Helicobacter Pylori Infection -how long should it take for Helicobacter Pylori Recovery?
Question posted by sms08h on 15 May 2012
Last updated on 1 October 2023
I was diagnosed in April and treated with amoxicillin, clarithromycin and omeprazole for 7 days. 2 weeks after the treatment was over I had a stool antigen test to confirm eradication. It came back negative. It has been over a month since the treatment ended and everyone says I should be feeling better soon. But no such luck. I am still having problems. I do not have diarrhea anymore (like I did while I was infected). But my stomach still feels bloated all the time, I never get very hungry, and occasionally the upper part of my abdomen hurts and burns occasionally. I also get this feeling of pressure building up in my throat a lot, especially if i try to exercise and after i eat. I think its gastritis from the ordeal. I have an endoscopy scheduled on the 22nd. I have been taking probiotics during and ever since treatment ended. i eat lots of fresh fruit like bananas, apples, blueberries, and strawberries. Also i have not been eating spicy, acidic, or any foods that would cause me problems. and lately i feel like my discomfort and current condition is getting worse...
But my question is, is all of this normal? has anyone else experienced this? is it really a matter of months before I get 100% again? will i ever be 100% again? this is so awful, I want it all to stop so badly. all of this has taken so much out of me and i never feel good anymore. today i bought L-glutamine, mastic gum, DGL, aloe vera juice, and digestive enzymes to try and help my stomach heal. My doctor has also told me to take 20mg of prilosec before bed each night for the next 3 months, then to move down to zantac for another month. Thank you
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
65 Answers Page 2
TB
Tb1234
21 May 2017
Ive been fighting h pylori for almost 2months now. Its horrible i cant put i nto words how my body feels. I have no clue when or how i got this. Its the worst feeling ever. I just finshed the tripple treatment and i still feel awful. Is there a cure has anyone gotten better how long does it take someone please help
Votes: +1
BI
Bibi-Nakori
1 June 2017
Hope you are feeling better by now. The residual effects can last quite a while. I too thought I was losing my mind!!! I was always nervous to eat anything. With each passing week you will feel better. Best of luck.
KA
Kamt123
26 March 2017
Hi All,
I have been recently diagonised with Hpyroli and I am on 2nd day of antibiotics.I am feeling worse on the second day.I feel like I am lost and all of my happiness is gone and I doubt if I could have my happy life again.Its been more than a month I am suffering from this symptoms.Suffering from anxiety for past one month without proper sleep and avoiding friends and less interaction with family members.please share your success stories on eradicating this bug completely.
Votes: +0
BE
Belgrade
20 April 2017
Do not get discouraged if first line antibiotics do not work, it is quite common, just be determined to get rid of the bug either with conventional therapy (antibiotics/which I recommend) or an alernative treatment (fito). In my case it took me a year and a half- since I wasted time with fito. First line antibiotics did not work, then I started fito without significant dffdct and eventually decided to be back to antibiotics (second line) which worked. Three months post eradication I am 80% better still having some symptoms (burping, gas, reflux). It is a very strange infection with numerous systemic symptoms- I have had almost all of them... but with eradication it gets better, just be patient and stay positive. The worst thing is that GI do not tell us it is not an infection that is simply treated after a course of antibiotics, not being informed creates fear and wirsening of symptoms ... informed patients know what to expect, they are positive and as such more responsive to any treatment. All the best!
AD
adriananz
26 April 2017
Hi Belgrade Thank you for your comment , I am after 3 month after eradication , I am still having burps ,gas ,I had some bad pains between shoulderblades many times daily they stopped few days ago. I am also feeling again bloated under my left rib on and off . Are you feeling bloated too ? Hope I am on the right way !
BI
Bibi-Nakori
27 April 2017
Hello, I too finished my 2 week antibiotics (clarithromycin and flagyl) six days ago. I'm currently still on the omeprazole and probiotic. I'm so discouraged and depressed. Still having burning in epigastric region of stomach area and burning throughout my intestines. For the last 3 days I hv changed my diet by eliminating fast food, greasy or processed. It's a challenge since my appetite has decreased. I'm so worried that I may never feel good again
BI
Bibi-Nakori
27 April 2017
Have you gotten better? I just finished my antibiotics 6 days ago & feeling as you were anxious, depressed and withdrawn. I'm still having weird burning abdominal pains and epigadtric pain. Just longing to feel "normal" again and praying it happens soon. So grateful to find this website because my friends hv never had this and don't understand. I have been crying so much. Dr stated I will feel bad for a bit. What's a bit???
BE
Belgrade
28 April 2017
Hi All, Do not worry, believe me it will be better with every week. I was feeling messy until recently, still have from time to time burping, gas, back pan and bloating (lot of gas/I think I also developed IBS) but all is nothing when compared to active infection when I had all these constantly+nausea+ anxiety. I am on probiotics and will continue probably all the time. I stated feeling better once I settled my mind with the fact that I am HP negative ... Just ignore remaining symptoms and stay positive. Post HP developed IBS could be the reason of our bloating. Literature says that symptoms of dyspepsia might stay quite long after HP eradication. In addition, please note I am a physician, thus I went into details about every single symptom I had... Cheers!
