Finished my therapy 25 days ago still in pain

[ivan_m]

Hello, I'm from Bulgaria so please excuse my English.
I'm posting because I'm getting a little desperate. After month with pain in my lower ribs (or upper abdomen) and throat along with repulsive halitosis I went to gastroenterologist. He asked me a few quick questions and sent me for H pylori test which came positive. I took the following treatment - PPI, tetracycline, flagyl and De-nol for 10 days. After the 11th day I felt great! No pain, my breath was great and everyone noted it. However just after two weeks the pain appeared again. The bad breath is still gone but I'm really worried now. Is this "normal". Also after the treatment my stool is someday ok and the other day washy.
I'm still waiting for Monday to come so I can test if the bug is eradicated. No one around me know how I feel and I really need some comfort from professionals and people that went through this. The anxiety and the gnawing pain is really debilitating.

[Helico_expert]

the drug you took was pretty strong. I do hope your H. pylori is eradicated. If you cleared your test (no more H. pylori), then you'll just have to wait for your stomach to recover. The recovery can take some time. Also, anxiety may sometimes give H. pylori symptoms. So, if your doctor checked everything, eg. no ulcer, no polyps, no metaplasia, no H. pylori, then at least you know you are not in any severe gastric disease. Try to stay positive.

[ivan_m]

Thanks, Helico_expert! Your reply gives me some piece of mind. I haven't had severe pain prior to the treatment, nor afterwards so the doc advised me to take stool test. For my assurance I took a blood test in a different lab - both were positive. I now have to wait just another 5 days. I hope the bug is eradicated and this nightmare is over. I don't want to take another round of antibiotics. I'll keep you updated.

[Helico_expert]

you are doing great. Just want to let you know that you cannot use blood test to confirm the eradication. because once you are expose to H. pylori, your immune system will have memory of the pathogen and so your blood test will stay positive for at least 3 months to 1 year.

So, to confirm H. pylori, the simple method is either breath or stool test.

[ivan_m]

Got my result today! Stool test came negative!!! Also, I think my abdomen is feeling better now.
Thanks for the support, I really appreciate it! These forums are really helpful. I have read almost every topic while was on treatment. Keep up the good work helping people who struggle with this!

[Helico_expert]

Your negative result brighten my day. I hope you still come back to encourage other members.

lastly, please maintain the positive thoughts.

[ivan_m]

Sure thing!
Thanks again!