H. pylori infection is known to correlate with... - IBS Network

IBS Network

48,835 members16,114 posts

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

Meleber profile image
19 Replies

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.

Written by
Meleber profile image
Meleber
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
19 Replies
Meleber profile image
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 profile image
Meleber in reply toMeleber

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...

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 profile image
Meleber in reply to

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

in reply toMeleber

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 profile image
Meleber in reply to

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?

in reply toMeleber

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 profile image
Meleber in reply to

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

juniepoonie profile image
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 profile image
Meleber in reply tojuniepoonie

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 profile image
Meleber in reply toMeleber

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 profile image
Meleber in reply toMeleber

I've started with antibiotics (rifaximin).

juniepoonie profile image
juniepoonie

I hope it's approved for you

Meleber profile image
Meleber in reply tojuniepoonie

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 profile image
juniepoonie in reply toMeleber

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

Meleber profile image
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 profile image
JCsaver123 in reply toMeleber

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

Meleber profile image
Meleber in reply toJCsaver123

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

Meleber profile image
Meleber in reply toMeleber

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.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

IBS is going to be the end of me

It started 1 year ago. I was 26 and had already suffered for 2 years with an extremely impairing...
Hans7 profile image

Research Topic: Interactions of the Nervous System with Bacteria

https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/9426/interactions-of-the-nervous-system-with-bacteria#ar
Meleber profile image

What is the cause of my stomach pain? I thought it was ibs but it seems to have moved...

*the important part is in the last second paragraph. I wrote the first one more as context for...
CharlieJ20 profile image

Feeling positive. Alflorex v Gut Powered

Hi all, first of all thanks for the suggestions to my first post, I realise that I am actually very...
Letsfixit1 profile image

Private clinic IBS testing and treatment.

So I came across this private clinic called the kaisen clinic that treats all kinds of things like...

Moderation team

IBSNetwork profile image
IBSNetworkPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.