Anyone suffered from IBS that turns out to be SIBO?

[JohnS63]

I'm wondering if anyone has been suffering with IBS symptoms but has ultimately been diagnosed with Small Intestinal Bacteria Overgrowth (SIBO)?

Of even more interest, is if this has happened to you, were you 'cured' by treatment for SIBO?

If you were cured, what was the treatment you received?

Thanks,

John

[b1b1b1]

A good friend with IBS turned out to have SIBO. The treatment is antibiotics. In her case the improvement from the antibiotics lasted about 4 months and then the problem returned. The doctor offered another course of antibiotics but she decided against this.

[JohnS63 in reply to b1b1b1]

Thank you for your reply.

That's interesting. I'm feeling I may have this issue but since it's symptoms are very similar to IBS.

I'm not sure.

I'm expecting to go for a lactose intolerance test soon and will see what that turns up but after following low FODMAP and trialling lactose, I'm pretty convinced lactose is an issue for me.

How was your friend diagnosed with SIBO?

Was there any reason determined why your friend relapsed?

Thanks,

John

[b1b1b1 in reply to JohnS63]

The SIBO test was quite long. I believe it was a breath test and nothing invasive, but took about 3 hours, as far as I remember. She did not continue with the antibiotics because they gave her a headache. Also, she can sort of manage her IBS.

[JohnS63 in reply to b1b1b1]

Thanks.

From what I can tell, the test for lactose intolerance is very similar, if not identical.

So I may suggest to the doc, if the test comes out positive, that I may have SIBO instead. Not sure what happens then

It's quite disappointing that you almost have to lead the docs along a path of investigation rather then them being more proactive in the diagnosis.

[b1b1b1 in reply to JohnS63]

I am lactose intolerant as well. I did not have the test. My doctor suggested eliminating lactose, so I switched to lactose free milk, yogurt, etc. and the symptoms went away immediately. One interesting thing is that the only cheese that is completely lactose free is brie.

[JohnS63 in reply to b1b1b1]

Very good that you identified your intolerance.

I'm not sure if I'm wheat intolerant and did eliminate that for a few years with some success but would still have unexplained flare ups.

Thank you regarding Brie, I didn't know that.

Have you completely removed Lactose or have you tried to identify how much you can safely tolerate?

I'm 'cheating' somewhat and using Lactase tablets. Have you tried them?

Thanks,

John

[b1b1b1 in reply to JohnS63]

I found that the lactose tablets did not work for me. I have completely eliminated it. It hasn't been very difficult as the stores here (I'm in US) sell lactose free milk, half & half, yogurt, kefir, sour cream, etc. I can tolerate a very small amount in coffee if I am eating out.

[JohnS63 in reply to b1b1b1]

I'm also using the Lactose free milk in the UK. I'm not sure what that consists of in the US?

In the UK, it is just regular milk with added Lactase.

I find I'm fine with coffee myself..even a double espresso is fine and good as a non milk option.

[b1b1b1 in reply to JohnS63]

The lactose free milk in the US is the same -just lactase added. I think the difference from the tablets is that the lactase is in the milk longer - maybe a few days- and has a chance to completely eliminate the lactose. In your stomach the tablets don't do such a complete job. My doctor has said the tablets don't work for everyone. I will try the expresso.

[JohnS63 in reply to b1b1b1]

Ahhhh right, that makes sense.

Guess there's not a lot we can do about mixing the Lactase in our stomachs more effectively apart from maybe taking more tablets if just one isn't effective enough.

Some people seem to recommend taking one tablet just before and then also one just after the dairy.

I seem to be getting by with just the one before and with only very mild symptoms.

My next big challenge is deciding which of the remaining three FODMAP food groups I attempt to introduce next!

Good luck with the Espresso's!

[Condo1239 in reply to b1b1b1]

My doctor didn’t even test me for sibo. Just have it to me. It was an easy drug to take.

[Stuart24]

Hi John, I had symptoms like you and for years suffered. I saw a post a few months ago where someone claimed that Bimuno (available in Tesco and online for £10) was a cure for IBS. I didn't believe it, but have found that it is basically TRUE, and really offers hope for SIBO and IBS sufferers - but you have to stick to it every day. If you stop taking it, within a few days you go bad again. But it definitely works. By selectively "feeding" the good bacteria it restores the balance for your guts to work properly. I also generally follow a low FODMAP diet, but far from strictly, and take 1 x Bimuno a day, I am not perfect, but life is almost normal. I am 46, and have never been more in control than I am now. I have absolutely no financial interest in the Bimuno company, I only buy their product which you have to try to believe. If it works for you, spread the word.

[b1b1b1 in reply to Stuart24]

I am in the US. What is Bimuno? Does it have any other name? Is it a probiotic? Thanks.

[JohnS63 in reply to Stuart24]

Thank you for that suggestion.

I have tried quite a few probiotics but with no success thus far. I will however, look into your suggestion with Bimuno.

Thanks,

John

[JohnS63 in reply to JohnS63]

Just had a quick look.

Bimuno is actually a Prebiotic and seems to be available in the UK from Amazon.

I'm also in the UK.

I'll just finish my current Probiotic brand trial and then give Bimuno a go.

I do notice it contains Lactose, so not sure if I could tolerate it. Guess I could mix it with some Lactase?

Stuart24, do you also take it with a Probiotic?

Stuart24, do you find the Lactose in Bimuno an issue? I don't expect there is that much.

Thanks.

[Condo1239]

Yes. I supposedly had ibs for 49 years. I was given xifaxan for two weeks. I was cured of the bloating, cramps, went to bathroom normally. No anxiety.

[JohnS63 in reply to Condo1239]

That's sounds incredible.

How did you get Xifaxan?

Thanks.