Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | treatment for high methane levels?

I have IBS-C and was tested Monday for methane levels. My baseline score was already apparently way over the level for being positive, and I was told I am a very strong producer of methane gas. My GI would like to treat it (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth...SIBO) with the antibiotic Xifaxan. In doing some research on SIBO I've come across several studies that indicate that Neomycin might be a better choice for those with high methane levels as opposed to hydrogen. Some suggest it can "erradicate" methane-producing bacteria and alleviate constipation. (!!)

My questions are:
*Have any of you had the breath test done and tested positive as a methane producer?
*Do you also have IBS-C?
*How have you had this treated, and was it successful?

ANY thoughts or info on this topic would be greatly appreciated. I did already read Heather's post (4/28/07) regarding an article published by the Am. J. of Gastroenterology. I understand that the study of SIBO is still rather poor and that there don't appear to be definitive solutions yet, and that studies of methane production in particular are lacking. That's why I'm posting here...often the best advise and help comes from others who suffer from the same issues and have had success (or not!).

I also know from reading that even if I succeed in killing off this overgrowth, it could return (and many people do seem to have to repeat antibiotics over and over...not a good thing!). I am trying to make a plan for keeping it from repopulating, and would love your thoughts on it.

1. Antibiotics short term, but heavy and well chosen
2. Probiotics long term (lots of controversy here on best type, but saw "bifidobacterium infantis 35624" listed as best for SIBO?)
3. MAJOR effort at bowel motility!!!!!!!! This is my HUGE problem, but it improves greatly when I do what I know to do! -Citrucel and Acacia work best for me, and much increased fluid intake.
4. Lower sugars and carbs - these feed the bacteria
5. Peppermint caps- Heather's. I have to be careful w these as I can begin to get reflux from them if I use them too much (Pepp Tea, too). I don't have GERD or reflux normally, but my GI said my muscles ALL relax too much with the high levels I was taking- thus the heartburn. When I back off a bit I do fine. These should help kill the bacteria when it is at a more manageable level.
6. Stop taking antacids (Gas-X). I use these because I can get so painfully bloated from my constipation and the SIBO, but I understand that antacids kill too much of the acid needed to help control the bad bacteria that I'm battling. Bummer. They have always been a good source of relief for me when I'm hurting badly, but I don't want to use them if they are contributing to the problem. I'll have to rely on my heating pad and fennel tea.

SO...if you've read this far, Thanks! I know this was long, but I am VERY excited about finally knowing this "piece of the puzzle," and am anxious to get moving on (hopefully) feeling better.

Thanks ! KellyJean (IBS-C; Celiac Disease) *Following Heather's diet and this site since about June 2011

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator