Anni Väyrynen suffered from mysterious stomach problems for a couple of years before helicobacter was found in her stomach. Fortunately, this nasty bacteria that increases the risk of peptic ulcer disease and even stomach cancer can nowadays be easily tested and treated.

Helico While flying around the world, flight attendant Anni Väyrynen started to have persistent stomach problems some 10 years ago. She often experienced pain in her stomach after eating, and the symptoms grew worse over time.

“I had six doctor’s appointments in two years, and heard all kinds of diagnoses. The most typical one was stress stomach pain, but some doctors said that the pain might be caused by air in my stomach,” Anni recalls.

Because Anni was young, none of the doctors came to think of helicobacter infection and thus did not refer her to further examinations. Helicobacter infection is related to hygienic conditions. This is why it is more common among old people, who have picked up the infection as children. Many of those infected have no symptoms at all.

Identifying the cause for Anni’s stomach problems was further complicated by the fact that her symptoms varied. The nature of her job also increases the risk of indigestion problems.

“Flight attendants eat irregularly and often just have a quick bite while standing up. I had meals at odd hours and could be eating heavy food like stew even though my body thought it was breakfast time.”

Stress and fatigue quickly triggered Anni’s stomach pains. In the end, Anni could not say for sure whether stress caused the pain or vice versa. 

Weight loss and
bed rest

Anni’s stomach problems lasted for two years, and for the last nine months the pain was severe. Heavy meals especially would cause acute diarrhoea. Even so, Anni kept eating substantial meals so as not to lose weight.

“I tried bravely to eat a lot even though my stomach ached and I was not sure how it would react to food. I adopted a diet suitable for a sensitive stomach: plenty of fish, pasta, porridge, chamomile tea and drops, as well as butter milk. I ate like a horse, but did not gain any weight. I just gradually lost more and more,” says Anni.

Slender as she was, Anni was getting thinner. She lost about ten kilos during her ordeal. In addition to weight loss, helicobacter also weakened her natural immunity.

Anni kept eating substantial meals so as not to lose weight.

During the last six months before the correct diagnosis, Anni was sick for about a week every month; she had an ear infection, flu and sinusitis. And she kept flying when she was feeling better.

Anni ended up getting really frustrated with doctors.

“It’s strange that the doctors failed to see how bad a shape I was in. I was practically anorectic. But the most hurtful thing was when one doctor offered me antidepressants for my stomach problems. Many doctors just listened to my stomach,” Anni recalls.

It took a specialist to
identify the problem

One day Anni drank a glass of juice at work. She spent the rest of the flight in pain, crouching on a seat. After landing, she was able to get into her car and drive to a clinic, wincing with pain.

“I was still in my uniform and arrived at the clinic almost doubled over with pain. By the time I got to the reception, I was unable to talk. I just cried with pain. They took me to a separate room to wait for my consultation, and checked my details from my driving license. The doctor I saw was the first to believe that I really was in a lot of pain. Even so, I did not get referred to further examinations. The diagnosis was fatigue, so I got a four-day sick leave.”

Anni’s symptoms persisted and about six months later she made an appointment with a gastroenterologist, a physician who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The gastroenterologist suggested a bacteria test.

“The doctor pointed out that because of my age, I did not match the typical patient profile. Fortunately, the doctor decided to send me to a laboratory for a blood test anyway. I learned the surprising results a few days later.”

Bacteria identified in
a blood test

The bacteria test revealed that helicobacter had reeked havoc in Anni’s stomach for at least two years. The levels were sky-high.

“I got a prescription to wipe out the helicobacter, and I was glad to see that it worked quickly. The pain just suddenly stopped,” Anni remembers her amazement.

Lactic acid bacteria was required to rebalance her stomach. Anni got it from butter milk.

“My stomach had already  been through a lot, and the prescription caused severe acute diarrhoea. The bacterial strain in my entire intestine was unbalanced. My sister recommended that I drink AB butter milk; four days and four litres of buttermilk later my stomach was back to normal. I have not had any problems since.”

Life felt good again, and Anni ate a lot of pizza to gain some of the weight she had lost. But she was worried that the problems might re-appear. A little later on, a blood test indicated that the levels of helicobacter antibodies in her blood had dropped enough.

“Afterwards, I did wish that someone had suggested a blood test sooner. I think doctors avoid laboratory tests due to the costs involved, but they really should not: the tests are one of the most reliable and effective means of getting information that helps them diagnose the patient’s condition. Luckily, my story has a happy ending.”

Text Else Turunen | Photos Pirita Särmä