Do I have SIBO?

[Foxey]

Hi guys,could use some advice please. Suffered from IBS-C for many years, usual bloating and constipation. Had a bad flare up a few months ago but been getting worse since November, different symptoms this time, constipation still and bloating but the bloating is lower down, right where the lower intestines are, and puts awful pressure on my bladder, with strange sensations down there.

Have also had acid reflux and burning in stomach which I’ve never had before, in meds’ for that at mo.

I’ve dismissed sibo before as I thought you had to feel really poorly with sibo and have the runs. I feel ok in myself apart from it’s depressing me. Also had full bloods done and urine two weeks ago and all normal.

Have tried every probiotic known to man, soluble fibre, laxatives, drink water etc I’m even on a fodmap diet too but no change. Having a scan at the docs soon but fear it will be a waste of time, doc is puzzled.

What do you guys think? The bloating is worse at night too.

[Liz1234ty]

Hi Foxey,

I recently mentioned SIBO to both my GP and GI consultant and they both told me my symptoms don't fit as I don't have diarrhea and like you i am not really ill. However, since they had no explanation for what is causing my digestive problems and treatments to date have not worked I decided to pay £165.00 for a SIBO test privately through a holistic practitioner and my hydrogen levels in the breath test were very high indeed - way higher than the threshold the NHS use to suspect SIBO. I am now going back to my GP with these test results and also have a consultation booked with my private practitioner to discuss best treatment options. I also plan to post this on the forum to seek advice from other SIBO sufferers. What i have learnt from this experience is that if you have digestive/bowel issues that the doctors cannot diagnose and treatment is ineffective do test for SIBO (if you can afford a private test) as not everyones symptoms are the same - our bodies can react differently to a bacterial overgrowth.

PS - I also paid privately for a comprehensive stool test which looks at more parasites, bacteria, yeast etc than the standard NHS test and that came up positive for some issues which I now need to discuss with my private consultant so this may be another avenue for you to explore. Also a H.Plylori test perhaps worth thinking about...

[Foxey in reply to Liz1234ty]

Hi Liz, thanks for your comment, interesting to hear your story. I’m still the same but no worse thank goodness. Will see what the scan brings up, but I imagine it will show nothing out of the ordinary.

I will ask my doctor for the breath test if I’m no further forward and I’ll have to go private if I must.

Hope you feel better soon. Would appreciate if you let me know how you get on. Have a nice weekend.