How to manage SIBO symptoms?

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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Profile picture for brayimee @brayimee

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

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I was just diagnosed with SIBO and waiting for that RX to get authorization through insurance. What other symptoms do you have? I have been fatigued for months, nauseous, lower back pain, dizziness. Do you have any of those symptoms?

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Profile picture for LAteacher @lateacher

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.

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

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Profile picture for erin38 @erin38

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

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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.

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Profile picture for brayimee @brayimee

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.

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My neighbor had SIBO a few years back. She told me antibiotics. Then after antibiotics take probiotics for a month and follow low FODMAP diet/gluten-free diet. Avoid extra sugar.

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Profile picture for LAteacher @lateacher

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.

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After your treatment of antibiotics, did you take probiotics too? Also, did you get re-tested to make sure SIBO was gone? Just wondering how you knew it was gone and treated successfully?

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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.

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Profile picture for saucy @saucy

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.

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What kind of surgery did you have?

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Profile picture for erin38 @erin38

What kind of surgery did you have?

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Slipping rib syndrome surgery.

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Profile picture for saucy @saucy

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.

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I read the carnivore diet is a good starting point to heal gut abdomen help with SIBO.

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Profile picture for erin38 @erin38

After your treatment of antibiotics, did you take probiotics too? Also, did you get re-tested to make sure SIBO was gone? Just wondering how you knew it was gone and treated successfully?

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I was just tested and started antibiotics. Sadly, my GI does not retest. They just go by my symptoms as to whether its resolved or not.

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