H. Pylori???

I went in for my final decision visit today and the nurse went over my tests and labs that I had done a month ago and asked if I was given my Rx for the H. pylori that they found.  I said no that no one even called to tell me or give me a Rx.  I was soo mad because come to find out that I have to take 2 weeks of 3 different kinds of meds (which is fine with me) but that the insurance might deny me bc I have the bacteria!  Ugh.  Why couldnt they have called me and it could be out of my system by now!  Anyways I was just wondering if anybody else has had this and can give me some more info on this infection.  And also pray that the insurance will see that I am taking care of the infection by taking meds and they approve me.  I should be getting a call from a nurse in 1-2 weeks with a date as they wait for the insurance approval or denial.  I have to stay positive.  I will keep everybody updated.  Thanks! Amanda

H.Pylori is a bacterial infection that can cause peptic ulcers.  The reason they check is that they don't want you to develop ulcers after surgery.  The treatment, as you know, is 2 weeks of multiple meds because it's hard to get rid of.  Cats carry it and their feces is one way of getting it, but there are other ways (which are escaping me at the moment).  That's why they tell pregnant women to not scoop a cats litter box. In any event, there's not much you can do about it if you have it, other than take the meds.  In the grand scheme of things, this should just delay you a couple of weeks, but I know it feels like another hurdle.  I can't imagine your insurance company turning you down based on the infection but if they do, you'll have to retest and submit the clean result for a re-evaluation.  It's unfortunate that the doctor's office failed to notify you, but they make mistakes just like all of us. Take care and keep up the fight. Ellen

Thanks Ellen.  Do you have any idea if its contagious?  Who knows how I got it bc I do not have any cats.  Oh well.  I will take the meds faithfully.  Thanks Again

General wisdom is that it's transmitted via fecal-oral transmission.  So the most common route would be fecal matter in drinking water or someone not washing their hands after bowel movements. You're not highly contagious, just wash your hands well, particularly prior to food preparation, which I'm sure you already do. Take care. Ellen

OMG that is so disgusting!!  Im so good about washing my hands all the time after the bathroom or hand sanitizer especially after I change my daughters diaper too.  Huh I feel embarrased now.  Thanks for the info.

No need to feel embarrassed.  It wouldn't be your lack of hygiene, it would be someone who prepared food for you somewhere, or some in your drinking water.  You're doing well and being conscientious about your health, I'm sure you'll do great with your surgery too. Take care. Ellen

Hi Amanda,

As Ellen said this an infection that can be taken care of. While your insurance may want you to be clear of the infection prior to surgery, I can't imagine that they would deny surgery once the infection has been cleared up.

Hang in there ... and don't be embarrased.

Take care,

Barb

Thanks Barb Well lets hope that it won't effect it the surgery approval.  Now all I have to do is wait!!  Ugh more waiting.  I have never been this impatient  until I started this process!!  But oh well.  I cant wait till the nurse calls with a date!! Amanda

Unfortunately, I had to delete this post due to privacy concerns.

Thanks Shelli for that article. It was helpful.  I was wondering if my husband and my 18 month old daughter should get tested?  I really didnt see if it is contagious or not?  The article said that the most common route of HP infection is either oral-to-oral (stomach contents are transmitted from mouth to mouth) or fecal-to-oral (from stool to mouth) contact.  But really didnt touch the topic of being contagious.  What do you think?  Thanks Again  Amanda