H Pylori, The Second Time Around; More Prevelant Than You May Think

One of the worst things that we encountered in AJ’s adoption was his H Pylori infection. Why? Because it physically damaged his digestive tract, probably for life. If you have ever had a parasitic infection or food poisoning I am sure it is not fun (I have, luckily, not had either before and actually tested negative for H Pylori as well…knock on all the wood in my home).

However, AJ apparently had H Pylori since near birth and the bacteria have caused him chronic Gastritis, an inflammatory response to the infection that actually damages the lining in the stomach. In his case, he can no longer tolerate any gluten or casein and high acid foods like tomatoes.

The most unfortunate thing about H Pylori is that it can come back, especially if the bacteria is embedded deep into the stomach lining like AJ’s probably was.

Now, because we have experienced all of this before we made sure that Gus was tested for H Pylori (and all of the other parasites that can come with internationally adopted children). Of course, Gus is positive for it…and so, again, is AJ.

What we found out this time, though is that it is more common in the U.S. than we originally thought.

Additionally, we also found that it is harder to eradicate it than we wanted and we don’t know who gave it to whom. It looks like it is not a case of the “cart before the horse” but rather, a joining of two brothers with the same illness. The bacteria seems to be transmitted by saliva or by fecal matter from poor sanitary conditions. In fact, it can be from flooding, sewage water, (or lack of clean water), or personal hygiene. So, both boys could have come in contact with the bacteria in their first homes. But, realistically, we will never know. All we do know is that we have to get rid of it.