SIBO testing UK

[Nicki1984]

Hi all

Can anyone recommend where I can be tested for SIBO in UK that does not cost the earth?

Thanks x

[Nicki1984]

Or would NHS test for this heard it's difficult x

[claire_louise in reply to Nicki1984]

You can definitely get it done on the NHS but you may need a referral from a consultant, depending on how good your gp is. I'd suggest asking the gp first and they should be able to advise.

[Mumof2boys2girls]

Hi, I asked my GP for the test and he said they no longer do the breath test but test a stool sample. I had that done and showed positive for the bacteria so had to have really strong anti biotics which made me feel so ill but I was retested and all clear now. Oddly enough none of symptoms have changed though still suffer every day with IBS

[claire_louise in reply to Mumof2boys2girls]

I am having the breath test next week - they didn't say anything about a stool sample!

[Nicki1984 in reply to claire_louise]

Thanks for reply what region are you in? I'm Leicestershire wondering if different hospitals/gps have different services. Let me know how you go with your breath test x

[claire_louise in reply to Nicki1984]

I'm in Nottingham. Sorry to hear your symptoms haven't improved - have you seen a nutritional therapist? Treatment for SIBO should involve more than just antibiotics, you'll need supplements and dietary changes too which they should be able to help you with.

[Nicki1984 in reply to claire_louise]

Thanks they improved briefly when first diagnosed with IBS as changed diet and meds. But a year later my symptoms are very erratic so wondering if something else is going on have lost too much weight and worrying about losing more - back to docs next week. X

[Mumof2boys2girls]

It was the H.pylori bacteria I tested positive for and I was so pleased to think that a cause had finally been found but it's made no difference to my symptoms since being treated for it. Then I started taking Mastic gum and that actually did help for a few weeks but now I'm back to normal with ibs-d every day my husband just thinks I'm mental.

[Nicki1984 in reply to Mumof2boys2girls]

Sorry to hear that. Have you been tested for anything else? X

[Mumof2boys2girls in reply to Nicki1984]

Just the usual wheat, lactose etc everything was clear, Iv found a few things that make it worse sweet potato and cauliflower are really bad for me.