I was diagnosed with SIBO a little over a month ago and I’m trying to figure out what to do next treatment-wise.
About 3 weeks ago, I started a 2-week course of antibiotics (rifaximin + neomycin). While I was on them, I actually felt a lot better — I could eat more, had way less pain, and overall had a really positive experience. I was still bloated, but my symptoms were much more manageable.
I finished the antibiotics about a week ago, and since then I’ve started to regress a bit. My symptoms aren’t as bad as before treatment, but they’re definitely worse than when I was on the antibiotics.
Now I’m at a point where I need to decide what to do next, and my dietitian gave me two options:
- Do another round of antibiotics (same ones), but I have to wait about 3 weeks before starting. It would be another 2-week course.
- Start an herbal antimicrobial protocol, which I could begin in about a week and a half, but it would take longer (around 4–6 weeks).
I’m torn because:
* The antibiotics clearly worked for me, but I know they are harsh they feel on our body and I just finished a round, and I don’t necessarily feel like I need IMMEDIATE relief right now.
* I don’t love the idea of waiting 3 weeks doing nothing because I feel like my symptoms are already creeping back.
* The herbal route seems gentler and I like that I can start sooner, but I’m worried it won’t be as effective.
* I’ll be home for the summer when I’d be doing either treatment, so I will have a more controlled environment.
After either option, I’d likely go on a low FODMAP diet.
Has anyone been in a similar situation? Would you recommend doing another antibiotic round right away, or trying herbals first?
Any advice or experiences would be really appreciated!