Small Intestinal Overgrowth Syndrome plus IBS with Constipation - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

boardsjohn · 09-14-2007, 10:22 AM

I have had IBS with constipation and bloating for years. Now I have been diagnosed with SIBO - Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome, or Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome (SBBOS). And THE FIRST COURSE OF TREATMENT WAS LIKE A MIRACLE.

My breath test was positive as below.

Time ppmH2 ppmCH4 (f)CO2
0735 016 009 1.69
0835 012 015 1.80
0855 036 019 2.10

I was placed on Xifaxin 200 mg three times a day for 14 days with great improvement in mys symptoms, especially for the first few days, but total relapse occurred the day after stopping the medication.
I have been restarted on Xifaxin 200 tid for another two weeks, which again is helping, but it does not seem like it is going to be curative. And I can't afford to be on it long term as it costs $200 for a two week supply. Does anyone know what to do next? I REALLY NEED HELP. THERE SEEMS TO BE SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO THIS SMALL BOWEL BACTERIAL OVERGROWTH SYNDROME. Has anyone been cured of it?
Thank you. John

bailey11 · 09-21-2007, 03:54 PM

Hi, I posted some information that you might be interested in reading under fibro - Jills post, under the name Bailey.

You could possibly have Candida. I suggest you research it thoroughly, try the candida diet strickly, no sugar etc, back to the basics diet. After I did the diet for for two months I was bouncing off the walls with energy! All the best.

fconzero · 04-03-2008, 01:35 PM

I feel for you and I can relate. I began having nausea, bloating, gas, and intermittent feelings of stuff coming up from my stomach into my temples that made my eyes hurt and developed large veins in my eye in August 2007. It took them until November to tell me I had Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. I have had mostly Constipation with only diarrhea about 5 times in this time period. The symptoms continue and I am suffering.

I took 10 days of Neomycin with 500 mg tablets three times a day. It worked wonders, but I only gained weight 4 days. The weight loss started again. I took Neomycin again but it seemed to do nothing. I am now trying Ciproflaxcin HCL but I have only taken 4 antibiotics since this started. I found out from January 2007 until September 2007 that I had lost 15 pounds. Since then I have lost another 25 pounds. No matter what I do I am struggling with the weight loss and it has my back really hurting at times and the intermittent fairly ok and then feeling terrible with the unknown factor is difficult. The doctors keep telling me I can do know more for you.

A parent of one of the Youth Bowlers I coach had 95% of the symptoms I had and he kept getting the same response from doctors. Finally, after 8 months he found an Endocrinologist that said, "He was Hypothyroid." I saw on the internet that Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth can be caused by Hypothyroidism. Usually, when Hypothyroid you gain weight but he lost 47 pounds and hurt like I do now. I am to see his doctor on the 22nd but hope there is a cancellation so I can get in sooner.

I do not know if this is your issue. However, it is worth checking your thyroid if you have not done it already. Best wishes in all your endeavours.

tired47 · 04-03-2008, 07:22 PM

Dear boardsjohn,
Hi! Just wanted to tell you I am being treated for bacteria overgrowth. I am taking same meds as you.. only 600 mg. twice a day for 10 days. Just finished today. I feel slightly better... not huge improvement yet. I also am doing the VERY restrictive diet - no dairy, no soy, no packaged/processed products,strictly fish, chicken, raw nuts, rice or almond milk , vegetables and gluten/wheat free bread/crackers. I was told I should stay on this diet for several months to reduce sugar/bacteria growth in small bowel. I also take lots of probiotics. I am hoping for a big improvement soon. I am doing accupuncture which I feel is helping the fatigue, lack of appetite somewhat. Pleae keep us posted on your progress and what works for you. Good luck to you.

worrywort · 04-20-2008, 09:03 PM

Hi all, I was wondering if you all had the breath test to determine this? I have read doctor pimental's book and I am convinced I have this, for my symptoms didn't start till a really bad bout of food poisoning, I have had this for about 6 years, have had 2 colonoscopy's and an endoscopy, I am only 29.
My doctor wants me to take antacids.....
I can't afford a breath test, my insurance won't cover it.
She is willing to give me xifaxan to see if it helps.
what is your opinion? I have had thyroid checked and everything, would just like a life, I have a 2 year old and I am in college. I want me back!
thanks so much