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Small Intestine Bacteria Overgrowth (SIBO)
Digestive Health | Last Active: Nov 4 7:21pm | Replies (477)Comment receiving replies
Update: picked up script for Rifaxam ($700 for 30 pills 200mg). Decided to read a bit more before starting the antibiotic. On Atrantil website read that one should not take probiotics while trying to treat SIBO. My ileocecal valve was removed during a sm bowel resection in '99. Started having belching in 2015. Reflecting on my past medical history it was about that time I started probiotics that I started having belching problems. I started (dr recommend) more serious probiotics and belching got worse. Doctor after doctor and suggestion after suggestion e.g. - remove gall bladder, stop cpap use, repair hiatal hernia, and on and on... The site (Atrantil) said taking probiotics was like adding fire to fire. So I delayed the antibiotic treatment and stopped all probiotics. Within 2 days my insane belching was diminished by over 50 % and at this point close to 75 %. I have the Rifaxam on standby but right now I am feeling better than I have in years!..
Replies to "Update: picked up script for Rifaxam ($700 for 30 pills 200mg). Decided to read a bit..."
I agree. Our systems are complicated. My fingers are crossed.
I am very lucky to have a great GI who is willing to try anything. My old GI never tested me for SIBO and threw up his hands and wanted me on an antidepressant. I told him no, partly because I'm already on an antidepressant. So I got recommendations from friends for new dr and they all raved about this guy (Dr Michael Martin, Tulsa , Ok,) He's great and helped me get on track by tests, medications, and referral to a registered dietician , what a concept! I have to admit I am hoarding all the Xifaxan I can right now because we have superb insurance. I turn 65 in a few years and I am nervous about Medicare paying for it. One step at a time!
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So maybe your problem was more reflux than SIBO? I had a massive bowel obstruction and had an emergency right hemicolectomy 2 1/2 years ago which includes removal of 18" of my colon cecum, illeocecal valve, appendix . I developed chronic SIBO and have not been able to get off Xifaxan for any length of time so I am on it daily. I also take Align daily. My dr told me to take a trial off Align and my intestines were a wreck after 4 days. Went back on it and within a few days was fine. Go figure! I think a lot is trial and error.