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What Causes Burning Sensation And Abdominal Pain With Muscle Weakness After H-pylori Infection?
Question: I was recently within the last 6 months diagnosed with an h-pylori infection, I took two rounds of treatment, the last which was completed on 11-18-13. On 01-28-14 a stool antigen test was done and it showed no h-pylori, no other pathogenic bacteria, no parasites and no occult blood. So, my question to you as a specialist is about my symptoms.....I am feeling a burning at times and some pain in the abdomen area, I also have some muscle weakness, nervousness, low libido and rosacea at the same time that all this stomach problem flares up . I realize that this bacteria h-pylori was very harsh on my gut. About how many months could it take before I need to see a doctor if things do not get better? I am on a dairy free, gluten free diet at the moment and follow it religiously....is there anything I can take or do to calm down the stomach symptoms?......omeprazole does not work!
Brief Answer:
Further treatment for gastric erosions is required
Detailed Answer:
Hi friend,
Thanks for your query.
H.pylori infection may have been cured, but its deleterious effects- erosion of the inner lining of the stomach, duodenum and possibly intestine- still remain to be treated. Usually, a 10-14 days' course of anti-H.pylori therapy is prescribed, but may be extended to 3 weeks in indolent cases.
Further, long-term H.pylori infection
- alters the gut bacterial flora, whereby which, good bacteria get killed while the bad bacteria flourish;
- also affects absorption adversely, leading to vitamins and minerals deficiency.
Hence, 3-4 months' regular course of the following drugs would be required for complete recovery of the affected intestine:-
* a Proton Pump Inhibitor, such as, Rabeprazole or Lansoprazole
* A Probiotic, such as, Lactobacilli
* Additional supplements of Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) 1500mcg/day and Folic Acid 5mg/day
* Digestive enzymes
Further, your symptoms suggest that
(a) you are passing through chronic mental stress/anxiety with/without depression and,
(b) there is a possibility of underlying/concurrent and undiagnosed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Incidentally, most of your persisting problems are due to either, ongoing anxiety with/without depression, IBS; or, overdose of Synthroid (leading to hyperthyroid state).
Hence, the following measures need urgent execution:-
- Modification of the dose of Klonopin and Melatonin is urgently required to effectively control anxiety/depression. Effective anti-anxiety therapy will attenuate IBS symptoms.
- Re-assessment of Blood thyroid hormone Profile. If the profile suggests hyperthyroid state, reduction of Synthroid dose is required, so as to maintain TSH levels between 1 and 2.
Consult your doctor and apprise him of my opinion. I am certain that he will agree with me, order relevant tests and prescribe suitable treatment as advised, depending on the tests' reports.
Hope I have addressed to your concerns to your complete satisfaction and you find my response helpful and informative. I will be happy to answer further queries, if any.
Fond regards and have a nice day,
Col (Dr.) Rakesh Karanwal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. XXXXXXX Karanwal, my last TSH test was 2 months ago and the TSH was .45....this is from a local endocrinologist Dr., he told me everything was fine with the thyroid levels......not discrediting you at all, but I am confused......do you think that the TSH of.45 needs adjustment?
Brief Answer:
Your TSH level is within normal range.
Detailed Answer:
Let me clarify that- based on the information available- I was only discussing the possible causes of some of your problems ( muscle weakness, nervousness, low libido), keeping your medical history in mind.
As already mentioned, the possible causes of these symptoms are either, hyperthyroid state or, anxiety. I was NOT AWARE of the latest TSH levels.
TSH level of 0.45 is within NORMAL limits, which excludes hyperthyroid state.
Incidentally, the guidelines (regarding management of Hashimoto's) vary from country to country. We, in India, titrate the dose of Synthroid, so as to maintain TSH between 1-2.
In your case, TSH of 0.45 is perfectly OK. You may therefore continue with 150mcg of Synthroid, as advised by your Endocrinologist.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. XXXXXXX Karanwal, one more question, you said to take 5mg of Folic Acid as a supplement, the largest dose pill I can find is 800mcg. If I understand correctly 1000mcg equals 1mg. So I would take 6- 800mcg tablets per day....is this correct?? And Should I take it in divided doses, say 2 tablets, 3 times per day? Please reply....thanks!!
Brief Answer:
Take 6 tabs of 800mcg once a day
Detailed Answer:
To the best of my information, 5mg tablets of Folic Acid are available in your country.
However, if they are available locally, you may take 6 tablets of 800mcg each, ONCE A DAY, preferably empty stomach, instead of taking them in divided doses.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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