My doc wants me to take the H. pylori breath test. When the office called to schedule me they said I'd have to stop taking my PPI for 14 days prior to the test. Now, I don't think there's any way I could stop taking PPI right now for 14 days! I've been having a really bad flare-up.

Has anyone had the breath test and do you really need to be PPI free? Also, if you've stopped the meds for a test, how were your symptoms? Thanks, Skylar

Hi,
I'm sorry that I don't know the answer to your questions. But I did have a blood test. Is the breathe test more accurate or do you know why you need to have it done?

They told me the breath test was more accurate, not sure why. They want to do this test since my GERD/LPR started out of the blue, who know, they could be on a fishing expedition!

I would be in bad shape if I was off my PPIs for a few weeks. Can you ask them to do the test while you're on the PPIs? See if it comes back positive? Then only go off the PPIs if it comes back negative?

My husband had a blood test and he didn't have to stop meds. He even tested negative and they gave him the antibiotics anyway for 30 days. He has been symptom free for 10 years. It can come back though....so if you get the symptoms, get the test again...

Flintrock,

You're husband tested negative but the antibiotics worked for him? Is that why he's symptom free now??

And I think I will ask for the test with meds, cause I can't imagine being off the meds for 14 days-that would be horrible..

Thanks, Skylar