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Small Intestine Bacteria Overgrowth (SIBO)
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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@amandaburnett, yes I have loss of appetite, gas, weird pain in upper arms,. I am taking anti-nausea and antispasmodic meds. Bloodwork was normal and I have lost around 4 lbs. Any info u can share would be deeply appreciated. I have telehealth meeting with Mayo Clinic Sept. 8
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1 ReactionAny one with helpful treatment/ suggestions.??
No diarrhea or constipation.
Brain fog, extreme fatique, stomach left sided pain, headaches .
Recurring SiBO … increased water & excersise
Wondering if motility issue???no past surgeries , no adhesions …
Thank you!!
I was diagnosed wurh hydrogen excess SIBO almost a yeR ago after being on antibiotics for diverticulitis. I have been suffering ever since. Weight loss of 25 lbs., constipation. Fatigue,bloating nd brain fog. I am miserable. I have Bern on the low fodmap diet. 1 round of rifaximin and many herbal products found online. I live o. Herbal tea 3 times a day to try to heal the bloating. I joined here to see if anyone has any advise to help me. I am now on a second round of rifaximin. I can't find an alternative medicine doctor that I don't have to wait to see till June! MDs don't seem to know a lot about how to treat this without drugs. Anyone have any suggestions ad it would be appreciated.
Cyn
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1 ReactionGreetings SIBO community!
Despite having a gastroenterologist specialist & many chronic SIBO symptoms, the specialist never suggested possible SIBO . Only after viweing a post from someone I follow on social media (who battles another condition I have) I requested testing. POSITIVE!!! It was relieving to finally have an answer & confirming what was going on with my body.
From the extreme gas, extreme fatigue, bloating, oily & foul smelling stools, belching, indigestion, acid reflux, loss of appetite, extreme constipation (which I've had since my intestinal issue & surgery) & the CONFUSION!!! Something was off with this body. And the abnormal breath aroma no matter how often you brush your teeth, tongue, gargle & floss, it was there!
I've had multiple surgeries on my abdomen & a couple involving my intestines. I've also had several rounds of antibiotics. Presently my body is extremely sensitive to antibiotics & many other medications.
My most recent surgery, earlier this year, confirmed severe adhesions & just as I assumed & informed my specialists, I felt as if the adhesions were on my small bowels. This is what precisely is going on with my insides, a portion of my small bowels are entangled in dense adhesions. I was informed that they couldn't see where the bowels began & ended within the adhesions & to avoid a leak, they elected not to proceed with adhesiolysis.
I had a severe reaction to an antibiotic I had taken in the past prior to this surgery (Dec. 2020). My gut was never the same after this.
Previously I was in the medical field for over a decade however I'm not a physician, so please always consult your treating medical professionals & ADVOCATE for yourselves. If they don't listen, respectfully fire them. This is your body & your life. No one likes to start from square one but this is your life, we as patients, as human beings, deserve a physician(s) who actually have our best interests as a priority. It is my belief that patient & physician should work as a TEAM.
I knew something was wrong. I eventually researched SIBO diets & reviewed a food map chart. I was also prescribed an antibiotic that costs over $600 US dollars. I declined mainly due to medical research that displayed that antibiotics do not cure SIBO & it will more than likely return.
Apparently I'd been battling SIBO at least since 2015 & I had a major flare in 2021 until presently. It won't back down! I can say that avoidimg certain foods does help some but not enough.
From the medical research online from a renown medical website, SIBO usually initiates when your small intestine doesn't move food along the way it should. Bacteria grows & sticks around too long. If the “good” bacteria that helps you digest food cannot keep up with the harmful bacteria, the “bad” germs can multiply too fast, leading to an imbalance. This is precisely my issue & more than likely everyone with SIBO issue. My food sits in my small intestines. It's absolutely miserable.
I avoid white refined sugar & I even monitor how much fruit I consume. I used agave instead of sugar but I must be careful about that now. I also live on laxatives as I won't ever be able to "normally" defecate. I have to properly hydrate to avoid dehydration. Sometimes I miss a day or two of laxatives (you can imagine my life) & SIBO flares like a raging bull! I can't do this to often in order to avoid another NG tube placement (I've had bowel obstructions).
I'm concerned about the cons of persistent laxative use however I have no choice. I have to alternate what I use for my body. Miralax was the safest medical recommendation for my body. I alternate because these wonderfully made bodies of ours develop a tolerance. I used EXPERIENCE by pure trim as well as some teas & dulcolax when I must. I can't emphasize how crucial staying hydrated while using laxatives, whether it's daily use or not. I learned that spring water is full of minerals & is naturally alkaline so I choose to drink that most of the time when I'm able to.
I've personally learned that gut motility & good gut health is key. It's unfortunate for those of us with surgical histories that involve the gastrointestinal system & abdomen because we're prone to SIBO & other issues per my medical research & from personal experience.
Keep in mind that medicine is a science & it is a science that we all will need throughout our lives. I urge all in this community to learn how to manage your SIBO with a good medical professional(s). Remember, research PRIOR to consuming anything & YOU choose what treatment options are best & the most comfortable for YOU. I learned the hard may at the price of my health etc. from another ailment that was ignored by a past medical professional. Please ADVOCATE ADVOCATE ADVOCATE for your body, your health & for your life!!!
*I am not affiliated with the companies for the products I use for my SIBO treatment that are mentioned in this post. My personal health information regarding SIBO is shared for educational purposes for those in this SIBO community & does not amount to professional advice.
*I am not a physician. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.
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7 ReactionsHello,
I have SIBO both types, IBS and anxiety/depression as well as mold exposure. I have recently had a relapse of my SIBO as of May. I have a very restricted diet due to high histamine levels as well. I frequently live in the bathroom with constant diarrhea. A natural dr gave me some relief with supplements from Dec to May. I am currently back to constant pain, nausea, and frustration. I am looking for a helpful suggestion to not be not well on a daily basis. I have been given Xuafaxin of which did not work as well.
Hi Kay, welcome. You will find many discussions about SIBO and IBS in the Digestive Health group here https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/digestive-gastrointestinal-problems/
To help connect you with fellow members like @saucy @gingerly @smilecynth @sugar08 @teacha214 @johnbluffside @guerreraazul6, I moved your post to this discussion:
- Small Intestine Bacteria Overgrowth (SIBO) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/small-intestine-bacteria-overgrowth/
I understand that your thyroid issues further restrict your diet options. You may also be interested in this related discussion:
- Severe GI symptoms, pain and IBS: What next? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/sibo-ibs/
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2 ReactionsWho did you see at Mayo..so far the gastoenterogists I have seen refuse to test me for SIBO.." I already know you have ulcerative colitis that went untreated for 10 months, I do not want to go looking for anything else. No one will listen to me, just want to throw steroids and IV biologics at me. I have not been able to get a full colonoscopy to see whats going on , I have been waiting now 10 months. I had a flex sigmoid in May and CT scans that showed I have ulcerative colitis. I spent four days in the hospital and a lot of work because of this , anyone know a GI doctor who cares enough to listen to me and believe me. I just want to get better so I can have somewhat of a life again. I live in Minnesota and am in the Minneapolis are. Anyone have a good kind doctor that is willing to listen to me? Thanks Kitty2
I was diagnosed with SIBO about 8 months ago and suffered severe nausea until I went on the low fermentation diet recommended by the major SIBO researcher in the US, Dr. Mark Pimentel. He also recommends NO SNACKING between meals which is hard for me as I have always been a grazer when it comes to food. He also recommends four hours between each meal. I have greatly benefited from his YouTube videos where he discusses his research results.
Carol
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1 ReactionDid you take antibiotics ? Which ones ? How long?
Herbal treatments?
Which test did you do to know you had SIBO?
Thank you!
You might want to see a functional medicine doctor. I have been seeing Dr. Kyle Pankonin, a chiropractor who practices functional medicine. He is in Lamberton, MN. It would be quite a ways for you to drive, but give him a call, he might be able to refer you to someone closer to you. His phone number is507 752 7650. Found issues that weren't tested with regular doctor. Thyroid issues for one. Gut issues resolved as well. It takes time and focus to get to the root cause of what you have going on. We are not a one size fits all. Don't let any doctor put you in a box with everyone else. You are you.