Hi everyone,
does anyone have any information about testing for h pylori and potentially other bacterial issues - is there any particular test that is best suited? I've seen about breath tests and stool tests? Also I know that the nhs can perform breath/stool tests but are they comprehensive enough to catch any issues or am I better off private?
Many thanks!
It really depends what kind of gut issues you are dealing with? Pretty sure I had a test for H Pylori during an endoscopy. No idea if there is a different test available for that.
TBH I wouldn't be looking towards the NHS to deal with what they would call 'functional' bacterial issues. Over years I've had a few tests done when things have been dire but turning up at your GP asking to have things explored isn't likely to get you anywhere in my experience.
When I was seeing a nutritionist I had stool analysis done which was useful, parasites were also ruled out then. If you find a good BANT nutritionist they should be able to help.
A sample of poo is required
I was looking at the stool analaysis tests for the wide breadth of coverage so am definitely considering going that route. My issues are bad lpr/acid reflux, constipation and other poop issues, bloating and burping. Been going on for about 4 years since before my diagnosis around the time I had a couple of bouts of oral thrush due to hypothyroid induced neutropenia
Just wondering if you've ever done a low FODMAP elimination diet? Many gut issues can be caused by food intolerances also. Dairy causes me constipation for instance. It's pretty complicated tracking down what's the cause of these things but worth tackling them. A stool analysis won't tell you what you're intolerant to.
I had H.Pylori, was diagnosed by an NHS stool test.
I asked for the test because of ongoing digestion issues. Kept being fobbed off with Gaviscon!
Thanks very much that's helpful to know I'm in the same boat with ongoing digestion issues for 4 years - I am lucky to have a practioner that listens so might request this! 
it is usually treated with the “triple therapy” treatment. Antibiotics and Proton Pump Inhibitor.
I can’t remember exactly what I was prescribed but it worked and no more digestion issues since
Wish I had asked for the test sooner as had several years of digestive problems and plenty of Gaviscon!
Thank you that gives me some hope!
I am suffering with really bad stomach issues at the moment so will be interested to follow your replies. Have doctor calling today. In the meantime I have found silicolgel to help with symptoms.
After several months of gastric problems and acid reflux and trying different ppi's plus Gaviscon, my endoscopy showed H Pylori. I took antibiotics and I have tested negative on a stool test and feel much better. I feel I am lucky that I got tested for this because I had never heard of it before. I understand you can have it for years and it doesn't cause problems for most people until you get older.
Thank you for the reply! I've had my gastric problems for 4 years since my undiagnosed hypothyroidism really deteriorated and always assumed after diagnosis it was my low stomach acid from hypothryodism and would go away on the right dose but now my other symptoms are so much better and my gastric issues are better but nowhere near as improved. I'm having a stool test next week so hopefully I will get some answers! If I may ask were you given the triple therapy with the ppi or just the anitbiotics and how long did you take them for?
1000mg Amoxicillin and 500mg Clarithromycin plus Lansoprazole 30mg x2 daily for one week. Waited one month before doing stool test which takes several days to culture. Felt better within a few weeks. If those antibiotics don’t work you can take others. Hope you feel better soon.
Thank you very much for your help!
You are welcome. I got so much help on here when I was feeling ill. GP not up to much but hospital was great. Good luck.
I had a blood test and an endoscopy biopsy that tested positive for h plyori. Blood test isnt the most accurate I'd say. From my understanding it will test positive for the antibodies even after eradication. I did a breath test after the triple treatment for h plyori. D
Another common gastro issues caused by dysbiosis in hypothyroid patients is SIBO. You can look into it.
Thank you! If I may ask was yours cleared by the triple therapy?
My doc ordered a breath test after treatment and it said negative. Dont want to alarm you but my system went haywire after treatment ended. During treatment I was fine but a day or two later my arms broke out in hives and my stomach was a mess for a very long time due to the antibiotics. I developed food intolerances and struggled with high histamine foods. I lost weight and had crazy diarrhea for 3 weeks.
At first my family doctor suggested mastic gum instead of triple therapy because its gentler on the system but I couldn't tolerate it at the time due to my gastritis. My thyroid levels werent anywhere near optimal and I had untreated sleep apnea so I'm sure it contributed to the reaction that I had.
I'm so sorry you had such a bad time with it! The prospect of the triple therapy does make me uneasy because of the antibiotics wreaking havoc on the microbiome plus the ppi lowering acid which I've had tremendous issues with previously. I was actually considering asking my doctor about trying mastic gum first if I do test positive then if that doesn't eradicate it going for the triple therapy so its good to know some doctors recognise it as a treatment.
Wishing you all the best with the mastic gum. If I recall there is a study out there with the right dosage needed. I'm currently doing round two treatment of antimicrobials for sibo.
Thank you! I will have a look - best wishes to you too!
Which Thytoid test is best?
Issues with Thriva thyroid test 
Symptoms of thyroid issues but tests normal
Best time of day for blood test
DIO2 Genetic Test and other genetic tests
