SIBO…did it ever go away?

Thanks so much for commenting. I have not been retested but I’m going to try to get retested.

Thanks so much for the information.

Question: I have used Xifaxan in teh past and it works for awhile but then comes back. Has anyone tried Doxycycline or has anyone tried oregano oil and if so, how much oregano oil did you take / day? Thanks

Hi cheyne: I was just diagnosed with SIBO (methane overgrowth) The special Rx for this is Xifaxan, there is no generic, and the 2-week dosage cost is $900. Is that the drug you took? Are you able to say what antibiotic you are taking permanently ? I am afraid to spend that much money if there are alternatives Thank you! HMM

Hi,
I took Ciprofloxacin 500mg twice daily, Metronidamed 200mg 3 times a day both for 2 weeks. Luckily this works with me and I now keep a supply for quick response when I fall back into SIBO. Had they not worked and I understand they don't always work with most people then it is the expencive route. The alternative was going to cost me around the $900 US per weeks plus the $1200 a week for the special blend diet. It was enough to hear the price that I didn't ask what was in the diet food, I wonder if the price scared away the methan production!
Subsequently put on Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate 100mg per day permanently and have not had another relapse since, it is an antibiotic. Doctors dont like prescribing it to me but as it was initially prescribed by a Gastro specialist for permanent use, after the screeming I get my script! I have to be careful and quarter each 400mg pill for the 100mg per day, I can increase it for very short periods but must alway drop back to the 100mg as soon as possible as the body becomes used to it and it will become ineffective. So far I have not experienced any of the usual side effects, but as other meds and health issues I have can cause the same side effects I wouldn't be aware I have any side effects other than what I normally experience with my health.
Cheers

Cheyne: thank you for the response!! Did you take both the Cipro and Metro concurrently, or one Rx for 2 weeks, then the 2nd one? How long did it take you to first notice your symptoms subsiding after starting the meds? How often does your SIBO flare up these days?
I can’t seem to get any MD or gastro person to recommend an Alternative to the Xifaxan and it’s maddening. I’ve been having my latest “episode” for 2 straight months and am miserable. Thanks!

I have read several folks here commenting about their SIBO treatments with the various forms of antibiotics. I am not a doc, however, I have read research papers saying that SIBO comes and goes, irrespective of any treatment. I say, do you really want all those antibiotics in your gut knowing the longer term issues? For all we know, antibiotics we took in our earlier years may indeed have contributed to our now suffering with SIBO.

I hear you but living with this diarrhea, cramps, bloating and nausea 24/7 lasting for months is excruciating I am afraid to eat anything. I’ve seen 3 different GI docs, had abdominal CT scan, stool samples, Abdominal X-ray, breath tests, and FODMAP test. Tested negative for celiac, lactose intolerance and lysine. I have to cancel social plans constantly which is effecting my quality of life At this point the desperation for an answer has kicked in.

Hi,
Concurrently while restricting my diet from enabling foods. It was several days before a change started and I was provided with a second dose to make sure SIBO had been cleared. I noticed an odd taste which lasted a few weeks after treatment otherwise plain sailing. SIBO is one of the worst things I have had to endure, pain is nothing compared to the discomfort of SIBO and what it wreaks on you. I have had 3 bouts and one near miss getting onto it immediately after recognising the symptoms early. Since taking the antibiotics I have remainded clear and not giving it a second thought. While I'm well aware taking medication there are always side effects and everybody reacts differently to them, the consequences of not medicating can be far more devastating and uncomfortable. I tend to stop medication when I think the job is done but with SIBO there was never that thought.
Massive doses of antibiotics have destroyed my digestive system but kept me alive, I often wonder would death have been the better alternative, but at the time a chance at life seemed the logical way to go. Twelve years on and dealing with many health problems since but there really isn't a substitute for life. I endure multiple health issues daily and their side effects, some the consequences of medication and some not, the really big side effect of medication is I'm still alive, I think I can live with that, in fact I am and I'm still productive!
Incidentaly a severe bout of Champylobacter was the route of all my troubles, starting with dead kidneys for 18 hours and left with just hours to live before the Champo got me. Many times I have questioned my choice particularly with severe flare ups, but on a good day what a stupid question to be asking myself. I'm alive, I can walk, talk and cause trouble, so my wife tells me I'm OK and having a good day. Who am I to argue!
Cheers

My daughter's SIBO stopped reoccurring when she was diagnosed and treated for mast cell activation.