Has anyone else noticed an improvement in IBS-D after a course of anti-biotics?

[daisie2013]

I've just finished taking Trimethoprim for cystitis & my ibs is so much better?

[Drummermum]

Yes! The only time in the past 18 years that I have had 'normal' bowel move, has have been when I have taken anti-biotics. I have discussed this with my GP but nothing ever came of it.

I think (and it is only a personal view, not at all medically founded) that it must have something to do with the balance of the gut bacteria.

If only there was a pill to ease the symptoms - for me it is having to go to the loo at least 10 times a day!!!!

[daisie2013 in reply to Drummermum]

I totally agree, I am just the same, it must be something to do with the bacteria in the gut. I know that you can't take anti-biotics all the time but yes there should be something that would help.

[John43]

I think a probiotic compound, tablet or whatever can improve the IBS in my system. Antibiotics usually do the opposite for me.

[lagrossa]

Antibiotics always make my ibs worse too I take probiotics daily but double the dose if I am taking antibiotics

[Sardo]

HI.Antibiotics do not help me with ibs,if something it makes it worse,as it kills all the bacteria

in your guts,wich normaly you have to replace with good bacteria after you finish the course of the antibiotics.Lactobacillus bifidus is very good.But my ibs has got better,after i started to take Lansoprazole,wich is a gastro-resistant capsules for acid reflux,maybe because the acid gets killed in the stomac before riches the guts.I Can say that this as improved my ibs,by 50%.hope the goverment would do something about,but this das not seam the case.GOOD LUCK.

[Drummermum]

Hi Kerrym212

Both times I took antibiotics was for a water infection and within 24hours I noticed an improvement in my bowel movements. I usually have diarrhoea all the time and I noticed firmer/more solid waste. I didn't change my diet at all.

After finishing the antibiotics my bowels returned to their usual self within 24hours

Hope this helps!

Also I have tried taking probiotics in liquid drink form and tablet form to help me with my IBS but neither make a difference to my gut.

[Hidden]

As you've responded so well to anitbiotics, I wonder if your IBS-D is caused by small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) which is treated by repeated courses of antbiotics and a special diet. It may well be worth asking your GP/gastro for a SIBO test which is done by breath.

Pagan

[daisie2013 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you I will try this but actually getting a doctor's appointment at our practice is very difficult & then with ibs I always come away feeling that the doctors aren't really interested & whatever I've suggested previously has been scorned or flatly refused.

[Hidden in reply to daisie2013]

Yes, I know there are many people who really have to fight their corner to get medics to take IBS seriously. You can get the test done privately for about £180 and no GP can refuse you a private referral. Seems a shame though that we end up paying for stuff that's readily available on the NHS for other better-recognised conditions.

I wish you well with this.

Pagan

[Dawniechococats]

I have just had a course of Penicillin and it made my stomach much worse, it was bad every day I was on it

[daisie2013]

I have found in the past that some anti-biotics do make ibs worse but these Trimethoprim definitely help. I am susceptible to cystitis so usually have to take these at least every 6 months.I notice an improvement almost straightaway, well after about 24 hours. I usually have a course of 6 tablets = 2 taken twice a day for 3 days which clears up the cystitis. I only finished the course yesterday so today I've been fine again but my ibs-d usually returns within a day or two. I didn't alter my diet whilst taking the anti-biotics, I haven't eaten wheat or rye for decades & I started the Fodmap diet several weeks ago. Hope this helps, I think there is a lot that we don't understand about the gut.

[Drummermum]

Hi, no problem, ask away

I have tried the well known brands and also supermarkets own.

[kath_80]

I was really poorly ended up in asessement unit and then admitted to hospital, when my poo was full of mucus, a doctor looked outside the box for once and tested for food poisoning. I've been really poorly for many months and they gave me a course of very strong anti biotics and it cleared the food poisoning and the pain has gone. I feel so much better. I sometimes wonder with doctors, they sent me home with ANXIETY!!! then a letter saying I had food poisoning. I hope the doctor knows how stupid he is. For over a year the doctors have sent me bk and forth home with anxiety. Doctors have ruined my life and now I am looking into my medical records. Honestly what they write is totally shocking. Not all Doctors are the same, but the ones that have looked after me are going to have a wake up call. I hope some of them realise how badly I have been treated and others. This is people lives they are playing with. They have brought me down, making me feel low and making me think it is all in my head. I can now prove to them it is not. I will also be helping other patients when I write and produce a report, taking my records to another level and getting the medical team to re asses their actions. If you think something does not feel right, make sure you find out what they have tested for. I am 30 and my life has been hold for 2 years. Makes me very sad.

[daisie2013 in reply to kath_80]

Yes I can empathise with you, all my problems with IBS started after food poisoning many years ago, I don't have much faith in doctors as you say they just treat one symptom rather than looking at the whole body & mind. It's good that you are now being treated properly & can focus on the positives, I wish you well.

[daisie2013]

I will definitely try to get a referral thank you

[daisie2013]

Thank you this is similar to the diet I started some weeks ago & I think It is helping, the stomach pains have diminished & I'm not rushing to the loo quite as often.

[carola_100]

Yes I am on a course of Trmethoprim for 6 weeks. My Urologist put me on it. I had pelvic chemoradiation for rectal cancer at the end of 2015. My Gastroenterologist is looking into SIBO (Small Intestinal Bowel overgrowth). I suffer from bloating and constipation