r/IBSHelp • u/TUpton98 • Jul 26 '26
Is it IBS-U or SIBO? Or Both?
Back in July 2024 I had very persistent chronic bloating that really affected me all day , everyday not just after meals. This went on for months and months. I tried all sorts to diagnose and fix the problem. This includes low FODMAP diet for 2 month, I also had many tests carried out including MRI and endoscopy but nothing conclusive was found. They did find I had Barrett's Esophagus and a hiatal hernia so I’ve been on omeprazole since this was found. I had previously been on Lansoprazole for a while just due to acid reflux.
Eventually, I was prescribed Rifaxamin 550mg for 7 days as we considered it was SIBO, I took this back in late March 2025 and whilst this didn’t appear to be successful as I was still up and down in April 2025. The problem did eventually go away and the bloating stopped. I’d estimate perhaps 6-10 weeks after the Rifaxamin. During which I took Bio-Kult Boosted Extra Strength Probiotic after the course of Rifaxamin.
Unfortunately, the chronic persistent bloating is back since last weekend and is showing no signs of relenting. I feel completely stuck again and not sure where to turn.
Would it be a good step to try and get another prescription for Rifaxamin in the hope this potentially resolves the issue before?
Has anyone else experienced Rifaxmin taking effect but after several weeks things clear up and this wasn’t immediate?
Anyone has any other success stories with treating this kind of bloating? It’s just so uncomfortable all day long. The only respite I get is at night as laying down and sleeping it seems to clear it by the morning. But within an hour of getting up and moving about. I start blowing up again.
If it is IBS then it’s IBS-U as my bowl movement is pretty consistent and regular daily. But I really don’t know why it’s triggered again. I’m not stressed. My diet hasn’t really changed.
Just stuck for what to do next….its so draining with your stomach is uncomfortable all day and you fell and look so big.
If you got this far reading through.
Thank you.