Severe GI symptoms, pain and IBS: What next?

Posted by johnbluffside @johnbluffside, Dec 27, 2021

Doctor doesn’t feel it’s SIBO, no diarrhea.
Fatique, body weakness, joint pain, left lower side pain. All possible tests, scans done nothing shows up. Colonoscopy showed a bleeding ulcer and that was repaired.
Xifian works as long as you are on it .
Anyone have anything similar. ?
Hypnotherapy, therapists, low FODMAP, antidepressant & Vit C nothing helps . Took forever to gain back 5 lbs of 20 lost.

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When I got my bleeding ulcer repaired it took months to get back to full strength replacing all the hemaglobin.

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Hi @johnbluffside ! Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!
SIBO is a recurring topic on this site.
Here is a link to Mayo Clinic’s information

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/small-intestinal-bacterial-overgrowth/symptoms-causes/syc-20370168

In my own experience, diarrhea is not always present, just the opposite- constipation. I feel as if the intestine is almost paralyzed. I also feel fatigue and general malaise.
Years ago I often took Xifaxan, but it is expensive and symptoms will recur.
There are other antibiotics that also work for me. However, I’m always worried that they will cause worse symptoms.
At first sign of SIBO, I start taking Pepto Bismol 3-4 times a day as well as a laxative.
There are SIBO sufferers that are on continuous Xifaxan treatment.
Did you have the hydrogen breath test?

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Thank you for your time !
No diarrhea or constipation
Yes sibo breath test twice both positive treated with xifian , $600 out of pocket with insurance symptoms return
Validity of breath test is ?
Stomache pain
Weight loss
Headache
Fatique
Joint pain
All other test negative , ct , colonoscopy, stool, labs

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Same here but I was prescribed flagyl as the insurance would not agree to rifaxin or whatever that better medication is. Got oral thrush and terrible bitter taste in mouth. SIBO was high for methane a d hydrogen. I am more IBS-C than D and I have fatigue, joint pain, no desire to eat etc. And all tests negative. Discouraged at times for sure and resolved this is the way it is going to be. 😢

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How did you feel after rx done ?

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I don’t think I’ll ever be free of SIBO. I’ve had it for many years and it will return even after successful treatment.
There is too much time feeling I’ll from it.
Xifaxan is safer in general since it’s not absorbed into the bloodstream, causing thrush and other GI problems.
When I first started taking Xifaxan it was expensive but nothing like now.
I have looked into Canadian pharmacies also. Much cheaper. Your physician has to agree to help complete the necessary paperwork though.

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I got my two week Xifaxan free , insurance just needed a pre authorization from GI Dr.
You can also get it free if you go to the Xifaxan website and get the free Savings Card .
Good Luck .
I’ve tried it 3 x in 8 years for 10-14 days , unfortunately SIBO wasn’t my issues. I’m still horrendous after 8 years chronic digestive disorders.

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SIBO why is this continuously reoccurring? Anyone have any answers?

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@tarmansbks

Same here but I was prescribed flagyl as the insurance would not agree to rifaxin or whatever that better medication is. Got oral thrush and terrible bitter taste in mouth. SIBO was high for methane a d hydrogen. I am more IBS-C than D and I have fatigue, joint pain, no desire to eat etc. And all tests negative. Discouraged at times for sure and resolved this is the way it is going to be. 😢

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Why does it reoccur ? What did your dr say?

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@johnbluffside

Why does it reoccur ? What did your dr say?

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Meet with her next month. Don't know why. Diet? Diverticulum? Can't guess. Hope to find out how it gets a hold to begin with. The nausea is what plagues me.

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