Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | So glad I pursued a diagnosis

After many years of IBS I found this site and have learned so much, especially how to get stabilized and I am very grateful for that. I accepted that I had IBS and would have to live with it. Through this site I learned about safe foods, medications, and tests that helped me to better manage and find answers.

I mentioned to my GI doc that surprisingly my IBS improved when I took antibiotics for other conditions such as sinus or ear infections. She said that was a symptom of small intestine bacterial over growth (SIBO) and she prescribed a 10 day course of cephalexin. IBS-D improved, but soon returned with a yeast infection. She recommended an office in the area that performed the breath test to confirm SIBO; I took the test and it was positive.

It was a relief to finally have results indicating something physical was the cause of some of my discomfort. At the test office I learned of several other antibiotics and duration of treatments that were preferable to treat SIBO. I am currently taking xifaxan for 21 days and have seen an improvement in 3 days. SIBO may need to be treated several times a year if overgrowth redevelops.

I also learned that eating between meals is not good for SIBO, it interrupts the natural intestinal rhythms that sweep bacteria and food out of the small intestines; whereas previously I had read that many small meals or always keeping something in the stomach was good, but not necessarily with SIBO. If food and bacteria are left to sit in the small intestine they stagnate and grow � overgrows with bacteria. With a diagnosis I am able to apply better practices for my specific condition. Yes, I still deal with IBS but it is much less frequent and easier knowing what other conditions are exacerbating it. I highly recommend continuing searching for a diagnosis through medical professionals to ensure application of the most effective treatments.

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