H Pylori and Thyroid Problems

by Linda
(Roseville)

I have developed a Thyroid problem recently (I am 59), or at least it appears it is recent, maybe it's been going on for a while. I have on and off since a teenager had heartburn problems (I am not a drinker and I do not eat spicy foods). The last ten years I have started gaining weight and always attributed it to menopause.

Recently it's been impossible to lose any, thus reason for a thyroid test. Doctors finally admitted I am hypothyroid. 1 1/2 year ago I ago a bleeding ulcer that put me in the emergency room. When they performed 3 days later an endoscopy is when they determined I had H Pylori. I have been treated once right after that, but when re-tested it showed the treatment did not work. I have not been re-treated for it. The doctor just wants to let it lay since he says that too many antibiotics are not good.

My endocrinologist last week tested me for Cortisol and Thyroid Peoxidase. The Cortisol was OK, however, the TPO Ab count is 491, andI know it should be under 35. I researched the web and read in the ATA web site that H Pylori and TPO are somewhat related, and that treating the H Pylori can help the TPO numbers go down. I want to be re-tested for H Pylori and re-treated if it's still present in hopes that it will help my TPO and therefore my Thyroid imbalance.

The doctors (my internist and my endocrinologist) don't seem to care. What is your opinion? Oh, yes, and my internist has me on 20 MG of Omeprazole for the last 1 1/2 year (since my ulcer incident) and keeps telling methat it's OK to keep taking it every day (what, for the rest of my life??) The only other problems I have is HBP, (not too much, I take only 1/2 of a .25 Atenolol per day and it keeps it under control), and MVP diagnosed when I was in my twenties.

I am 5'2" and used to always weight 120-125 up to age 35, but then the weight started creeping up on me, and now I weigh 180!!! Can't seem to loose a pound. I eat approx. 1200 cal per day, work a full time job, don't exactly exercise but don't even sit all day. Thank you for your time.