hypothyroidism and stomach ulcers

[ShatteredofLee]

I've just been diagnosed with stomach ulcers. They've sent a prescription through for a heavy dose of Proton pump inhibitors. But I have questions. For example, how do they know its excess stomach acid causing the ulcers? I thought or perhaps read somewhere that when you're hypothyroid (even if euthyroid), it causes reduction in stomach acid. Hence I'm wary of taking them. But is that correct? Should I be wary though? (I don't want to ignore something as serious as stomach ulcers!). Also I don't understand why they dont treat me for H Pylori. Again, Dr Google told me 80% of stomach ulcers are caused by H Pylori. I did ask whether the endocopy had revealed H Pylori, but the reply either indicated they'd not tested, or that they'd tested and it was negative. Obviously I'd much prefer to be cured rather than just have symptoms eased. Is there such as a thing as a wrong negative and would it be worth my while to be treated for h pylori just in case? Any thoughts?

[Hidden]

it’s a thorny subject. Hypothyroidism can cause low stomach acid which can cause stomach problems but is unlikely to cause ulcers.

The latter are caused by the bacterium H Pylori and or excess stomach acid caused by something else

I’ve suffered from multiple stomach ulcers and they are always cleared up by a long course of PPI which reduce stomach acid. Therein lies the proof.

They test for H Pylori so they know whether that’s the cause of the ulcers. pPI are used on a shorter term basis for gastritis or oesophagitis

I use them quite regularly and they don’t affect my thorid levels which remain stable throughout

[ShatteredofLee in reply to Hidden]

thanks for the feedback. It’s reassuring. I just don’t want to do something that’s going to make it worse. I do wish they’d have tried giving me antibiotics though in case it’s h pylori

[Hidden in reply to ShatteredofLee]

They don’t like giving antibiotics unnecessarily - and anyway they know from biopsy whether it’s HP.

Don’t worry!