Small Intestine Bacteria Overgrowth (SIBO)

I may have SIBO. I just turned in a stool sample and must now wait for results.

What specific stool sample should my Dr. order for SIBO? I've had 2 stool samples but I forgot what they were for. Maria.

I was diagnosed with SIBO years ago- part of IBS with constipation. Treated on and off with Xifaxan- usually worked for a while. SIBO seems to come back. One answer for me is controlling constipation. Years ago I also spoke to a Mayo GI doctor about this. No test needed- it smells like methane. He started me on temporary regular tap water enemas - this was very helpful. Since then I use laxatives as needed and start PeptoBismol as soon as I suspected it was back. Nowadays I have more success with Amitiza and/ or Motegrity.

I am struggling with Methane SIBO and Gastroparesis for a couple years now. I was on Xifaxin last year and it worked quite well and had to take it again and the results didn't last as long and the symptoms returned. I had to transfer my care locally as it's costly for me to travel to Mayo. I was then prescribed by my local GI doctor, the Antibiotic Neomycin in combination with Flagyl. I was on a daily dose of 6000mg Neomycin and 1500mg Flagyl. It didn't help and was wondering if anyone has been prescribed Neomycin and at what dose? I ask because I suffered hearing loss and nerve damage from being on a high dose for over 10 days. I also developed an insanely loud noise in my ears called Tinnitus. I was told I have Neurotoxicity. No one can help that from what I've been told. I was in the ER 2x from complications and have seen maybe 6 specialists. Has anyone ever tried Neomycin or anyone have knowledge on dosage? I called my Mayo Doctor and he said they don't even use Neomycin. The other doctors I saw were shocked by the dosage and everyone referred me to Mayo for help but Mayo has told me they can't help further and I have to "live" with it. I'm desperate for anyone who can help! Thank you.

Greetings 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.