Life happens. So does SIBO/IMO

What are SIBO and IMO? I've been diagnosed with it, and I'm one week into a month long plan to reset my gut. Here's what's happening, and why I had to have a colonoscopy too.

Greetings from Wellington - where it is still midwinter, and pretty dark this morning. But, I caught a break with the weather earlier this week. In the video here, I'm taking you on a little walk along the south coast, as I explain what’s going on with my health journey, and how I found out that I have SIBO/IMO.

But you can read below, if that what you prefer to do.

It’s a 360 video, so whether you’re watching on a computer, tablet or mobile, you can scroll around. And don’t forget to switch your YouTube viewer to show the best resolution. It’s worth it. I have a video showing you how to do that here.

Health Journey: A Rollercoaster Ride

Back in April, I returned from a trip to Brussels and suddenly fell terribly ill for four days. It was a rough time, with severe stomach issues that left me weak and feverish. Even after recovering, I noticed that certain foods, like yogurt and dairy, didn’t sit well with me anymore. I suspected a secondary lactose intolerance, which can develop after an infection.

I cut out dairy and switched to alternatives like oat and almond milk, which helped, but I still wasn’t feeling right. After multiple visits to the doctor over the past two years, I was finally referred to a gastroenterologist. He suspected I had something called SIBO—Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth.

What is SIBO?

SIBO occurs when an excessive amount of bacteria grow in the small intestine, where they shouldn’t be. Normally, bacteria should reside in the large intestine. The symptoms I was experiencing—bloating, discomfort, and constant hunger—were classic signs. My doctor explained that the bacteria were essentially eating my food, leaving me undernourished despite eating regularly. And also putting on nearly 10kg in weight as a result of a possible hormonal shift caused by a complex interaction of all these factors. It’s weird that all these things can also co-exist with alternating diarrhoea and constipation, but that was my experience.

To confirm the diagnosis, I underwent a breath test after fasting for 16 hours. The test showed positive markers for hydrogen-producing bacteria and a significant amount of methane, indicating a specific condition called IMO—Intestinal Methanogenic Overgrowth. This condition involves methane-producing organisms that have taken up residence in my small intestine, making me feel miserable.

Treatment Plan: A New Chapter

With the diagnosis in hand, we needed to rule out any more serious conditions that SIBO or IMO might be masking. This led to a colonoscopy, a procedure I was not particularly looking forward to. Thankfully, the results didn’t show anything too concerning, but a few polyps were removed and sent for further testing.

After the procedure, I was prescribed a heavy-duty antibiotic combination to target the bacterial overgrowth. This treatment has been tough, making me feel unwell and keeping me close to the bathroom. I’m currently on day seven of a 14-day course, and it’s been a challenging journey.

But that’s not the end of it. After the antibiotics, I’ll need to go on something called an elemental diet. This involves consuming only pre-digested liquid food for two weeks to help reset my gut. It’s going to be a difficult month, but I’m determined to get through it.

Final Thoughts: Taking Care of Yourself

Before I sign off, I want to stress the importance of taking care of your health. If any of what I’ve shared resonates with you, please talk to your doctor. Especially if you’re in your late 40s or older, it’s crucial to address any gut issues early. I know the idea of procedures like colonoscopies isn’t appealing, but they’re necessary to ensure everything is in order.

I’m grateful for the medical care I’ve received and the support from my family and friends. It’s a reminder to appreciate the little things, like a peaceful walk on the beach or the excitement of our youngest child’s first day at school.

Let me know if any of this resonates with you, or if you’ve been on a similar journey yourself. I’m currently reading and listening to as much media and research possible on my condition. If people are interested, I can share some of what I have found.