Hydrogen Breath Test on NHS

[GavinUK]

Hi,

First post in this group, though I've been in the B12 group for a while.

I will be making a longer post when I find the time but would like to know if people in the UK have been able to have the Hydrogen Breath Test to check for intolerance to specific sugars on the NHS. If so, was it helpful in identifying triggers?

Most of the online references are to the US, although I've found a reference to Bristol NHS doing it at least. (I'm in Kent). I'm seeing a Gastro consultant on Wednesday so would be handy to know if I should raise it with him or go back to the GP.

Brief history for background:

On B12 bi-monthly, taking Symprove daily.

IBS flare up since Christmas, been on low FODMAP since then with some improvement but still having regular bad days despite using FM Fodmap app to only buy suitable stuff.

Many Thanks

Gavin

[Hidden]

Hi Gavin,

I had a breath test on the NHS at Winchester hospital several years ago although I'm not sure whether all areas do it. I was told that it isn't a definitive test and can sometimes give false positives/negatives which, I suppose, is why it's not that popular. Mine returned a negative result and I wasn't surprised as I don't think that my probs are down to any particular food or food group. Having said all that, I'd still get it done if you can (you never know), my GP referred me, but as you're seeing a gastro next week you might as well ask him/her about it.

A lot of people on here have found FODMAPs to be very helpful to them, but an equal number (including me) didn't find it of any value whatsoever - or any other type of exclusion diet for that matter.

The same with Symprove and other probiotics; many people find them extremely good but they make no difference to others.

One size definitely doesn't fit allcomers!

Cat

[GavinUK in reply to Hidden]

Cat,

Thanks for the reply. I will see what the Gastro says on Wednesday. I'm past the stage of expecting any simple cure or even test at this stage, but as you say it can't hurt to try. I'm not sure mine is down to a particular food either - unless something has changed suddenly after 45 years...

However, my recent flare up was following treatment for h pylori (to deal with B12 symptoms), so it's possible that my gut bacteria has changed and is now intolerant to something.

I have seem some improvement with FODMAP - but I still have bad days, so it's hard to say whether it would be the same if I was just on a normal diet and I'd rather not risk giving up any improvement at the moment....

Gavin

[Popetta in reply to Hidden]

Hello Pagan1,

I have to agree with you in that IBS is not a condition where one remedy fits all (if only that was the case!)

Despite all the hype about the Low FODMAP diet, I personally find that it has no effect whatsoever. I'm on my second round of trying, this time under a nutritionist's guidance, as referred by my gastro. Basically he will not see me again until I go through the whole rigmarole of this diet. The last time I tried was about 1.5 years ago (no results). Similarly haven't found any benefit from taking probiotics (tried quite a few!).

I have just accepted that my case is pretty complex (not that I have any other choice!) and to date everything I have tried has not helped or had any effect at all to help alleviate my symptoms, especially the incapacitating pain.

[Hidden in reply to Popetta]

Hi Popetta,

Sorry to hear you're in so much pain and can't find anything that helps. Problem is, you can spend a fortune trying out all the supposed remedies on offer and I gave up on all that a while ago. To be honest, the only thing that works for me is not to eat at all ... and then I get wind!

It's a fact that doctors sell the idea to patients that IBS is some sort of diagnosis when, of course, it isn't one at all, it's just a catch-all term for a random mix of digestive/bowel problems that can't be attributed to a known cause.

I wish you well doing FODMAPs again, it's a tough regime as you already know and it's only going to help if your issues are down to specific food intolerances - these seem to be very fashionable these days don't you think?

I don't believe for a minute that there'll ever be just one 'cure' as I think that the causes of the various symptoms we experience are down to different things in different people.

Cheers

Cat