manage my inflammatory pain (on average 600mg three times a week) as it was the only thing that worked.

What does this result mean? I have read that this level can lead to gastric cancer and what are my risks of it being cancer?

My doctor has prescribed the Nexium Hp7 Combination 7 day pack. Is this sufficient for now or should I be seeking alternative/adjunct investigation or treatments (eg endoscopy)?

Thanking you.

Re: C14 Test Result dpm of 2727

Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 4:55 pm
by Helico_expert
The result simply means you are infected with H. pylori. Although the infection is associated with cancer, the chance is very very low. So there is no need to worry about it.

Because you are taking aspirin, there is a chance of developing stomach ulcer. So, it is better you get rid of your H. pylori in case of ulcer complication.

Nexium HP7 is the standard therapy and it is sufficient for now. You may experience some side effects. But remember to complete the treatment to avoid resistance.

Helicobacter resurfaces in less than 3 months

Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2013 2:13 pm
by Patient101
According to the breath test (in August/September 2013) I thought I had cured my helicobacter with Nexium HP7.

I recently re-experienced helicobacter symptoms and pain in my stomach from what I think are NSAIDs/Aspirin caused stomach ulcers.

However, this week I was re-diagnosed positive (rating of 3 previously 7) with the antibody blood test.

I am now wondering does this mean:

1. My infection in the past is now cleared or
2. I was re-infected (how? and do I need to get the whole family tested?)
3. Because I have been taking mostly NSAIDs with some aspirin I have created a breeding ground for helicobacter?

Re: C14 Test Result dpm of 2727

Posted: Fri Dec 20, 2013 2:23 pm
by Helico_expert
hmmm... curious why your doctor did a blood test in such short period to test for H. pylori. Once you are infected with H. pylori, your blood will always be positive for antibody. Some people even have +ve antibody 3 yrs after eradication. So blood test is never a good test for checking re-infection or treatment outcome for H. pylori.

I would suggest you to go back to your doctor and ask for a breath test. It is a very simple test and non-invasive. You'll get your result in a week (or less).

in regards to NSAID, you are right. They do cause ulcers. But the ulcers will go away after stopping NSAIDs. Try speak to your doctor if there is other alternative of NSAID that will not give your stomach problem.

Re: C14 Test Result dpm of 2727

Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2014 6:49 pm
by Patient101
Thanks. Urea Breath Test and endoscopy biopsy negative. But endoscopy revealed "gastric antral mucosa shows mild chronic non-specific inflammation with very focal acute inflammation".

A few questions arising:

1. Is it possible that I had helicobacter (given my dpm 2727 score) for many years and this caused the ulcers, which were then aggravated by the NSAIDs? I am assuming the 1 week antibiotic treatment eradicated helicobacter but doesn't heal the ulcers?

2. I have been recommended to take Nexium 40mg for 4+ months to allow the ulcers to heal - is that how it works or are there other strategies eg probiotics etc? Also how long does Nexium need to be in your system before it can protect against stomach acids or NSAIDs etc?

2. I have AS and need NSAIDs as I can't take TFN biologics because I have latent TB. I have just changed from Celebrex as it adversely impacted my stomach (tested it for just 2 days after a week of being on Nexium) to Feldene-D (just began tonight so jury still out). During my antibiotic treatment for helicobacter my AS symptoms receded immensely - I keep wondering if what I need is more antibiotics given I still have ulcers and maybe I then won't need Nexium or NSAIDs - am I crazy?

Re: C14 Test Result dpm of 2727

Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2014 10:07 pm
by Helico_expert
It's hard to tell if it is the H. pylori or the NSAIDs that give you the ulcer. Many people were infected by H. pylori without ulcer and many of the ulcer patients carry H. pylori.

In brief, NSAIDs inhibit mucous secretion in the stomach and so acid will digest your own stomach, giving you ulcer.

long term PPI (such as Nexium) is required for ulcer healing. If you need long term NSAIDs, you probably need long term Nexium to protect your stomach from acid. You may need to avoid alcohol to reduce unwanted stress to your stomach that has no mucous protection. Lastly, avoid any other herbs or medication that may interact with NSAIDs and Nexium.