Stomach problems, gas, reflux, H. Pylori?
Question:
Has anyone been diagnosed with h pylori? What symptoms did you have?
Anything else that could be my problem?
Answers:
No, that sounds more like irritable bowel syndrome (don't be put off by the name...it's not just in your lower intestines.)
But the H. pylori test is simple and the antibiotics work like a charm.
I had an ulcerated patch (it wasn't bleeding yet...but it hurt) and I had 7X the normal amount of H. pylori in my blood.
I took the antibiotics (which suck...eat plenty of yogurt or take probiotics after you're done...ugh...) and my acid reflux-y symptoms and ulcer issues were done.
But if ulcer medicines don't work, don't expect elevated H. pylori levels or an ulcer as the culprit.
H. pylori is a naturally occuring bacterium (H is for Helicobacter) that happens to live just fine in the acid environment of your gut. The helico part is that it burrows into your stomach lining like a corkscrew and causes bad irritation. An ulcer is the usual result.
I had a gnawing, aching feeling that was relieved when I ate or took ulcer meds.
Now, ulcers can be different for different people, but I don't know that H. pylori is your problem. It's a simple test and a simple regime to remove it, but you might not have it so easy.
If you have acid reflux (usually "heartburn" symptoms, like, all the time--I have issues with it, too), it's a much more difficult issue.
I have identified most of my trigger foods (everything in the cucumber family--that is, melons, pumpkins, and cucumbers; all the fruits in Solanaceae--tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant, but not potatoes, which are tubers; chocolate, alcohol--ugh; lettuce, peanuts, and tea), and I avoid them. Or at least try not to eat all of them at one sitting.
I also elevated the head of my bed on blocks, I don't wear too-tight clothes, and I don't lie down or bend over right after I eat.
Acid reflux is more about management. But you can take steps to improve it.
like your doctor said it is acid reflux or called girds. the acid in your stomach is not stopped by the flap in your throat.the one that tells the food to go one way and the air to go the other I bet it is worst when you lay down. Nexium helps but in my case I'll need sergery to fix the problem. Catch it early and you won't need it. good luck.
It could also be a gluten intolerance. Esp with the bloating. Do you feel especially bad after eating wheat products, or products containing gluten?
There is a blood test that can check for the antibodies from Celiac Sprue disease. It's not 100% (you can have a false negative) but it's a start. The way to know 100% is with an endoscope.
Could be another food intolerance as well. Stop eating dairy products. Feel better?
Sure sounds like celiac disease. Any GI doc can diagnose you with a blood test (www.csaceliacs.org to look up list of testing) and an endoscopy. Celiac is VERY common and has a wide range of symptoms. I'll post the links so I dont have to bore everyone else with the list!! It does cause all the symtpoms u listed tho.
Good luck and feel free to email me for further help.
These symptoms do match those of H. pylori, and you can actually take a urea breath test instead to see if you have it (that's what I did). H. pylori is extremely common, but then again other illnesses have similar symptoms.
Personally, I think you should get tested. I've had symptoms exactly like yours for several years, and was tested positive for the disease. I'm actually taking antibiotics right now. Try to schedule an appointment soon-my doctor told me there was a slight chance it could get worse and lead to problems like stomach cancer.
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