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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@mutter3

I was diagnosed with SIBO yesterday. Now I get the pleasure of doing the test for BAM. Luckily I get to do this one at home. I feel vindicated and hopeful. I have suffered with SIBO for close to 10 years. When I went to Mayo it was for like a 7th opinion. I was told at home I have a NET and carcinoid syndrome and to think about palliative care. The doctors at Mayo,yea Dr. Qin, were phenomenal. I now have answers. Levaquin for a while and after the BAM test I'll start the SIBO diet. To find the diet ,Google Mayo SIBO diet. I wish you each the best quality of life. Something I thought was gone but now have hope for. Thank you Mayo Clinic Rochester!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Did you actually have a neuroendocrine tumor or carcinoid syndrome??im suspecting that too? What tests did they do

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I have SIBO and Gastroparesis. I am currently on a 2 week treatment of Xifaxin. Fortunately it costs me nothing with my insurance. I use promethazine and nauzene for nausea. Nauzene is available I expensively over the counter. It has been a life saver for me. I also drink Kombucha daily which helps me feel better and also helps with good bacteria in the gut.

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Hi, I've had sibo on/off a number of years with latest recurrence in Sept - took 2 weeks of rifaximin but symptoms have not cleared - other complications include acid reflux (pH 40) & an ineffective oesophagus... unfortunately, my symptoms have deteriorated since Nov with daily vomiting, permanent bloating and constipation. Recent tests showed a clear colon but a few spots of enteritis in my small bowel. Any recommendations on above / poor motility would be great. My GI doc prescribes lanzaprazole, citalopram & Symprove (or VSL III or Alflorex)

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@gtassithomas

Did you actually have a neuroendocrine tumor or carcinoid syndrome??im suspecting that too? What tests did they do

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Datotate Pet Scan. I had a chromogranin a that was off the chart, same with gastric level. Flushing,severe abdominal pain,had a positive octreotide scan showing something on the pancreas. However, no one could ever locate the tumor. My doctors here said NET and carcinoid syndrome. I didn't believe them because without a tumor to biopsy it couldn't be proven. When the doctors at Mayo saw me they were questioning if it was NET and carcinoid syndrome. After many test the Datotate scan ruled it out. Now it's SIBO,still something up with the pancreas,BAM and a couple of other things being looked at. Thankful NET and carcinoid syndrome were ruled out.

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@gtassithomas

Hi, I am in the midst of dealing chronic sibo after treating with antibiotics I got cdifff. Got that fixed but now sibo is back and can’t take antibiotics. BUT..... I also have symptoms of possible neuroendocrine tumor, abd pain flushing etc tests negative so far. Who did you see at Mayo and what did they do to rule thins in or out.
Thanks
Gina

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Dr.Yi Qin and Dr. John Kisiel. Mostly Dr. Qin. She has been fantastic. Compassionate, professional,calls me herself doesn't have a nurse relay message. Very patient . Took a lot of time to answer my questions. I never felt rushed.

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@mutter3

Dr.Yi Qin and Dr. John Kisiel. Mostly Dr. Qin. She has been fantastic. Compassionate, professional,calls me herself doesn't have a nurse relay message. Very patient . Took a lot of time to answer my questions. I never felt rushed.

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Is she a GI md ? What was both Drs specialty? I need help with sibo too and other issues.
Thanks

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@mutter3

Datotate Pet Scan. I had a chromogranin a that was off the chart, same with gastric level. Flushing,severe abdominal pain,had a positive octreotide scan showing something on the pancreas. However, no one could ever locate the tumor. My doctors here said NET and carcinoid syndrome. I didn't believe them because without a tumor to biopsy it couldn't be proven. When the doctors at Mayo saw me they were questioning if it was NET and carcinoid syndrome. After many test the Datotate scan ruled it out. Now it's SIBO,still something up with the pancreas,BAM and a couple of other things being looked at. Thankful NET and carcinoid syndrome were ruled out.

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What is BAM? Also just be aware that G68 scans may not light up a net if it tumor doesn’t show up on scans. Did you have upper endoscopy and colonoscopy? Also if they see something on pancreas an endoscopic ultrasound of the pancreas may be able to visualize better. I’m assuming you had mri and ct . I’m only saying all this because I have carcinoid symptoms for 5 years and still trying to figure it out. I have not had gallium scan yet but plan too. Glad Mayo was thorough. Maybe I’ll make appt.

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@drpepper

Started taking Nexium, zantac, antacids, etc when belching started. When SIBO diagnosed, should you continue these products or eliminate as they should cut down on digestive acid which helps eliminate bacteria?

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I used to take Zantac religiously before being diagnosed with SIBO. All these drugs are listed as contributing factors to SIBO because they suppress the acid necessary to get rid of bad bacteria in your gut and maintain the bacterial balance. I stopped the use of PPI’s ten years ago after reading about their side effects. I have not taken Zantac in four months and have not needed it since changes in diet (elimination of many carbs) have essentially eliminated my heartburn. When you stop taking a PPI, however, you are likely to experience horrible acid rebound that may last weeks. Not an easy thing to go through. I would consult with your doctor if you want to stop taking or reduce the number or doses of several of these acid suppressing drugs. It can be done but I would not do it all at once. Also it is not advisable to get off these medications if you have dysplasia, Barrett’s esophagus or other precancerous conditions. The short answer to your question is yes but best done under medical advice and supervision.

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@guthealth

I used to take Zantac religiously before being diagnosed with SIBO. All these drugs are listed as contributing factors to SIBO because they suppress the acid necessary to get rid of bad bacteria in your gut and maintain the bacterial balance. I stopped the use of PPI’s ten years ago after reading about their side effects. I have not taken Zantac in four months and have not needed it since changes in diet (elimination of many carbs) have essentially eliminated my heartburn. When you stop taking a PPI, however, you are likely to experience horrible acid rebound that may last weeks. Not an easy thing to go through. I would consult with your doctor if you want to stop taking or reduce the number or doses of several of these acid suppressing drugs. It can be done but I would not do it all at once. Also it is not advisable to get off these medications if you have dysplasia, Barrett’s esophagus or other precancerous conditions. The short answer to your question is yes but best done under medical advice and supervision.

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Solid info. Thanks!

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@drpepper

Started taking Nexium, zantac, antacids, etc when belching started. When SIBO diagnosed, should you continue these products or eliminate as they should cut down on digestive acid which helps eliminate bacteria?

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Hi
I just had my appointment with the gastro specialist. He explained to me that the nerves give off mixed messages to the abdomen. He told me to google monash university and search the low FODMAP diet. He said this is what he’s has recommended for patients with issues like ours.
Hope this works for you. Changing what you eat will certainly help.
Robin.

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