BI
Bibi-Nakori
28 April 2017
Thank you so much Belgrade for your comments and for sharing your experience. Oh and a bonus for us to have contact with a physician. Thanks so much
BE
Belgrade
28 April 2017
Such websites saved my mind (this one, topix, etc). I could not believe HP might cause such a mess (before that I had never had any GI problem). Even my colleague GI specialist did not explain me what to expect... I am very much dissapointed with the lack of knowledge, and even more-lack of communication with patient. Patients accept their words like sponge but there are usually no words coming... one has to experience this infection in order to understand the sufferers. I am going through the path of all of us almost 2 years now... just be patient, focus your mind on normal life and it will get better and better. And keep in mind, there are lot of us going through the same. All the best to everyone!
GR
Green13
1 June 2017
About two weeks ago I was diagnosed with HPyroli, I was prescribed antibiotics but stomach still feels as if something is eating my stomach plus I feels as if it's something on my lower left side, I go for a Ct scan so we can find out what going on
KA
Kamt123
4 July 2017
I have finished my antibiotics dose and symptoms have totally gone,need to retake the test again to confirm if the bacteria is gone completely.
I had aloevera juice,probiotics, manuka honey during infection that kept me better.I would suggest to take aloevera juice and probiotics.
ON
onelove103110
29 Aug 2017
I felt the same.. And still.. I finished my treatment 2 days ago. And i seriously feel different it all depends wat you eat. I seriously still think im dieng for the pain its sometimes comes back but not as hard as it useto. I have endoscopy and colonoscopy the 11 and 12th of september and im hoping for the better.
2 weeks ago I finished d my H pylori antibiotics. I feel worse now. I had no symptoms really before Any tips?
Votes: +0
KW
Kw1966
19 Feb 2017
For all infected with h bylori; if you do not recover within two weeks after treatment you should visit doctor to check your middle ear.
I was struggling to recover from h bylori for the last two months at the end I have found that I have middle ear enfection, I have returned to myself just after three days of getting ear infection treatment.
Votes: +0
LO
Loopy lou
22 Feb 2017
Hi KW1966 What treatment were you given for your ear infection? Thank you
QS
qsilver
25 Dec 2016
I was diagnosed with H. Pylori in September. Like you, antibiotics for about twenty days then they gave me a "breath test" (kind of new I guess) and I too tested negative. My symptoms did not improve and many were the same as you describe. I had a feeling that something more was going on. On my own, I scheduled an appointment with the Mayo Clinic in AZ. couldn't get in until mid December, but it was worth it. They have been great. They have fast-tracked tests, etc. and the doctors usually call the same day as the test with results. For me, they are now thinking something with my pancreas and hopefully will find something conclusive (good or bad) soon. I have been living with this for six months and it is getting old. My advice to anyone with abdominal pain that isn't getting better: Be proactive! Keep on the doctors until they can give you a definitive diagnosis.
If you have to, change doctors, there are many good ones out there who have empathy for patients in this kind of pain from abdominal issues. Through a lot of online reading and from those like you who share their problems... I have learned a lot. Since my issue started I have had: Two CT scans; Complete upper GI; MRCP scan; Endoscopy; Colonoscopy; Numerous blood work tests and the H. Pylori test. I have an Endoscopic ultra sound next week and I think the results may finally give me some answers . From what I have learned, several abdominal issues can be very serious and progress rapidly. Again, I urge you and others to keep pushing forward until YOU are satisfied with what the experts are telling you. I wish you the best of luck and hope for the best for you. Ron
Votes: +1
JE
Jenntherunner
15 April 2017
Hi there, I was just wondering how you made out and if you found the cause of your problems. Thanks so much.
RE
REALdel
24 Dec 2016
its about to be 2017! how do you feel now?
Votes: +0
VI
VincciW
20 Oct 2016
It's been a week since coming off the medication and I'm starting to feel a lot better, I'd say 50% out of 100%.
I had to stop the treatment at day 5 of 7 because the side effects got too much, and I thought I'd end up in hospital.
So I'm trying to use diet and natural remedies to make myself feel better.
Sticking to a bland diet is really important after coming off the treatment... because I suffered heartburn, acid reflux, severe nausea after eating something little for the past week. But I had to force myself to eat something as the treatment left me looking like a sack of bones (due to nausea and lack of appetite).
1. drink Aloe Vera juice after every meal to aid digestion (IT SERIOUSLY HELPS ME SO MUCH, your stomach and guts feel so much more clearer and you feel less bloated) 2. Try Manuka honey in bread or tea or water (I read from the internet that Manuka honey is good for treating h.pylori and stomach ulcers, so I bought a jar of 15+ TA honey and it tastes amazing, as long as my stomach digests it fine, I recommend it) 3. Broccoli is great, try steaming it 4. OBVIOUSLY try to avoid fatty food, quit smoking and drinking. Don't wanna hurt yourself even more. Go for more Fruits and vegetables (but avoid sour stuff), I am fine with grapes and bananas. Meat-wise, go for something without fat like chicken, fish... (because the fat will stay in your stomach a LOT longer and makes you feel full) 5. Eat less meals, but more frequently do try and gain the weight back. 6. I have been given cyclizine tablets from my GP to stop me from throwing up if I have nausea, so taking these tablets really help me when I'm travelling to uni/work, and they help me get out the house in general... Since I was in bed all through the triple therapy treatment.
