Small Intestine Bacteria Overgrowth (SIBO)

I, too, have battled SIBO. Before I had a breath test to confirm SIBO from a very skilled gastroenterologist, I was treated with a rotation of all kinds of antibiotics that did me no good at all. In fact, I think I got worse. When I'd had enough of the rotation of useless antibiotics, I changed doctors, he ordered a breath test for SIBO which confirmed that I did have it. I took Xifaxan for about a month. It worked. The SIBO was gone. But I have to work to keep it at bay. I also went on a very strict diet to reduce the growth of bacteria in my small intestine. All of this was about 5 years ago, and I remain on the diet to this day. Once you get rid of SIBO, you have to work to prevent its return. My diet: as little sugar as possible--this is so important, no sugar substitutes, no gum, no mints, nothing carbonated at all--includes soda, beer, or fizzy alcoholic drinks--all that does is encourage the bad bacteria growth in the small intestine. I eat reasonably--a healthy diet, LOTS of water every day. I don't cheat on the sugar with desserts. I haven't had cake, pie, cookies, ice cream, etc. since I got the SIBO under control. I do eat fruit in moderation and not frequently. I hope this helps you. Sounds like you have some other medical issues. Don't neglect them either. I wish you the best.

All tests for Celiac disease, H Pylori, Endoscopy exams, tyroid studies and even the removal of her gall bladder have all been negative. As for grain, she has been too sick to eat anything beyond a piece of toast. My theory is that the bacteria has had over two years to grow and has probably migrated into the walls of her small intestine. This could be a six month regiment of drugs and probiotics, but my question is how to stem the chronic nausea during that six month period. A doctors appointment next Tuesday will see if he agrees with me and comes up with a cure for the nausea.

Facebook has so many different herbal remedies that can work. I was just diagnosed and put on amoxcicilin and so far after 3 doses, I'm still miserable. I see my GI PA next week and hope he can put me on xifaxan. They said my insurance likely won't cover, but didn't even try. I'm so so miserable and will probably see a naturopath for further help. Everytime I eat and drink my abdomen is lump, ropey, pins and needles, burning, numbing, back back hurts, pressure under ribs, intestinal spasms, my legs feel the same and I think its malobsorption and pressure on nerves. I'm so disappointed that in 2021 this is a hard thing to cure. I'm praying you get answers. Keep searching.
Aimee

I, too, have battled SIBO. Before I had a breath test to confirm SIBO from a very skilled gastroenterologist, I was treated with a rotation of all kinds of antibiotics that did me no good at all. In fact, I think I got worse. When I'd had enough of the rotation of useless antibiotics, I changed doctors, he ordered a breath test for SIBO which confirmed that I did have it. I took Xifaxan for about a month. It worked. The SIBO was gone. But I have to work to keep it at bay. I also went on a very strict diet to reduce the growth of bacteria in my small intestine. All of this was about 5 years ago, and I remain on the diet to this day. Once you get rid of SIBO, you have to work to prevent its return. My diet: as little sugar as possible--this is so important, no sugar substitutes, no gum, no mints, nothing carbonated at all--includes soda, beer, or fizzy alcoholic drinks--all that does is encourage the bad bacteria growth in the small intestine. I eat reasonably--a healthy diet, LOTS of water every day. I don't cheat on the sugar with desserts. I haven't had cake, pie, cookies, ice cream, etc. since I got the SIBO under control. I do eat fruit in moderation and not frequently. I hope this helps you. Sounds like you have some other medical issues. Don't neglect them either. I wish you the best.

Did you do gluten-free and that low FODMAP diet?

I am not as of yet. I'm on antibiotics and research has shown to eat fairly normal during treatment (to feed the bacteria). Near the end if I'm feeling well I'll go carnivore diet or lowFod map. So much contradicting information on SIBO. Its hard to know what is what. Many Fodmap diets are different as well.

I, too, have battled SIBO. Before I had a breath test to confirm SIBO from a very skilled gastroenterologist, I was treated with a rotation of all kinds of antibiotics that did me no good at all. In fact, I think I got worse. When I'd had enough of the rotation of useless antibiotics, I changed doctors, he ordered a breath test for SIBO which confirmed that I did have it. I took Xifaxan for about a month. It worked. The SIBO was gone. But I have to work to keep it at bay. I also went on a very strict diet to reduce the growth of bacteria in my small intestine. All of this was about 5 years ago, and I remain on the diet to this day. Once you get rid of SIBO, you have to work to prevent its return. My diet: as little sugar as possible--this is so important, no sugar substitutes, no gum, no mints, nothing carbonated at all--includes soda, beer, or fizzy alcoholic drinks--all that does is encourage the bad bacteria growth in the small intestine. I eat reasonably--a healthy diet, LOTS of water every day. I don't cheat on the sugar with desserts. I haven't had cake, pie, cookies, ice cream, etc. since I got the SIBO under control. I do eat fruit in moderation and not frequently. I hope this helps you. Sounds like you have some other medical issues. Don't neglect them either. I wish you the best.

I have digestive issues and even after surgery have difficulties, I've posted suggestions but started carnivore diet several weeks ago, have a fructose intolerance so decided to give it a try! So far has seemed to calm down my stomach and also seems to be cleaning out my system!!! Will do one more week than add make a few vegetables and see what happens.

What kind of surgery did you have?