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Small Intestine Bacteria Overgrowth (SIBO)
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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Would a few weeks on the Low FODMAP diet help ? I found a lot of relief just doing that since my doctor wouldn't order the test to DX SIBO. I don't know if it would totally eliminate the problem but maybe it would decrease the nausea. Be aware that doing anything thru diet is not a quick fix of a day or two. I started feeling some relief after a week.
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1 ReactionI just got the trio-Smart breath test. I used to have SIBO due to Methane overload. The last few years that has been negative. However, they added Hydrogen Sulfide and bam! I tested high. So nice to have an answer! Now am on Xifaxan 550 mg 3x/day with Pepto Bismol for the diarrhea. It is working. It takes a few days to start working but being on a gut diet will also help. One like low FODMAP or a very limited basics diet without spices, sugars, etc. keep in mind it will get worse as the bacteria dies off since like any living organism it will fight to stay alive. That can be unpleasant but after 2-3 days it should be better. You really do need to have the breath test to determine which bacteria is the culprit. I did mine at home and mailed it in. Check any large medical center for gastrointestinal docs who are well versed in motility/stomach issues. If you’re stuck with a referral system, call the insurance company patient services dept and demand a referral to a better gastrointestinal doc. Good luck!
The Xifaxan didn't work for me at all (and cost $1,900 too).
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1 ReactionI’m so sorry it didn’t help you. I’ll try it because at this point my issues have become a bit overwhelming with my stomach. I hope it knocks this darn bacterial overload out!
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2 Reactionsi tried it years ago when it cost $35. it worked once. subsequent times it did not. recently tried it again (it cost $750) and it disappointed again. although it was mildly effective for about 3 months.
it is no longer worth the effort or the cost. but if you do try it, make sure you are getting the highest dosage.
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