Tests for Malabsorption?

[KittyKitten]

What types of malabsorption are there? What are the tests needed to diagnose these things?

I've been severely fatigued, sick feeling, weak, slow healing wounds, constipated, bloated, brain fog, cognitive issues, etc. I have had my appendix removed, eating disorder history, ppi & laxative history, b12 issue (improvement with b12 injections), ibs diagnosis (given by dr, but haven't had many tests done), sibo diagnosis from naturopath (but gastro seemed to think this is a fad for naturopaths to diagnose this). I am looking for some tests to see what could be causing me to feel so ill. I feel like it may be digestion related as b12 injections had cured 50% of my symptoms, but I am still very ill and am wondering if I could have a problem affecting other vitamins/minerals.

Thank you for your help!

[deniseinmilden]

Hi!

I'm sorry you are still feeling so bad.

I know your frustration with it!

If you go back to your post of a year ago on the B12 forum, entitled "SIBO", most of the answers are in there, particularly in the reply from Martin (now labelled "hidden" as he left HU).

You ought to be tested for EPI (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency) using a fecal elastase test.

You need to have your SIBO confirmed and treated with a long (14 days +) course of Rifaximin, Metronidazole, Doxycycline, and/or amoxycycline, or categorically ruled out (not just dismissed by some Prima Donna GI person).

You need to have your GI tract investigated thoroughly using ultrasound, MRI or CT scans and maybe a scope.

After that you should consider other possibilities such as Thyroid issues, lupus and a range of other things that cause similar problems that you may have read about on here.

I hope you get the help you need soon.

Please let us know how you get on!

[Alysm]

I just wanted to say I feel exactly the same as you😫the only thing I have been diagnosed with so is SIBO, and that’s with two positive breath tests in 2 years. Been waiting to see Rheumtologist to rule out things like Lupus etc but on the NHS and so far it’s been a year waiting. I have never been able to get rid of the SIBO unfortunately.

[Nancydk]

I have almost everything you have and it IS awful! But SIBO is a real thing. And it effects absorption. There are other tests, like swallowing that camera. And also they follow these markers in your digestive tract to see how long it takes to poop them out. I also did a test where you eat this radioactive type breakfast they give you. Then you’re scanned every hour.Dont ever let someone write you, or your diagnosis off! ugh. Too common.