My dad is 72 and has been suffering with persistent diarrhea ever since he was prescribed long term steriods along with PPI Omeprazole. I suspect that the Omeprazole resulted in low stomach acid which he still suffers from today (did baking soda home test, took 6mins 40 for him to burp!).
He has been having ongoing daily diarrhea for over 2 years and has had subsequent vitamin deficiencies B9 & B12(not suprising). GP not looking at the whole picture and doesn't seem to see the link. I suspect it could be SIBO. He also hypothyroidism which is a risk factor for SIBO. I also know (from the super helpful people on this forum) about the link between being undertreated for hypothyroidism and low stomach acid. It is likely that he has been undertreated for some years.
Sent him to private Gastroenterologist who is sending him for a endoscopy and colonoscopy at end of August. However, in the meantime, his GP has done a stool sample and just today it has come back positive for H. pylori. They have prescribed him 2 different antibiotics to take for 1 week + Omeprazole!!
Please help. The GP just doesn't seem clued up on this. Considering contacting private Gastro before he starts taking any antibiotics. Has anyone got any thoughts/experience/guidance?
Thanks
Clare
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Needleandthread44
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I went through this in my early twenties clueless that I had hypothyroidism (it took another 15 years) . I was put on the dreaded antibiotic regimen not just once but twice, lived on Zantac and lansoprazole (which worked better for me than omeprazole)
Worse, I was blood tested for H-pylori, which only shows you may have had the infection once and it's gone, or you may have it but it's doing nothing really, does not mean that H-pylori is the problem and I was not stool tested until later, at which point I had been on the tough antibiotic regimen probably unnecessarily, as it was probably the low stomach acid and the autoimmune antibodies that were causing the problem.
After taking all those antibiotics the reflux did not stop. Still have it occasionally. I've since read that the TPO antibodies can cause stomach problems in themselves. And the relationship between reflux, chronic diarrhea, hernia acquisition and H-pylori infection isn't as direct and straightforward as they make it seem, with many people walking around with H-pylori in their systems perfectly fine, I think there is even some rudimentary findings that H-pylori may have protective effects for e.g.:
Overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria and colinisation of the colon because of poor gut motility, and low acid are more likely to be the culprit in my opinion. I agree SIBO and your dad may benefit from the FODMAP diet, which eliminates the carbs bad bacteria in the lower gut like to feed on. The bacteria give off gas, which exerts pressure on the diaphragm and in turn the oesophageal splincter.
Taking asthma medication (inhalers) also can cause Gerd as it relaxes the oesophageal splincter causing it to become stretchy and less efficient at keeping acid from travelling back up the oesophagus.
Sadly, I have never found gastroenterology to know a single thing about any of this and been treated quite poorly on the unfortunate occasions I've had to have investigations in the past. As regards Hashimotos and it's effect on the gut they knew nothing. Perhaps they know more now... it's been a good 10 years since my last visit!
Hi, I’m sorry to hear about your father. It’s really miserable to suffer like that. I’ve experienced similar problems.
The Fodmap diet is a good one to try. Also avoiding dairy products especially yoghurt was important for me. Even the coconut yoghurts gave my diarrhoea. Many articles online say yoghurt & kefir are useful against SIBO & H pylori but everybody’s different & they were awful for me.
Probiotics can be helpful. There is one that is particularly good against diarrhoea. Saccharomyces boulardii. Take care though as my supplement contains biotin so would affect thyroid blood tests if not stopped for a week before.
Prebiotics are generally not helpful to me as they tend to be Fodmap & can cause stomach problems themselves.
Manuka honey has greatly helped me especially with acid reflux. Stopped it altogether. I have a teaspoon in a Pukka tea several times a day but particularly before bed. You can just take it from a spoon though. It is known to be also effective against H pylori. There is medical research that shows this.
There are many strengths I suggest building up slowly to a really strong one. Holland and Barrett sell many and often have deals and reductions. It’s worth signing up to collect points too.
I have also found that Innocent hazelnut milk helps me & slows down my digestion. Not other nut milks though.
I would be wary of using acidic remedies like vinegar or lemon juice as H pylori can raise stomach acid causing ulcers. Maybe wait until after investigations are completed.
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