H. pylori infection is known to correlate with the incidence of IBS. Anti-H. pylori treatment can effectively improve the clinical remission

[Meleber]

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Today I'm going to ask my gastroenterologist for an anti-H. pylori treatment. Hopefully he agrees. I know I have this bacteria in my system (probably since my childhood) because I had a serum test in October last year, I did order it myself (commercial laboratory in The Netherlands). Could explain all the different system wide symptoms I suffer from (neurological, dermatological, nerves, muscles, gastroenteric, vascular, mouth, tooth, other organs etc.) as a result of the longstanding infection with this bacteria.

[Meleber]

Have spoken with my gastroenterologist. He prescribed Rifaximin for my symptoms. Will start with a 4 week course. If symptom reoccur I can start a new course. It's possible that I need to take it for the rest of my life with some months between the antibiotic courses. He doesn't think based on my symptoms and his experience that it is H.Pylori but nevertheless he agreed a stool test for h. pylori.

[Meleber in reply to Meleber]

By the way the result of the test for the colon transit time is okay. Colon was clean. I was allowed to continue to use a laxative (cascara sagrada ) when I took the capsules for the test. The gastroenterologist thinks I'm a special case 🙂 because I had a clean colon but still have symptoms (gas / bloating / brain fog, etc.). That's why he has the idea there's a dysbiosis of bacteria in my intestines and therefore prescribed Rifaximin. No idea yet what's the cause.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[Hidden]

Nasty bacteria! I had this with all sorts of ibs symptoms. Spasmodic guts and anxiety, gas and wind. Felt like I had to squeeze out pockets of air in my colon etc. Treatment was successful but the affects can linger for six months or more tricking you into thinking you still have it. A very clever bug. Does cause permanent ibs going forward in many cases

[Meleber in reply to Hidden]

Are you still suffering from IBS symptoms after the successful eradication of h. pylori?

[Hidden in reply to Meleber]

Yes. My treatment was September last year. It’s very better but ibs caused by post infection ibs I take probiotics and peppermint caps

[Meleber in reply to Hidden]

What kind of probiotic strains / brand do you use and do they help you? What are the main symptoms you still have after the eradication of h. pylori?

[Hidden in reply to Meleber]

I just use a Holland and Barrett ones but Just for tummies is good site to join. Linda is helpful.

I’m mainly getting mild ibs and sometimes mild discomfort in the area below the belly button but above the waist

[Meleber in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. I'll also take a look at the website.

[juniepoonie]

Hi l had h pylori probably 10 yrs ago was treated successfully but ibs symptoms still did 3 courses of rifaximin worked short term but still symptoms was tested for h pylori agsin an it was clear. I take probiotic daily an use low fod map diet it helps but still have problems would love to know how you get on

[Meleber in reply to juniepoonie]

Hi, I'll try to keep you updated through posts on this forum. I haven't started yet with rifaximin because I need to have an authorisation first from my health insurance so the costs will be refunded partiality. As Hidden wrote it could be post-infectious IBS where I suffer from. A stool test should prove if I am infected by Pylori or not. I still think I have it but my gastroenterologist doesn't think so. We'll know next week.

[Meleber in reply to Meleber]

Result of stool test was negative, so no active h. pylori infection I've been told. Still waiting for approval so I can start with a course of Rifaximin antibiotics. Lately more constipated, it goes on and off. Have also increased the dose of iron supplement and it feels that I have some more energy.

[Meleber in reply to Meleber]

I've started with antibiotics (rifaximin).

[juniepoonie]

I hope it's approved for you

[Meleber in reply to juniepoonie]

Just read that it is approved! Only need a minor modification in the approval because it's for 14 days and the prescription from the gastroenterologist is for 30 days.

[juniepoonie in reply to Meleber]

That's great news lve only ever taken it for 14day at a time good luck

[Meleber]

I hope so too. Just found out that it's much more expensive than I thought. A 30 day course of 2 capsules a day costs 345 EUR in the Netherlands. If approved I have to pay approx 70 EUR per month myself and that is doable. But if I need to take a course every three months, 4 weeks antibiotics and than 10 weeks without and if Rifaximin proves to be effective it would mean I have to pay 100 EUR monthly if there's no reimbursement at all. If it means I can have a life again I gladly will pay for the medication.

[JCsaver123 in reply to Meleber]

Just a quick question, do you tolerate milk and milk products well?

[Meleber in reply to JCsaver123]

No, I don't. But luckily for me there are some lactose free alternatives, milk and cheese.

[Meleber in reply to Meleber]

I just learned that I will receive a 85 percent refund for the course of antibiotics. I've started taking the tablets on Saturday the 15th of May.