For 2 years I've had unexplained weekly bouts of diarreah and cramps, first it started monthly, then fortnightly then weekly... basically got worse. I was on omeprazole for 3 years and about 2 years into it I noticed the stomach problems. Is it possible it's sibo caused by long term use of omeprazole? I've had stool tests and blood tests and all is Ok, just suspected ibs.
If so, how do I treat it? What do I say to my gp? Any help would be extremely appreciated!
Written by
asbayford
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You need to go back to your GP and try to sort this out. If your GP can’t help then you need to push for a referral asap. That does seem a long time to be prescribed omeprazole. Whether IBS or SIBO, you need to know! Are you saying you were informed by your GP that you may have IBS and you were just given omeprazole? Or, were you just recently told it was suspected IBS. Has your GP given you any guidance or meducation for IBS? What is your GP proposing to do next?
Thankyou for your reply! The omeprazole was originally for acid reflux, wasn't awful just annoying. Then stomach problems followed couple years on the ppi. They said it was anxiety , took me off the med and gave me antidepressants but I really do think there's more to it. I'll definately push for a referral then, as the more I'm thinking about it... the more it points to that ppi!
Hope it wasn't too terrible coming off omeprazole. There can be rebound acid reflux and/or indigestion along with sore/scratchy throat and coughing sometimes when coming of omeprazole for few weeks to few months. Hope you were able to taper off it ok. Good to check your B12 levels as well if you've been on PPI.
Fuv38 provides an interesting link. I think my sibo was caused by this and i was only on it for about 3 months. It will be important to push your gp for further tests as a variety of things might be causing your symptoms. Some hospitals offer the breath test for sibo but not all. I think you will benefit from speaking further with your gp and a gastro consultant. Good luck
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