I wanted to share something that helped me. A couple of months ago, I came across someone talking about SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) and how it can mimic or worsen IBS symptoms. My gastroenterologist was ready to discharge me after all my tests came back normal, but I felt defeated and begged for one last test—if it didn’t show anything, I was ready to accept it wasn’t gastro-related.
To my surprise, the test revealed I had SIBO, a bacterial overgrowth that’s treatable with antibiotics. While I might still have underlying IBS, SIBO was the main reason my symptoms got so unbearable this last year. I’m still on antibiotics, so I can’t comment on recovery yet, but if you feel stuck in a cycle of symptoms (like constant bloating, alternating constipation and diarrhea, and trouble digesting anything) despite ‘normal’ tests, keep pushing for answers. Sometimes, you have to advocate for yourself to get the right diagnosis!
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Summerlovin1
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Hello, this was arranged through the NHS, and no, I was not prescribed rifaximin. I had already tried everything recommended, including probiotics, FODMAP diets, and undergoing multiple tests in an attempt to get a diagnosis. SIBO was considered my ‘last resort,’ and it turned out I did have it.
You are unlikely to get Rifaximin in the UK. Not on the NHS anyway. Doctors will either pretend they've never heard of it or just give you any random antibiotic; maybe amoxycillin with another one added (I have forgotten the name..."co -something".), which could end up messing up your gut flora anyway. You might get better results with a private doctor? I don't know for sure. All I know is Rifaximin doesn't seem to be available.
I might be cynical. I think I am actually. This is only based on what I have heard from others and not on my own experience.
There are herbal and dietary regimes, but I am not sure about those either. One ingredient in the herbal medicine is Oregano and that can wreak havoc on the gut though it is a powerful anti-microbial. I wouldn't completely disrespect it but it would nuke your gut. put it that way.
Co amoxiclav is an antibiotic that suits me. Once bad bacteria go, it is no problem to restore gut flora with pre and probiotics and a healthy nutritious diet. I had sepsis last March as a result of cholecystitis. I had a multiple cocktail of different antibiotics over several weeks. For the first week I had them intravenously, every 6 hrs in hospital to lower my CRP. It got rid of any bad bowel bacteria . I am great now. No bowel problems, fingers crossed.
Yes, "Co-amoxyclav" that's right. That's what I was thinking of but couldn't remember the name. It's good that you do well on that and it suits you. I'm not saying you would definitely be given that instead of Rifaximin (apparently unavailable in UK), but I did hear of 2 people who were prescribed it for what they thought was SIBO.
Gosh you had a horrible time with sepsis!! You are lucky to be OK and get through it. It's good you have no bowel problems now.
Rifaximin is prescribed by NHS consultants in the UK - my teenage daughter has just been prescribed it by her gastroenterologist just under a week ago. I am in the process of trying to get tested as I'm sure I have it too. However, we both have underlying conditions which will make it more likely to return. The GP I saw yesterday refused to refer me on and just told me to keep doing the fodmap diet. I last saw a gastroenterologist a couple of years ago and it seems impossible to get back to see them again. So frustrating!
Oh, I didn't know Rifaximin was available in the UK, based on what I had heard from others, so I am glad to hear that! And with the NHS too. Good.
I am so sorry you were refused a referral to a GI specialist. It's all about cost cutting of course! I don't know how some of these GPs sleep at night. They know they could do better for their patients and either don't, or won't. But they are in the system and somewhat strangled by it so maybe it's not all their fault.
A consultant would ideally be the best person to see of course, i hope that you might get a referral before long.
I was diagnosed with SIBO following breath tests and the Gastro prescribed rifamixin She said GPs are not allowed to prescribe it. One year later and my symptoms are as bad as ever. Actually I am paying to see another Gastro this week as I am now having so much pain around my ribs that it feels like I have a clamp around them plus usual issues of bloating etc. I have been wondering if it’s my hiatus hernia which is the issue … although I’ve been told that it is small and should not be a problem. (Apparently it mimics a heart attack - which I’m NOT having - but of course you are expected to turn up at A&E for that… and to be avoided 100%)
I really do feel like this is some sort of hideous game which I cannot escape from. I am a carer for my husband and I just want to be well enough to help us through each day. My GPs have clearly given up on me, and I’m not surprised. Sorry to be negative, everything seems so complicated. I’m usually telling myself that tomorrow will be a good day, and sometimes it is. 😀
So sorry to hear that you are having such an awful time with this. I worry about my daughter as she has only just turned 19 and has all these problems. It makes sense that if the underlying risk factors are still there then the SIBO will return. I hope you are able to find some answers and some relief.
Thank you - much appreciated response from you. I wish you and your daughter well. So much more unfair when a young person is having to cope with any illness. Clearly people DO manage their symptoms and that is v encouraging. I have hope again that my visit tomorrow will not be in vain.
Hello, I don’t take rifaximin. I’ve also heard that SIBO can be treated with diet and herbal remedies, but as you mentioned, that approach can be hit or miss and often depends on an individual’s specific triggers. In my case, my symptoms were so severe that my stomach couldn’t properly digest any type of food, so I decided to try antibiotics, which have helped me significantly so far.
I’m still in the recovery phase, so I can’t comment too much on the long-term effects and whether I will need another dose etc but I’ve been combining the antibiotics with a healthy, SIBO-friendly diet, and I’ve seen promising results so far
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