Xifaxan/rifaximin

[klt03301]

I had to see a new GI b/c of my insurance. Have medicare but can't pay the co-pay for my other GI. She's a doc at Duke and I told her all about my GI problems. I'm considered a "hardship" case there and don't have to pay for my healthcare. I now get all my healthcare there. She wants me to take Xifaxan 200mg 4xday for 10 days. She thinks I have bacterial overgrowth. She used to use the "breath test" for it, but says it's no longer considered reliable. Too many false positive/negatives. I just can't live this way; never knowing what the next day holds w/multitude of symptoms.

I know many used it after vanco for C Diff. I told her I was terrified of taking another antibiotic and she could not promise me it wouldn't cause C Diff to come back. I'm 9 months post C Diff, but having terrible problems with "IBS". She said that a study has found that many w/IBS actually have bacterial overgrowth.

Please, any suggestions? She strongly urged me to take it. I'm scared to do it. I don't have D, gone the other way for quite some time, but terrible pain now and still the nausea.

She has scheduled a colonscopy for me and another endoscopy. Couldn't get those until 2/09. Just had endoscopy a month ago, but since old GI didn't take biopsies, she says she'd like to do it. She seems very thorough and very knowledgable.

Thanks, Karen

[klt03301]

Forget it! I just read where it can CAUSE C Diff.

[TheVike]

try going NATURAl not advice just my experience! See my post TMI

[klt03301]

Thanks Vike. I read your response in TMI. Yep, I think the best plan is to go "natural". I'm literally so confused b/c after months of feeling well, I now feel like crap. I did stop taking 2 of my 3 probiotics around the same time this started, so all I can think now is to go get those again.

Thanks again...Karen

[Bobbie]

kit,
See FAQ-SIBO.
Don't let docs. upset you with all their "predictions." If I had everything they've told me they thought I had, I'd have been 6 ft. underground (actually it would be my ashes floating in the air) years ago.

Remember, docs. just "guesstimate." Also, they have to tell you about every possible diagnosis now because of all the med. mal. suits.

Your new GI sounds thorough. but do what you think best.

I've had IBS for years -- seldom have nausea, however, so I've been lucky there. (Never had problems before C. diff.) The busier I am, the less I suffer from IBS. When I was doing my enforced "resting" because of broken vertebra, IBS bothered me a lot & I had C., too - result of pain meds.

Just no rest for some of us!!! Not fair!! And I was always healthy before C. diff. except for allergies & sinus problems. I want my health (and my youth back -- remember "tight" skin?)!

[whitepine]

I would NOT take Rifaximin!! It gave me a relapse and it was horrible. I can CAUSE c.diff!

[klt03301]

Thanks, all! I DID NOT take it and I'm actually doing so much better!

Karen