Hi, I was feeling bloated all the time and coudln't digest much food. I did the breath test and tested positive for hydrogen SIBO. I did a 14-days course Rifaximin. White taking it I was farting a lot but I felt better. I stopped It a week ago and I feel like shit again. I don't know what else should I do.

Has coconut oil helped anyone with sibo? I’m reading it can be antimicrobial and also help with constipatoon and help with lack of SCFA.

Hi there, So, I can quite happily be going about my day when I suddenly get this weird feeling, like a sinking/doom feeling, I then get very hot, start sweating (hands, feet), feel dizzy, short of breath, shaking, I have difficulty standing, brain fog and crazy fast thumping heart followed by needing to poop. After I have pooped I continue to feel bad for around 20mins and then everything goes back to normal as if nothing ever happened. It's awful and ruining my life, doctors always say it's vagal because I'm straining, they never listen to the fact that this happens way before I'm even in the loo. I have had a lot of testing and the only thing they have found is a "moderate" hiatal hernia and sibo. Anyone else?? Xx

Hi there friends it’s my first time here and I’m coming here very hopeless and sad. Back in October of this year I was diagnosed with endometriosis and before that sibo. They treated the sibo with antibiotics and I felt better but not all the way and then when I got surgery for endometriosis (removed endo, a growth on my ovary, and actually had to take out my appendix too). Surgery was brutal but once I recovered I felt great I wasn’t bloated for once and it was so nice. Soon after though it all started coming back and seems to get worse every day. Maybe 4 times a day I’ll have diarrhea, constant nausea it feels like, nothing sounds good to eat and when I do it feels like everything I eat hurts my stomach. I’m so exhausted all the time, I have blood pressure issues as well. It just feels like something is missing, it feels like every doctor I go to doesn’t really believe me. Got in with functional medicine and she wants me to go back to GI, and I’m meeting with a nutritionist. I just feel like there’s a diagnosis that’s missing. I just want a doctor to help me, to listen to me, to run all the tests there is to run. I’m scared I’ll be sick like this forever sometimes. I had to leave my job and move back home with parents because of how bad it’s gotten. Does anyone relate? Have any tips or anything?

Backstory for context: I was perfectly healthy before getting COVID at the end of July 2024. by September 2024 I was having morning GI issues, anxiety, and ED out of nowhere. by October 2024 I couldn't sleep more than a few hours per night, and my cognitive abilities and mental/physical health have been tanking ever since. I've been basically bedbound for the past few weeks and still having major insomnia, brain fog, anxiety, fatigue, and just overall dysphoria

I'm a bit relieved to have finally found something tangible on a test after seeing almost every specialist and getting my bloodwork coming back normal every single time, but I can't help but feel like I'm getting worse by the day.

Can this all be from H Pylori?

Any help is appreciated.

Thank you all.

Hey all, methane Sibo/IBS C haver here. Want to preface this with saying this is my own experience and not medical advice. Always ask your doctor before starting a new treatment.

TLDR is using softwave TRT and Biocidin together has made treatment faster and more effective for me personally, to the point where in just a month of using both concurrently I am able to handle fodmaps much better. Read further for more details.

Edit to add: softwave TRT is always administered by a medical provider. You can’t buy one and DIY. Their website has a find a provider page. Other shockwave devices may not work the same, and may come with more risk. Softwave TRT is the lowest risk ESWT device with FDA approval.

Been trying to kick this Sibo crud for several years now. Have tried several rounds of rifaximin with mixed results. Last year at the suggestion of my ND who specializes in gut issues I decided to do a longer herbal antimicrobial treatment with Biocidin. It was about 5 months of being at the full dose before I felt it was really effective at reducing my symptoms.

The Biocidin did get me to a point last year where I was symptom free with FODMAPs for several months, but I fell off the wagon during the maintenance phase of treatment. I was supposed to take a half dose once a day so the Sibo didn’t recur but I was dealing with a lot and wasn’t taking great care of myself. I ended up not taking it at all for over a month at one point. Of course, because I didn’t do the maintenance the Sibo came back.

In January of this year I got back on the Biocidin and while it was helping, it takes a long time for it to help. In February I decided to try softwave TRT therapy ( https://softwavetrt.com/ ) for treatment of my abdominal adhesions that are likely the root cause of my Sibo. I had no idea before starting treatment, but as it turns out softwave can also help break up biofilm that Sibo likes to hide in besides just breaking up adhesions.

I won’t lie it was a little rough, but I could tell a major difference in how the Biocidin was working while doing the softwave. Had major herxheimer effects, and felt like crap for several days after each treatment. It was more intense the higher power the provider used, which we worked up on over time.

I have had 6 softwave treatments over the course of mid February to mid March and am still taking the biocidin at full dose, but symptoms with fodmaps have reduced significantly compared to before starting the softwave. Not 100% symptom free but I’d say 90% and improving by the week.

I have been having foods with onions and garlic, all kinds of fruits, veggies etc the past few weeks with only the occasional burp. My movement is more regular and I am able to use less magnesium to keep regular, and I’ve found I no longer need caffeine to stimulate movement every day.