Votes: +0
DE
Debaby
20 Oct 2016
Waiting to see
Votes: +0
VI
VincciW
20 Oct 2016
Good luck, keep us informed!
US
usslam
20 Oct 2016
hello honey with Pomegranate peel grinded best treatment for Helicobacter Pylori holy quran say: {And your Lord inspired to the bee, "Take for yourself among the mountains, houses, and among the trees and [in] that which they construct.Then eat from all the fruits and follow the ways of your Lord laid down [for you]." There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colors, in which there is healing for people. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who give thought.]
Votes: +0
DE
Debaby
16 Oct 2016
Hey don't feel alone I was diagnosis with h pylori and I just started getting treat almost a week now and it's been hard for me to find the right thing to eat only the olny thing is working for me and that makes me feels better is fiber... fruits Apples grapes and vegetables broccoli such as low acid vegetables just really hard for such a big change in dieting hope I feel better in 2 weeks I will give a update also remember to give yourself 7 days after taking ur antibiotics for sex, alcohol, and stick to a deceit Diet if not it's gonna feel terrible again
Votes: +0
TA
Taughn67
28 Sep 2016
I'm in the same boat as you. They put me on the same antibiotics but for two weeks, just had a retest buy results will be a couple days. Still feel bloated and gassy and simply all around horrible. Hoping it gets better soon myself.
Votes: +1
VI
VincciW
7 Oct 2016
Hiya! I'm on day 3 of the treatment and I'm also experiencing bloating, stomach pains and a lot of gas!!! I'm hoping the symptoms will wear away soon... And I hope we feel 100% better right after the treatment, Good luck xxx
JF
jfizer11
24 May 2016
your post is old but I want to respond anyway to benefit anybody else with the problem.
you do not need antibiotics for h pylori my mother had a great doctor who informed her bismuth or Pepto Bismol cures H pylori. She bought store brand bismuth, used it, her ulcer and H. Pylori gone!
Votes: +0
ST
StressedMel
2 June 2016
I know this is a long shot..hope to get an answer.. I have been through such am ordeal with this infection. From a stabbing pain going up to my esophagus to anxiety/panic attacks. I took triple therapy pylera pack.. 140 pills, 10 days.. now, I'm so lost. Stomach pain has drastically faded, but now I'm left with bloating in chest after eating and "anxiety" according to my PCP. So, my question is, if this hpylori happens to come back, they want to have my entire family tested.. there is NO WAY, that I will put my children through this. Does pepto bismol really work? If so how long did it take to eradicate?
DR
Dr McDougall Fan
7 Oct 2018
I'm sorry you didn't receive a reply. How did it go? My GP said it just lives in people (can be asymptomatic). It seems people who are asymptomatic aren't treated unless you specifically request it. The problem is your own system, but science still needs more info on why some get infected and not others. I had previous dairy intolerance, plus upset stomach from abroad, so this must have weakened my system. Plant-based now and hoping the antibiotics are effective. I'm encouraged by the Pepto Bismol info too. Worth trying. Many thanks for that.
CA
Caramiagomez
14 May 2016
I forgot to mention the applying heat pad on your back or abdomen works for the pain
Votes: +0
QS
qsilver
28 Oct 2016
Amen! The heating pad has been the difference between sleeping at night or not.
MI
Mic81
3 May 2016
I feel your pain. I was experiencing problems with acid reflux disease since last year October but I was only diagnosed in January 2016 as a result of having a full blood work up done. I treated with the same antibiotics and PPI as you mine were 400mg and 500mg respectively, plus the PPI was 30mg. Ive completely changed my diet. No salt or spices in anything I eat, everything is bland. No fast foods, snacks, sweets, sodas, tea, coffee or alcohol. I drink mostly or only bottled water and Mauby, coconut water when ever I can get some. I have good days then there are the bad days. My GP also diagnosed me as exhibiting signs and stress, depression and anxiety as a result of the whole ordeal, so he prescribed Xanax and paxil to take when I feel anxious, I've had five ECG's and full blood work done including cardiac enzymes and cholesterol check, my cholesterol is high so I have meds for that as well.
Acid reflux disease caused me all this grief I'm going through now. To this date I still get funny feelings in my stomach, chest pains and bloating and I'm wondering when I'll get back to normal, as I said I have good days and bad days but I'd just like all this to go away so I can feel like me again.
Votes: +0
CH
Cherelle69
2 May 2016
I know how you are feeling I was diagnosed since last year I have been on amoxicillin, clarithromycin,levaquin a Nd omeprazole and still have the same problem but the problem is that I can't t AKE anything with penicillin and I feel so bad but my gastrointestinal Dr said that only one treatment is left but my insurance company want Pay because I t's a combination treatment
