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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Ah, an NHS consultant works for the National Health Service in Britain. Sorry, I should have explained. It’s a service free to the public - not privatised in any way. You can still ask for the test in the USA but I can’t tell you how it’s financed. Good luck.
Thank you!
I had a fructose breath test and lactose breath test before having Linx surgery. They were both negative. After surgery I was still unable to get off my PPI's finally I cut out fruit and within in 2 days all acid and gas went away!! Never took another PPI. Also A1C dropped from 6.2 to 5.7, something I could never get down. Once I realized that anything with seeds is a fruit, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc my A1c went to 5.4, normal! But also no sugar or sugar products, have to be careful here because there are many names for sugar. After cheating over the holidays I was sick with horrible stomach problems for several months but back to normal now, but gained weight I can't get off! never had that problem! Yes doctors think fruit is the holy grail but 30% of the population has a fructose intolerance or malabsorption and don't know it! Also I have to make sure the fiber content from foods is low, fruits and fibers stay in the upper intestine and basically rot causing gas, pain, and acid and take several days to digest. I eat protein and vegetables and have completely normal bowel movements daily!
Yes fiber bars of all kinds are the worst! Also a most of the protein bars are high in fiber!
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.
Thanks for your reply. Yes, I have researched the meds. Betablockers do slow down more than just the heart rate. Prolia does list constipation as a side effect. However, these meds are the best ones for me to do what they need to do. I have always been one of those drug-sensitive adverse reaction types so my "gut" tells me I bet that's the source of the problem. (Re surgeries, very lucky so far (I am 64), no surgeries). It could as the saying goes be worse. Thanks again.
So I've been thinking about eliminating the fruit but what do I eat for breakfast? I use to eat oatmeal but have been told no grains. I have eaten gluton free oatmeal once in a while with no issues but haven't tried it more than 1 day in a row. What do you eat for breakfast?
I eat 2 scrambled eggs with cheese, no fruit juice and I cannot tolerate oatmeal, really burns my stomach! If you don't have a lactose problem you can have plain yogurt with a scoop of protein powder, taste great but watch what type of protein you buy, you can get some with just whey protein, cocoa and stevia or monk fruit. A protein breakfast will stick with you for along time.
I haven't been diagnosed with SIBO but have all the symptoms. I'm going to be seeing my fourth GI at Mayo. I'm hoping to get a diagnosis of something. Everything I drink, even Boost causes terrible belching, bloating, distention, diarrhea or constipation and some nausea. My GI prescribed Xifaxan but my insurance would not cover it even with a very high co-pay. They said that since my diagnosis was not IBSD that I could not get it. My GI at the time would not even attempt an appeal on my behalf and told me that there was nothing else that she could do for me. Someone mentioned a SIBO test that was done at home. I was wondering if I could get the name of the site used. Also, does anyone know of anything that works for belching? This community has been so helpful. People here understand what you are dealing with. Trying to explain your condition to healthy people who can't understand what you are going through leaves you feeling isolated. Thanks to everyone who shares on the Mayo community.
Over-the-counter Gaviscon (recommended to me by a gastroenterologist years ago) may help. Digestive teas are worth a try. One of my favorites combines chamomile, fennel, licorice root and peppermint. Very soothing.