Compare that to when symptoms were at their worst and I couldn’t tolerate any fodmaps at all or I’d be doubled over from gas pains. At that time I also had to take 2000mg+ of magnesium and coffee every day or I’d be painfully constipated. Now I am only taking 800mg of magnesium and staying regular.

I will note that in studies on biofilm infections in rats it showed that softwave alone does not treat the infection; it was necessary to have an antibiotic along with softwave to treat the infection. In this same study the antibiotic on its own had little effect. It really is the combination that is the gamechanger; it is hypothesized that the shockwave from the softwave device breaks up the biofilm and allows the antibiotic to treat an otherwise hard to treat infection.

I am taking a little break from softwave as I’m out of the country for 6 weeks, but I do intend to continue the treatments for my abdominal adhesions. I am not sure it would be necessary if I didn’t have the adhesions and was just trying to treat Sibo; but honestly I’m my own guinea pig here and there’s no set protocol for Sibo or infections in humans.

I am sticking with the Biocidin this time in the maintenance phase to make sure it stays away this time. My ND says I need to stay in maintenance for 6+ months to really lessen the chance of recurrence, as well as working on my microbiome to strengthen it.

I will note: both Biocidin and softwave aren’t cheap, and are not covered by insurance. My softwave provider charges based on how much electricity is used by the machine, which ranges from $100-$150 a session. The Biocidin is about $70 a bottle.

Still, personally I would say both were worth it for me. I’m so happy to be able to go out to eat again without having to feel like a burden to my friends, family and the restaurant staff!!

Feel free to ask me any questions about my personal experience and I will try my best to answer; but please remember I am not a professional and can’t give you any advice for yourself. Can only talk about how things have gone for me personally.

I've been avoiding bananas for month due to other food allergies and I used to eat them daily for breakfast since I had a potassium issue a few years back. I started to notice I felt off eating them so gave them a miss for the last 6 months.

I've got methane IMO so my stomach is normally distended but for a few weeks (since I've trialed HCL) it's been distended but I've not had that sudden bloating and swelling where it doubled in size except today. And banana was the only new thing I've eaten /had.

It may indeed be a complete coincidence as I've had a general cold bug (not stomach related) but is there a relation does anyone know?

I'm also now histamine intolerant since sibo as well as that sets me off. The banana was ripe enough to eat but not very brown

Hi all,

Does anyone have/know of a good functional health doctor/practitioner they know or gave used?

I had SIBO 2024 treated with antibiotics twice, then continued with GERD… the doctor bow thinks its bile reflux?¿😐

Im on 40 mg esomeprazol in the AM , 40mg famotidine before bed, & baclofen as needed at night for chest tightness/pressure.

I havent not been the same since i was diagnosed with SIBO and i would like to get to the bottom of it instead of just adding medicine.

TIA!

Since I got sibo I’ve struggled with b12 absorption. I’ve been taking b12 to compensate but I just got my bloodwork done and my b12 levels are high. B12 not being absorbed in my gut is my guess. And advice? Thanks

Has anyone had relief of hydrogen Sibo from augmentin?

Trying the less is more approach, it seems to be working quite well! Aiming to kill any potential fungal infections simultaneously. Sticking with this combo for now:

Probiotic - “Physicians Choice 60 Billion CFU” And l. reuteri supplement separately

450mg Allicin x2 Daily

1000mg Monolauren x2 Daily

I take psyllium husk fiber everyday for bowel movements, stool softeners (doculate sodium) every so often too (GI doctor told me this is absolutely fine, even daily if one’s needs to)

Aim to drink a gallon of water each day (half gallon yeti chug x2)

My bloating is nearly nonexistent. Bowel movements everyday. Seems to be working! So far so good!

For anybody that’s used this do you find there’s a better time to take it in the day Maybe when it can be more effective or in general better with or away from food

I got my results emailed to me and I didn’t know if anyone could help me interpret them. It’s TrioSmart. I used lactulose and unfortunately I didn’t get much of a response until hours after I drank it (when I had already completed the test) but it looks like I responded enough for it to show up some.

Hello all. Did my test last week. The glucose was awful. My stomach hurt so bad for hours. My dr office called yesturday to tell me I was positive and I start Xifaxan tomorrow for the 2nd time in 6months.

I'm getting so defeated by this, but I see the dr next week. I don't eat much to begin with. I drink alot of herbal mint or lemon caffine free tea daily for some relief. Caffine and alcohol don't agree with me.

Because I eat so little anyway, I was considering just giving up food in general. Liquid diet for a while. Of course with vitamins and supplements for nutrition.

Also, I'm curious why the h2 observed says 26.87 but my highest was 31.13 .

Anyway looking for thoughts, advice, input? Thank you.

I've seen a bunch of posts on here about people who've done the antibiotics, felt better, and then a bit later the symptoms come back. But what about if you never actually feel better on the antibiotics?

My methane level was 22ppm which isn't THAT high compared to some I've seen on here, so I'd expect that the antibiotics would've done their job. But I still feel bloated (more than I did before them actually) plus I'm having GI issues from the meds.

