Has anyone in the UK been through a rifaximin course for hydrogen SIBO? I'm starting tomorrow and have been left completely in the dark by my doctor.
Quick bit of background - I've had GI issues for about 8 years. Found a hiatus hernia in 2020, tried every elimination diet, nutritionists, supplements, PPIs... eventually had a Nissen fundoplication on the NHS June 2024 which thankfully sorted my heartburn and reflux. But for the past 18 months I've had almost daily morning symptoms of fatigue, brain fog, bloating etc and it all points to gut motility issues and poor MMC function. I wake up symptomatic having felt fine the night before.
I finally got a hydrogen SIBO breath test done privately which came back at 92 out of 100... The doctor who ordered it was next to useless (his discharge note recommended yoghurt and said rifaximin wasn't available in the UK) but after pushing back with his secretary I've managed to get a prescription for rifaximin 550mg twice daily for two weeks.
The problem is I've been given zero advice on how to actually take it.
- Should I eat normally during the course or follow a low-FODMAP/elimination diet?
- Is there anything worth taking alongside it?
- Does timing with meals matter?
- Any reccomendation for gut motility support, Prokinetics, MMC aids etc?
If you've been through this, especially in the UK where SIBO support feels really thin on the ground, I'd love to hear what worked for you. Thank you!