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Small Intestine Bacteria Overgrowth (SIBO)
Digestive Health | Last Active: Nov 4 7:21pm | Replies (477)Comment receiving replies
I have a long history of celiac disease and irritable bowel-C in addition to acid reflux. The constipation issue combined with cramping, gas and excessive bloating has become worse over the last 2 1/2 years. The last three months have been difficult in that I seem to be totally dependent on laxatives. Restoralax stopped being effective for me and I switched to senokot (not the best solution).
This week I saw the gastroenterologist. He thought it would be a good idea to try Constella. I did try it (only 2 pills) about 2 years ago, it worked but gave me pain. I had been able to cope reasonably well until mid Jan of this year. Now the 1/2 dose (72mg?) is available so I will fill the script today and give it a go. The gastro. felt no further testing was required since I had a ct colonography three years ago followed by a sigmoidoscopy to remove a nonserious polyp. I also had an endoscopy around that time. My last colonoscopy was 9years ago and he felt it was not necessary to do one now. He weighed me, said my weight was stable and bloodwork good and said, "no red flags"
I totally forgot to ask the doctor about SIBO.
Perhaps it is just the IBS-C with heavy emphasis on the "C".
My only other thought is that in the last two years I have gone from being on no medications to being on three drugs (metoprolol, Prolia and Repatha). My gastrointestinal issues have definitely gotten worse. (terrible upper g.i. pain from the metoprolol which lasted for ten months, and permanent constipation. Is it the medications? Maybe not SIBO. So, that's the whole long story.
Replies to "I have a long history of celiac disease and irritable bowel-C in addition to acid reflux...."
Hi @sue225
Thanks for the added information about your history of digestive tract problems. I'm not sure if the meds could cause the digestive side effects that you have mentioned, but it is a possibility.
Have you looked up the side effects for those three meds you are taking? If you have not, I suggest that you do so and see if they might be part of your problem.
Have you had any surgeries, such as having your gall bladder removed?
I know that having the doctor say that there are no "red flags" is a relief on some level, but it is discouraging not to be able to deal with the problem, isn't it? Keep posting on Connect, perhaps you will find some help in dealing with these symptoms.
We have a lot of caring people here who have done a lot of research. I encourage you to do some research as well, especially regarding the side effects of the meds you are taking. It would be good to at least rule out that as a possibility.
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The practitioner who told me I had candida overgrowth, and there were no tests to determine this, had me on digestive enzymes and aloe among other things. In a few weeks the constipation had become much less. I am no longer on those things and most of the time it's much better unless I really stray from my diet. I also use coconut oil which I feel helps. I use to melt some in tea and drink it, plus I use it for cooking and to make salad dressing. I had tried so many other things and they gave me a lot of pain. I even ate 4 fiber one bars one night just because they tasted good,,,not recommended, lol. The next day I had the worst tummy ache of my life but still no potty. I feel like what the practitioner originally had me on got me on my way to healing but things are still not normal and I feel like the not knowing is the worst. I was glad to have tests done to rule some things out but wish I knew what exactly this is.