SIBO testing

[DebE13]

My GI wants me to do a breath test for SIBO. It doesn't seem the results are all that dependable. I'm not sure if I'm thrilled about taking a day off work to sit in the doctor's office all day for a test that may give false results. Although, I may not have a choice.

I've taken the hydrogen breath test twice and passed it both times. I would have to disagree with the thoughts that dairy is ok for me to consume. Maybe it's the casein and not the lactose but if that test wasn't accurate how will the one for SIBO turn out?

I seem to be gradually slipping back to more D. Definitely no more Normans. I won't complain too much yet since the frequency is much less than before but I suspect it won't last.

[sunny]

Deb,
My doc used a lab that allowed the patient to do the test at home, which I did...it would be difficult to do at work unless you were free to stop frequently and blow into a tube... it took several hours as I recall.
But the test was inconclusive as it " flat-lined" or showed all zeroes....my doc don't know how to interpret that.
Commonwealth Labs says that happens when levels of hydrogen sulfide or methane are below detection limits...but didn't know what to do with that information.

I saw a question and answer session on Reddit with Dr. Mark Pimentel of Cedar-Sinai in LA who specializes in SIBO and he has some interesting ideas about SIBO....I think I found that through Chris Kessler blog dated
September 10, 2015....
Anyway, Dr Pimentel has been researching sibo for over 20 years...and has found links to food poisoning and other gut infections like Cliff....
If I were in LA I would seek treatment there as they have research groups who process all this together with the research team....it would be wonderful to work with a team of docs who know what they are doing!
Just food for thought...
Sunny

[Patricia]

Hi Deb,

My naturopathic physician ordered the SIBO testing for me about two years ago. It arrived from a lab in Oregon, I believe. They had me on a special diet for two days before (not much different from my MC diet, to be honest). I had to do the test at home, blow in a tube every so often, and if I remember correctly, the test triggered some diarrhea. The results were pretty obvious that I had SIBO, but in retrospect, I am not sure that this knowledge really changed much for me. My gastroenterologist offered me some antibiotics for it, but I was not keen on taking antibiotics, so I did not. My naturopathic physician offered some herbal antibiotics, but they contained something that I was afraid I would not tolerate (maybe something with peas or legumes?). So I ended not taking anything for it. Over time, I believe my SIBO has gotten much better (probably as I am healing from MC). What I do know is that sugar is very bad for me. Once in a while a small piece of dark chocolate is fine. But if I have something sweet a few days in a row (for example because I baked something for one of my daughters, GF, SF, DF, EF, safe for me, and I keep having a piece of leftovers every day) it will act up.

Good luck with everything! I hope you feel better soon!!

Love, Patricia

[ldubois7]

Deb,

I just did the SIBO test, at home, through Genova.
It was fairly easy to do.

I know that the newer tests are more accurate than in the past.
It may give you information that you could use.

Let us know how it turns out, if you decide to do it!

Good luck!

[tcmarv62]

Commonwealth Labs is out of Business, or at least not performing Breath Tests an longer.
Genova Labs is who I work with on any testing. Top notch and great reports returned.
www.GDX.net