SIBO Treatment Update: Phase 1 Final Round (Two)
First Round Success, Second Round Fail
I went through two rounds of taking Xifaxan, Neem and a biofilm disruptor daily. Each round takes two weeks. In my SIBO Treatment Protocol article, I explain what role Xifaxan, Neem and the biofilm disruptor play in eliminating methane-dominant SIBO from the body.
The first week I diligently followed the Xifaxan and natural antimicrobials protocol but I fell short during the second round which was during the holidays.
In retrospect, I should have waited until after the holidays to start the second round, but I wasn’t sure if I needed to do one right after the other, and instead of asking the doctor, I just began the second round.
Two Rounds of Treatment Under My Belt
In order for the SIBO treatment protocol to be effective, the Xifaxan, Neem and biofilm disruptor should be taken as prescribed.
Unfortunately, I didn’t follow the prescribed protocol during the second round. This is what happened.
Missed Doses and Dropped Pills
About four Rifaximin pills fell on the floor at work, and I didn’t want to ingest them because it’s where I constantly place my feet. I had to throw away at least one and a half days of Rifaximin.
Skipped Meals and Missed Medications
For two days, I didn’t feel well, so I didn’t eat full meals. Since Rifaximin should be taken with food, I didn’t take it for those two days. Other days, I skipped breakfast, so I only took the Rifaximin twice in a day, not three times as prescribed.
Low FODMAP Mishaps
During both rounds I made a scarce attempt at following the low FODMAP diet. I’m disappointed to say I didn’t feel like restricting my eating on some days.
Passing on a Third Round of Treatment but I’m Feeling Better
The protocol for two rounds is now complete.
I had the option to do a third round of this treatment, but my stomach has been feeling a lot better. I don’t know if that’s because the treatment is working, because I’m having more regular bowel movements, or a combination of both.
Because I’m feeling better, the doctor felt a third round was not necessary; however, there is a second phase of treatment which I will need to begin in my quest to rid myself of SIBO.
On to Phase 2
In my next post I will talk about how Phase 2 of the SIBO treatment is going.
If you’ve gone through SIBO treatment, was it broken into two phases? Were you able to follow the protocol?