SIBO and B12 deficiency and OCD?

[Holland72]

Hi ,last week I searched so much online. I'm sure there's a link between my son's physical symptoms and mental symptoms. I think that these compulsions and repetitive sentences arise because one does not look further. It me off that a psychologist is the first word they say. Our gp doesn't know anything at all. I'm on my own for everything. Let's get the facts straight: vague complaints since 2018/19: blurred vision, palpitations, rushed feeling. He was 17 years old at the time. In 2020 suddenly itchy red spots all over his body, hives. He wasn't feeling well. The hives passed later. He has various allergies, including hay fever. In January 2021, he literally collapsed through his legs. He couldn't take it anymore. Our gp didn't know either. All year nothing wiser. He's been home all the time. In 2022 I found out for myself that it had to be a vitamin B12 deficiency. And indeed it was. Hoping he would get better through injections.First every 72 hours, later every 48 hours. No improvement whatsoever, no matter how small. Nothing! The mental complaints became worse, more frequent. He thought he was going crazy. Anxious, very anxious. He's surviving. BUT...... last week I came across the word SIBO during my search. I had never heard of it. The link with B12 deficiency was correct, and to my surprise also the link with mental symptoms. Literally it said that someone can have repeating sentences in the head in a not fun way. SIBO, overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. I immediately thought there was something in his drop of blood from the finger prick. I have his stool examined. I have read about a breath test too. The doctor thought that was good, he never heard of SIBO. I hope my feelings are right on this. We need clarity. 20 years and 4 years at home. This really can't be, they leave him to his own devices, and I'm watching out for that! What do you guys think? Thanks!

[xjrs]

It's amazing that a person has to be their own detective and not the medical profession doing that detective work until a person is better.

I would have thought that if he'd had SIBO, then he would also be experiencing severe gastrointestinal issues such as bad diarrhoea, severe bloating and gas. If he has no gastrointestinal issues at all, I wouldn't have thought SIBO, but I am not a doctor. SIBO can be linked with malnutrition, since an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine can compete for nutrients. Was he showing any other nutrient deficiencies in his GP blood work? SIBO has a distinct list of causes, which is itemised below, but again if gastro issues aren't present then the below might be a moot point:

Stasis: dysmotility – problems with muscle contraction in the gastrointestinal tract

Surgery (loops, vagotomy, bariatric)

Short Bowel Syndrome

Stuck open ileocecal valve (which sits between the small and large intestine) allowing bacteria from the large intestine to flow back into the small intestine

Achlorhydria – no stomach acid – unlikely if you can experience acid reflux. Additionally a faecal elastase test would show if you aren’t breaking down proteins correctly (which require stomach acid for digestion)

Hypochlohydria – low stomach acid – see above – the only real test is a PH test directly into your stomach, but many practices do not carry this out and home testing is inaccurate

PPIs – proton pump inhibitors for GERD/acid reflux – this is particularly related to long term use

Malnutrition – excess bacteria in the small intestine can compete for nutrients that your body needs

Collagen vascular disease – immune system inflammation e.g. arthritis

Immune deficiency

Advancing Age

Chronic Pancreatitis – this causes constant abdominal pain/fatty stools

Chronic antibiotic use

IgA Deficiency – identified from GP blood tests

Coeliac Disease – identified from GP blood tests

Crohn’s Disease – identified through GP tests and colonoscopy if GP tests indicate referral is needed

NASH – non alcoholic fatty liver disease –identified from GP blood tests

Cirrhosis

Fibromyalgia – widespread pain

Rosacea

[Holland72 in reply to xjrs]

Thanks for your comprehensive response. Sorry for my late message back. We don't have a definitive diagnosis yet. The doctors are on vacation. I doubt too, he has no diarrhea, no constipation, no bloating. Only the mental piece matches. What I have seen in the blood results is that his leukocytes, lymphocytes and eosinophils are elevated. This has to do with the immune system, I understood. What's up? Bacteria? Parasites? Something is not right. My son wouldn't just get compulsive thoughts etc. He's really too strong mentally for that. Even now in this situation. He's extremely tired. The endocrinologist appointment is set for Aug. 31. I can sense from everything that she doesn't know in her area. If you would like to help me, please do. Because I know this can't be sustained for long. We did a home test for Lyme. Negative. I would have thought so. I also want to have stools checked.

[xjrs in reply to Holland72]

Sorry. I am at the limits of my knowledge since this sounds much more complex than IBS (not that IBS isn't complex in itself). Maybe a multi-disciplinary team is needed to get to the bottom of the symptoms.

[Holland72 in reply to xjrs]

That's why i search a lot myself. They don't know nothing overhere; SIBO? Never heard of it. Ocd? Go see a psychologist. It's horrible. Thanks for your help! I appreciate it