1. < Digestive Health

Small Intestine Bacteria Overgrowth (SIBO)

Posted by jacque6977 @jacque6977, Feb 22, 2017

My wife, after years of suffering from debilitating nausea and fatigue, has finally been diagnosed with SIBO as confirmed by a hydrogen breath test. It is estimated the bacteria has had at least two years to grow and may be well established. She has started on Xifaxan, at $35 per pill, but it is estimated that elimination of the SIBO may take up to six months. Her day now starts with her waking up with nausea and when she has a cup of tea and toast in the morning she gets sick within fifteen minutes thereafter. Her sickness is accompanied by violent belching, and at times she regurgitates liquid vile. The only drug she has for nausea is Zofran which does nothing for her. Are there any other SIBO sufferers that are experiencing the same symptoms, and what are you taking to reduce the nausea?

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busybella | @busybella | Oct 24 9:38pm
In reply to @gussie "Thanks gigi. I am 82 and have had IBS-D for over forty years. I also have..." + (show)
@gussie

Thanks gigi. I am 82 and have had IBS-D for over forty years. I also have a rare condition called CVID. Common variable immunodepression. Also called "Boy in the Bubble Disease" I don't make normal antibodies to viruses and bacteria. I do infusions of IgG blood plasma every week to get other peoples antibodies. IgG is one part of gammaglobulin. I am also low on IgA which has to do with the GI system. For some of us with this disease we have trouble with our GI, and some of us with lungs or sinuses or autoimmune diseases to go alone with it. I have been GF for 13 years and mostly dairy free. I had a SIBO breath test about six years ago and it came up I was making methane gas which usually goes with constipation, not diarrhea so that doesn't seem to apply to me. I also have gastritis, hiatal hernia, and diverticulosis. I even have an app in my car called We Can't Wait, and believe me I've had to use it. I will take some of your suggestions.

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Hi Gussie.
I, like you, have been breath tested twice for methanogenic SIBO. Yest I vacillate between diarrhea, constipation and normal. Also, when I do experience constipation or diarrhea it’s never extreme. for example, if I am constipated, I might miss one two days tops of having a bowel movement and that is in frequent and if it’s diarrhea, it’s never a liquid sorry to be so graphic. It’s just softer than it should be and I might have some urgency, but I’m always able to hold it. So I’m not sure methane dominant is accurate for me either 🤷🏽‍♀️

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1 reply
rka19 | @rka19 | Oct 27 6:46pm

Dramamine always helped my nausea. Get non drowsy. I belch quite a bit as well. But I have Exocrin pancreatic InsufficiencyTreated for 3 years of IBS. Much luck. Ginger Ale sips help too.

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shawnkthryn | @shawnkthryn | Oct 31 3:02am
In reply to @busybella "Seltzer water and saltine crackers oftentimes help my nausea." + (show)
@busybella

Seltzer water and saltine crackers oftentimes help my nausea.

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Rx ondansetron helps immensely. I'm allergic to sulfa. Did not realize pepto bismol has sulfa. I thought I was taking it too late w everytime tossing.

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cheyne | @cheyne | Oct 31 12:22pm

Hi,
I'm on Ciprofloxacin 500mg twice per day and Metronidazole200mg three times per day for SIBO. Not enjoyable as I find it leaves a vile taste after taking. It is a 2 week course followed by another two week course to be sure it has gone. The bad taste lingers for around 2 weeks after finishing the meds. It feels like there is a war going on in the abdomin area. Then there is the food resrtiction that goes with SIBO. For me it SIBO is cyclic caused by ANS having control over my digestive system. I'm getting a four week break between bouts so far. I put up with this medication because the alternative is very expensive at $1200 per course plus the added expence of a specialized food plan with it.
Cheers

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1 reply
nova1976 | @nova1976 | Nov 1 7:07am

I have a RNY Bypass My Ileocecal valve was removed due to adhesions
I was put on Xaxaflaxin and FLAGL which is an antibiotic

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lsdd13 | @lsdd13 | Nov 1 9:37am
In reply to @cheyne "Hi, I'm on Ciprofloxacin 500mg twice per day and Metronidazole200mg three times per day for SIBO...." + (show)
@cheyne

Hi,
I'm on Ciprofloxacin 500mg twice per day and Metronidazole200mg three times per day for SIBO. Not enjoyable as I find it leaves a vile taste after taking. It is a 2 week course followed by another two week course to be sure it has gone. The bad taste lingers for around 2 weeks after finishing the meds. It feels like there is a war going on in the abdomin area. Then there is the food resrtiction that goes with SIBO. For me it SIBO is cyclic caused by ANS having control over my digestive system. I'm getting a four week break between bouts so far. I put up with this medication because the alternative is very expensive at $1200 per course plus the added expence of a specialized food plan with it.
Cheers

Jump to this post

Just know you can buy rifaximin from a Canadian pharmacy for a fraction of the cost.

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rka19 | @rka19 | Nov 3 8:04pm
In reply to @busybella "Hi Gussie. I, like you, have been breath tested twice for methanogenic SIBO. Yest I vacillate..." + (show)
@busybella

Hi Gussie.
I, like you, have been breath tested twice for methanogenic SIBO. Yest I vacillate between diarrhea, constipation and normal. Also, when I do experience constipation or diarrhea it’s never extreme. for example, if I am constipated, I might miss one two days tops of having a bowel movement and that is in frequent and if it’s diarrhea, it’s never a liquid sorry to be so graphic. It’s just softer than it should be and I might have some urgency, but I’m always able to hold it. So I’m not sure methane dominant is accurate for me either 🤷🏽‍♀️

Jump to this post

I have EPI after being treated for IBS-D. Trapped at home for 3 years. Being an RN, after seeing 4 GI docs I insisted on celiac, pancreas and gluten blood draws. My pancreas produces 0 enzymes so I have had limited nutrition. Hair falling out, muscles wasting away. I am now taking Bentyl and 36000 units of enzymes. My chronic diarrhea no longer plagues me with bowel incontinance. From 2 Endoscopies polyps cover the pancreas 3 fold and are in my stomach, R kidney and colon. Upon 6 polyps being extracted 3 have dysplasia adenocarcinomas.
I was dismissed to home, told to eat what I wanted using dosages of enzymes and return to the pancreatic clinic at The Ohio State University Wexner Pancreatic clinic in 1 year for another endoscopy. How can I sit at home knowing I have cancer with no treatments other than enzymes for the rest of my life $614.00 every month. Should I get a second opinion from The Cleveland Clinic ?
Rebecca

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beebe | @beebe | Nov 4 6:59am

Rebecca, Sorry to hear of your troubles. From your description it sounds like the polyps removed were pre-cancerous. The question is are any of the remaining polyps precancerous and if so can they be removed. Yes, I would get a second opinion, if only for a better explanation of your prognosis. I have not experienced what you are going through but know that the lack of clarity on your remaining polyps would bother me greatly. Best of luck in your healing journey.
Jenny

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jenatsky | @jenatsky | Nov 4 7:21pm

I just completed my first treatment for SIBO which for many years I attributed my symptoms to lactose intolerance incorrectly. I’m also on a low FODMAP diet without too much difficulty adjusting so far. My one big issue is I’m on a narcotic for back and leg pain due to OA and apparently the drug slows my GI system down contributing to SIBO symptoms. It’s still a work in progress.

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