Probiotic help

[hellohuman]

Hello all

I had dental surgery a couple of years ago and was prescribed some rather powerful antibiotics. I had pretty bad diarrhea throughout and my gut just hasn't been the same since. I now have frequent flare ups, and the "baseline" I return to is quite far from what I would consider normal for me.

I tried taking acidophilus probiotics to help rebalance things, but it was a bit of a disaster. I know probiotics can make symptoms worse temporarily, but this made things unbearable. Just not something I could work through.

I was wondering if anyone has experience of any gentler probiotics that might help? Something that will rebalance my gut and hopefully relieve my persistent IBS symptoms , but without having to deal with violent gut episodes while they do their job?

Thanks!

[SurfingSteve]

I had the same issue last July. I had a tooth infection and was prescribed two strong antibiotics. I had a very upset stomach for about a week, and since then it's not been right with digestive issues, pain and general IBS symptoms. I tried a probiotic but it made it worse, so i went to a qualified dietician. She put me on a lowFODMAP diet for three weeks. This is basically a short term elimination diet to find what foods may be causing issues. This took away most of my symptoms. Now she is slowly introducing potential foods like lactose, onions, wheat and others that might be causing problems. She said, the idea isn't to permanently eliminate these from my diet but to work out which ones are causing issues and then slowly reintroduce them so as to reduce discomfort. It seems to be working so far. It doesn't work for everyone but maybe worth a try.

[xjrs]

Have you been diagnosed with IBS by having all tests done via your GP practice?

I have found Alflorex worked best for me, which has been scientifically studied for IBS. It is also in smaller concentrations than most over the counter probiotics. However, everyone is different. Unfortunately, it is a case of trial and error.

[Maria3]

I am halfway through my first ever course of Alflorex, thanks to recommendations on here. Already there is a difference and my gut feels much calmer. I have tried many different pro/prebiotics over the years. Some used to work but lately, nothing worked - until now. It may be early to say but Alflorex has been life- changing for me. Best of luck.

[Luisa22]

Can you get checked for SIBO? (Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) It's a breath test but takes a few hours and there are some dietary restrictions I think, just before it.

Antibiotics history can sometimes cause SIBO. And often probiotics make things worse. But there is an antibiotic that's supposed to help. Doubt if UK NHS gives it to people though : it's called Rifaximin. If not there are herbal and dietary options.

The last time I had to take antibiotics was in 2006 for a tooth root infection. The dentist wanted to put me on some nasty strong stuff, but instincts said no because I'd had a horrible past experience with a strong antibiotic, so I asked for plain old amoxycillin. While taking it I got slightly loose stools, felt a bit queasy occasionally and exhausted after 1 hour walk, but it did the trick and killed the infection in 1 5-day course.

I didn't know about probiotics then, but afterwards I was just fine and for many years after it. I only got IBS in 2020 so I don't think the antibiotic caused any gut problems after at all. But my diet was excellent then so I was eating loads of pre-biotics.

[trishj46 in reply to Luisa22]

I had antibiotics in hospital and came home with diarrhea for a month now! I tried probiotics that made it worse! Tested for C-Diff and negative. Going crazy now with diarrhea day & night. Doctor said it may remain this way with all the gut problems through my life. I cannot accept this---with all my other problems. I am a prisoner now in my home! Losing weight!

[Luisa22 in reply to trishj46]

This situation is so horrible for you and I am sorry. I guess you're trying a super-bland diet (with an A-Z multivitamin and mineral and a B complex)? And Imodium....does that help at all? That isn't good enough in my opinion, what the doctor said to you.

[trishj46 in reply to Luisa22]

Thanks for your note! We are going to redo specimen again, and blood work. I am so raw! I do not feel hopeful about all this!

Thanks Luisa 22 for your concern! I take lomotil--immodium does nothing!

[Hidden]

Perhaps prebiotics might be a way to start, as antibiotics not only kill off the bad bacteria but the good bacteria too. Your poor gut has been cleaned out entirely and it has to start again.

Symprove is a very good 12 week course to take-make sure you get the mango flavour though as the original smells like poo! Good luck!