I've been dealing with post-infectious IBS since a horrific episode of dysentary and giardia six years ago. I have tried many of the dietary and nutritional strategies on this board, and a million others, with limited or no success.
Last week I went to the Cedars-Sinai GI Motility Clinic in Los Angeles. I had come across research they've done correlating IBS to bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. They have achieved the most dramatic and successful improvements with their treatments of any published research on IBS treatment.
They tested me and sure enough I was positive. The treatment was 10 days of two antibiotics that are "gut-specific", meaning they don't get absorbed into the bloodstream and are thus less toxic. They then prescribe Zelnorm at 6mg before bedtime following the drugs.
The antibiotics almost completely eliminated the gas, bloating and pain that was so crippling before. Yea! However, the constipation is far, far worse. I have not had a BM without an enema for several days. I am not taking fiber or probiotics, because the clinic's research and anecdotal experience indicates that fiber and probiotics make things WORSE for people with IBS caused by small bowell bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
I seem to be one of those men that Zelnorm has absolutely no effect on, other than making me feel drugged. Are there any other options for increasing regularity that aren't habit-forming laxatives? Unfortunately the doctor at the clinic is away until May 31 and no one there is able to help.
In desperation I tried some probiotics and fiber for a few days, even though I was told not to. The bloating, gas and cramps came back almost right away. Any ideas?
BDB
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Question for IBS-C folks: relief w/o fiber or probiotics?
