SIBO Survival Story: How I Bounced Back from the Silent Gut Condition

Fact Checked

By Josh Sabourin

February 5, 2018

Most people have the occasional gut symptoms after eating a heavy meal or during periods of high stress. This is normal, as the human body has ways of telling you that you need to take a break and take better care of yourself.

What’s not normal, however, is when your digestive symptoms get so bad that they start to control your life, causing chronic, debilitating symptoms like excessive gas and bloating, diarrhea, cramps, fatigue and an overall reduced quality of life.

My name is Josh, and I’m the creator of SIBO Survivor. I experienced the very symptoms I just mentioned, and they were caused by a nasty gut condition called small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). In this article, I want to share my story of diagnosis, the dramatic impact SIBO had on my life, and what I’ve learned in my recovery that can help other people dealing with similar digestive problems.

Coming Down With SIBO and Gut Issues

My first year after high school, I was an all-conference baseball player at a small junior college, and I was in great shape physically and mentally. I clinched my team’s conference title with a walk-off home run, giving me even more confidence that I’d receive a full scholarship to a larger, Division I college and continue toward a long and successful baseball career.

But that’s not how the story unfolded.

Ad

During my second year in college, I started to struggle. My gut began to cause me serious issues, and I was constantly feeling burnt out and fatigued. I developed severe symptoms, including excessive gas and bloating, and ongoing diarrhea and altered bowel habits kept me tethered to the toilet. Baseball had always been my greatest passion, yet I was suddenly dragging myself to practice. I knew something wasn’t right.

In desperate need of anything that could help me feel better, I started searching for answers. I saw plenty of excellent doctors, including a gastroenterologist who conducted routine tests like a colonoscopy and stool test, but all I got was some sort of vague diagnosis called irritable bowel syndrome and was told to avoid dairy and reduce stress.

I tried those two tactics, but unfortunately, neither of them helped.

Baseball became a chore, and keeping up with school was nearly impossible. I continued searching for treatments, but as I continued to hit one dead end after another, I began to slip into depression. I had never been someone who struggled with worry or fears, but during that time I often wondered if I would ever get better. The pain of trying everything and seeing no results was too much to bear.

Searching for Answers

Once I hit rock bottom, it became clear that I needed to do whatever it took to get my health back. I became committed to learning everything I could about IBS, SIBO and the digestive system, so that I could find the best ways to start feeling better. This is when I started to uncover research suggesting that a certain percentage of patients with IBS actually have a condition called small intestine bacterial overgrowth, which occurs when there is too much of a certain harmful bacteria — or a dysbiosis — in the small intestine.

Immediately, the light bulbs went off because I knew I was experiencing most of the symptoms that are associated with SIBO. To confirm my suspicions, I conducted a lactulose breath test and discussed the issue with my current doctor, who was actually doing research on SIBO at the time. After receiving my test results and studying my health history, the gastroenterologist diagnosed me with SIBO and post-infectious IBS. And while it was refreshing to finally have some answers, I still needed to find some relief.

I was very lucky to have the support of my family to help me through the darkest hours. After I received my diagnosis, they helped me find a new gastroenterologist who treated her patients with holistic approach and encouraged natural health protocols, and it wasn’t until I found this integrative doctor that I started to feel better.

I experimented with all sorts of natural treatments — including dietary changes, medicinal teas, herbal tinctures, IV nutrition therapy and various supplements — alongside pharmaceutical drugs to help treat the SIBO. Throughout my journey working alongside my gastroenterologist, I began to notice positive changes in my body. Gradually, I regained normal bowel habits, experienced increased energy levels, and saw a reduction in symptoms such as gas and bloating. This progress gave me hope and allowed me to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

One crucial lesson I learned during my diagnosis and recovery is that there is no quick fix for conditions like SIBO. I had to shift my mindset and accept that making lasting changes to my lifestyle was essential for my health. While this realization was initially challenging, I understood that it was the only way forward.

As I embraced this new approach, certain strategies proved to be particularly effective in my healing journey:

1. Following a healthier SIBO diet, focusing on low-FODMAP foods
2. Incorporating herbal teas and tinctures into my routine
3. Utilizing antibiotics and elemental diet as recommended by my doctor
4. Engaging in activities like surfing to distract my mind from the condition
5. Building a supportive relationship with a caring healthcare provider

I also came to appreciate the importance of patience in the healing process. Trusting the journey and being kind to myself during the ups and downs of recovery was crucial. It took me several years to gradually improve, and I continue to prioritize my physical and mental well-being on a daily basis. The good news is that I can now enjoy a wider variety of foods and engage in activities that were once challenging for me.

Reflecting on my experience, I realize that pinpointing the exact cause of my condition is complex. While the initial diagnosis pointed to post-infectious IBS, potential triggers could have included factors like previous antibiotic use, high stress levels, or digestive motility issues.

My journey through suffering has sparked introspection and a quest for deeper understanding. It has fueled my curiosity and inspired me to make a positive impact in the world. I am grateful for the empathy I now have towards individuals silently battling digestive illnesses like SIBO or IBS. Living with such conditions is no easy feat.

For those navigating similar health challenges, here are some steps you can take to support your gut health:

1. Seek out a practitioner well-versed in natural and conventional medical approaches
2. Focus on a whole food diet and consider eliminating trigger foods temporarily
3. Educate yourself on different healing modalities and reliable resources
4. Consider getting tested for conditions like SIBO and explore appropriate treatment options
5. Prioritize lifestyle habits that promote relaxation, exercise, and social connections

In conclusion, my personal journey has led me to a deeper appreciation for holistic health practices and a commitment to improving the lives of those struggling with digestive issues. By integrating natural remedies and a mindful approach to wellness, I hope to empower others on their path to healing. provided sentence:

Please rewrite the following sentence for me.