I thought I'd update everyone on my ongoing digestive problems. I've had a very positive result following a breath test (hydrogen 270!) which has confirmed small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) which I had suspected for some time. Despite awful experiences with antibiotics I decided to try the Rifaximine the doctor's suggested. It's now been 10 days (I have a month's prescription) and even though I have some bloating and gas the pain I have been experiencing daily for some 18 months now is finally subsiding. I'm hopeful that this is the solution to my constant pain and weight loss.
The problem will be to keep the bacteria away. My specialist wonders if my PA and subsequent lack of acidity has encouraged this overgrowth. My PA is under control but unlikely to disappear so I may have to take this antibiotic every few months. Other solutions include sticking to a low carb diet and digestive/pancreatic enzymes to keep it at bay. Probiotics worsen the situation for me.
I thought I'd post this in case anyone else is suffering and looking for solutions.
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expatkerry
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I wonder why hypochlorhydria is generally ignored. It is known to cause problems like SIBO, malabsorption and increase stomach cancer risk. However there is no treatment for it nor much recognition either. Considering reptiles, birds and mammals all use HCl in their stomach to help digestion it must be important!
Hi Kerry, I too was just diagnosed with SIBO I live in Canada and the test cost me about $350, but was worth it because the doctor believes that this explains not only my B 12 deficiency, but also iron and other nutrients. I am doing a liver detox phase right now before starting the antibiotics, which will be followed by a very very strict diet for two months along with supplements to encourage the growth of good bacteria (not probiotics though – apparently SIBO bacteria feed on them ). I would be very interested to hear how you get on with this over time.
unfortunately I'm in a lot of pain today after 11 days treatment, so much so I may have to stop the antibiotic. I'm waiting for the doctor's practice to open to speak to her. This doesn't really surprise me as I've become very sensitive to everything, drugs especially. I'm hopeful that 11 days has been enough (protocol online says 10 to 14 days) even though I was prescribed 4 weeks (I did get a very high hydrogen reading). My diet was down to fish and a few vegetables before so I'll be continuing with that. Definitely no probiotics.
I'd love to know how you get on too. Feel free to contact me. Good luck.
Sorry to hear you've taken a downward turn so early in treatment. I know with SIBO the antibiotics need to be altered because the bacteria develop immunity- expect it's as likely that your own autoimmune system is forming an attack against Rifaximine !
I think this is one of the many drugs that B12 doesn't get on with either. I did get a link about which drugs to avoid, probably from one of the administrators.
I'm currently being tested by Gastroenterology to see what's happening because of my Lactulose breath test result: either SIBO or "fast transit" through digestive system. Quite difficult to tell sometimes, because the timed chart would look the same for both bacteria present in the wrong intestine and lactulose reaching the bacteria in the right intestine sooner !
I got this breath test done on the NHS: was referred by Haematologist because she was looking for a "non-B12 deficiency" reason to explain my high MMA levels. Strangely, the Gastroenterologist was unaware of a link between SIBO and raised MMA levels !
SIBO seem to like B12, but also other vitamins. I seem to be short of B12, iron, folate and vitamin D: have got osteoporosis of the spine. Have had ferritin and folate 3-month courses prescribed, which raised levels well ....but they dropped again.
So, cameras (up and down) next week. Let's hope they stop when they meet in the middle (one camera taking a photo of the other!)
Best of luck, expatkerry , and hope your GP has found an alternative treatment. Let us know okay ?
Hi there, I finally got hold of my GI doctor who on hearing what I ate yesterday decided it was down to too many fermentable veggies. So back to the antibiotic tomorrow (giving my sore intestines a day off!)
Please post to let us know how you get on. You're right about the timing of the breath test, a fast or slow transit can mean the doctor misinterprets the results. In my case a slow transit suggested malabsorption when in fact it's SIBO. Fortunately my doc is on the ball!
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Colonoscopy and endoscopy 
Too much B12 feeding bad bacteria in gut ?!?
New here with P.A. and Subacute Combined Degeneration 
Beyond frustrated
