Treatment for IBS

Hello,

I am a 37 years old female diagnosed with IBS. For years, I tended to have occasional loose stools, gas, pain and bloating. I sought medical help when in April all the symptoms flared up like never before.I have some family history of colon cancer although only second degree relatives and at old age (70)I had the following tests done:

fecal leukocyte, fecal occult blood, ova & parasites, guardia, complete blood count, sedimentary rate, thyroid T3 and T4, blood test for celiac, complete metabolic panel. All tests were negative/normal.I have not had a colonoscopy yet
but probably will have it just to be sure.

I was prescribed a 10 day course of rifaximin, during the course and for about two weeks after almost all symptoms went away. However, they started coming back after two weeks off the medication. My doctor feels that I can repeat the course again (the fist one started about a month ago). Dose it make sense? I do not want to cause more harm tahn good by taking prolonged antibiotics. Also, I am taking one-half to one Imodim tablet daily. Can I do that on long-term basis?

Thanks

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the workup this far, as well as the recommendation for the colonoscopy.  

Rifaximin is an antibiotic that has reasonable been shown to help with IBS.  Repeating the course is not unreasonable.  

However, if the symptoms continue, I would pursue the colonoscopy to exclude more serious causes of the symptoms.

I cannot comment on the Imodium (immodium) without evaluation.  I would discuss this question with your gastroenterologist.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[crabar344]

enteric coated peppermint pills, 2 pills, 3x daily in between meals, and also pancreatic enzymes, 1 pill right before eating.

The peppermint is a proven bacterial overgrowth killer, and the exzymes will help you digest your food.

[abdula]

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[abdula]

if u need to be healthy and neet to know who is the real food and how to preare to be healt so jast visit http://behealthyforum.com/ get the best resipies about healthy. good luck