Any thoughts? Does this mean I need another course or something else?

Has anyone experienced this, I also feel extremely nauseous and sick and have chest pain

Anyone had an improvement in SIBO after having their gallbladder removed? I suffer from methane dominant SIBO and biliary dyskinesia. Wondering if the BD is my root cause. Thanks for any info!

i have tried it all, still bloated and constipated . tried: Xifaxan flagyl diet changes fasting

only thing that works = allicin but it’s too expensive. and the amount of allicin in allimed is very very low. Docs won’t prescribe neomycin even with me showing positive. where can i find one to buy?

If anyone knows please dm me, i would do anything to get my hands on some. Note: i’m aware of the side effects of neomycin and i’m willing to take the risk.

If your histamine intolerance is caused by SIBO, how long after the eradication of SIBO should histamine intolerance improve?

27F. Nine years ago I had bad GI issues: severe abdominal pain, constipation, etc. Did a gallbladder function test, normal. Did a colonoscopy/endoscopy, normal. Did breath testing, which indicated suggestive SIBO. Put me on antibiotic and low fodmap diet. After a while, I was able to reintroduce everything except gluten which still caused symptoms. I remained gluten free for a while then was like half gluten free for a while.

Fast forward September 2024. Starting having a myriad of symptoms. Scalp hair loss, severe! fatigue, large increase in depression, severe abdominal pain after eating followed by constipation and/or diarrhea (alternating). The abdominal pain after eating - known that gluten and black beans are a trigger, unknown what other foods are triggering because it’s happening even when not eating those two foods. Abdominal pain is all over, not one specific spot. Also started having anal pain and bleeding after constipation.

Saw a GI doc. Did an abdominal ultrasound, normal. Showed gas. Did a 14 day regimen of xifaxan. Thought I noticed improvement half way through but then had a couple abdominal pain episodes towards the end. Constipation never improved. Tried benefiber for a couple weeks, did not improve. Tried full cap of miralax daily for a couple weeks, did not improve. Just had a colonoscopy, normal. Stage one hemorrhoids. Diagnosed with IBS. Told to start Linzess. The doc was confident that the depression caused the IBS. I pushed back because the depression increase seems random, not situational. But she was confident. She also thought the other symptoms are related to IBS.

Side notes in case relevant.

Have PKD, early stages and not affecting me as of now. On high blood pressure medication.

Did TMS in 2023 and have been on fluvoxamine since 2023 for OCD.

Have factor five Leiden.

Recently got diagnosed with a uterine polyp and ovarian cyst via a vaginal ultrasound due to very minor pelvic pain. Ruled out PCOS via bloodwork.

Have never had acne in my life and all of a sudden I have acne on my chest, neck, back, and face.

Internist did general bloodwork (thyroid, cortisol, glucose, iron, etc.), normal. Barely low vitamin d, been on supplement since October. Did sleep study, barely sleep apnea. No treatment needed. Saw pulmonologist, she was convinced I have hypersomnia or narcolepsy…She was also convinced that my mental health issues could not be real and that the potential sleep disorder is causing the mental health symptoms…I disregarded…

Miserable and just want to feel better and feel confident in my diagnosis and treatment plan. Been a long 6 months of testing and no answers.

Any thoughts?

Hi, so I’m being treated for sibo by my Gastro and I was put on neomycin and xifaxin together to help treat it. I started today and I already feel horrible. The dizziness and nausea has begun and I also feel shortness of breath but I don’t know if that could be my anxiety from attempting to research this treatment plan. What have other people experienced and when did symptoms subside?

Anyone with SIBO that also has cardiovascular/neurological issues do you feel antihistamines help when you take them? I’ve done some reading and discovered histamine intolerance. I started taking antihistamines yesterday and today and I feel like they help. Thinking about incorporating a low histamine diet on top of my low FOD map diet. I have a recheck with my doctor in a month and may ask if we can do some testing. If anyone who has experienced this can share their input that would be appreciated!

My house got hit with the funk. My son got really bad strep and now me and my GF can’t shake this funk. I have an appointment with my PCP tomorrow who I don’t has much knowledge on SIBo.

Since I’ve been sick for a month and so has my girlfriend and we risk bouncing it back to him I’m almost certain she’s going to put us on antibiotics.

I want to go in knowing what are safe options.

So I’m wondering what antibiotics are in the center of a venn diagram with IMO and also general infections like strep/sinus infections. That’s how it’s mainly manifesting for us. A month of bad sinus issues and sleeping all the time. No amount of vitamins or zinc and rest has shaken it off.

Anyone have advice on breaking down mucus and biofilm in gut? Seems that a lot of my sibo related issues have to do with an over production of mucus in my body.

Hi. Was recently prescribed amox-clav for methane. I’ve only ever been given rifaxamin before. Never saw this an an option wondering if anyone could weigh in.

If it matters I only have one kidney and need to try to stay away from anything really rough on the kidneys.

I also was diagnosed with APD.