Hi everyone,
I post here hoping that maybe somebody will recognize my situation: I've been fighting for some time and try to determine whether this is 'just' IBS or something more specific given my history.
I tested positive for H. pylori in the summer of 2023 and did a triple antibiotic course. It made me better. However, over a year later, symptoms started creeping back. They were different this time, involving acid-like sensations—and worsened gradually. I was also on PPIs (Pantoprazole) for a little over a year during this period, from around mid-2024 to mid-2025. I specifically remember feeling that something was wrong in my throat and stomach, especially while smoking. In the summer of 2025, apparently the H. pylori was back, according to my gastroenterologist. I then took two consecutive triple antibiotic courses back-to-back because the first one didn't make me better. Unfortunately, I still wasn't better after the second one either, which made me rethink if it really was H. pylori causing my issues this time.
I experienced big problems prior to and following my last treatments. I smoked a lot of cigarettes—about one pack a day—for three years, but now I don’t. I also smoked a lot of cannabis during that time.
What bothers me the most is chronic stress where it feels like my body is constantly in high gear, which I believe is stemming from my gut. I also struggle with severe bloating where I can see my stomach pulsating up and down, along with random muscle twitches throughout my body, as well as brain fog and dizziness.
These symptoms are systemic, not just specific to my stomach. Regarding my stomach, symptoms include: long-lasting pain; lots of gas and rumbling; constant bloating; nausea but can’t seem to vomit, like my gag reflex is broken, no vomiting in almost 2 years. Moreover, there is a visible pulsating movement across the whole abdomen with the upper middle part (epigastrium) moving a lot and sometimes tender to touch. I also notice problems in my mouth and throat, such as hoarseness of voice, tightness of esophagus, dryness of mouth, mouth ulcers, cracked lips, and white coating on the tongue.
Beyond the stomach, I am experiencing unintended weight loss, depression and anxiety, restless legs, fatigue, shortness of breath, worsened eyesight, poor sleep with nightmares and night sweats, and skin issues like dandruff.
I have done extensive medical testing to rule out serious pathology. I have had a colonoscopy, CT scan of the abdomen, extensive ultrasounds, and a new gastroscopy (Autumn 2025), all of which were normal. I have also tested negative for Celiac, food allergies, and blood in stool. My pancreas function is normal. I have also tested for SIBO & Candida, and both came back negative. I also tried FODMAP and Carnivore diet for a long time with little to none improvements, and I strictly drink water only.
However, a comprehensive stool analysis did show some abnormalities. I have high Zonulin levels (274), high stool pH (8.5), elevated E. coli, low Enterococcus, and signs of fat and carb malabsorption.
Has anyone successfully treated a similar profile? I have markers for dysbiosis and leaky gut alongside these systemic symptoms, I am unsure of the next step. Feel like I've tried every diet and I get symptoms no matter what I eat. Also tried herbal remedies without success.
Any advice is appreciated.
I post here hoping that maybe somebody will recognize my situation: I've been fighting for some time and try to determine whether this is 'just' IBS or something more specific given my history.
I tested positive for H. pylori in the summer of 2023 and did a triple antibiotic course. It made me better. However, over a year later, symptoms started creeping back. They were different this time, involving acid-like sensations—and worsened gradually. I was also on PPIs (Pantoprazole) for a little over a year during this period, from around mid-2024 to mid-2025. I specifically remember feeling that something was wrong in my throat and stomach, especially while smoking. In the summer of 2025, apparently the H. pylori was back, according to my gastroenterologist. I then took two consecutive triple antibiotic courses back-to-back because the first one didn't make me better. Unfortunately, I still wasn't better after the second one either, which made me rethink if it really was H. pylori causing my issues this time.
I experienced big problems prior to and following my last treatments. I smoked a lot of cigarettes—about one pack a day—for three years, but now I don’t. I also smoked a lot of cannabis during that time.
What bothers me the most is chronic stress where it feels like my body is constantly in high gear, which I believe is stemming from my gut. I also struggle with severe bloating where I can see my stomach pulsating up and down, along with random muscle twitches throughout my body, as well as brain fog and dizziness.
These symptoms are systemic, not just specific to my stomach. Regarding my stomach, symptoms include: long-lasting pain; lots of gas and rumbling; constant bloating; nausea but can’t seem to vomit, like my gag reflex is broken, no vomiting in almost 2 years. Moreover, there is a visible pulsating movement across the whole abdomen with the upper middle part (epigastrium) moving a lot and sometimes tender to touch. I also notice problems in my mouth and throat, such as hoarseness of voice, tightness of esophagus, dryness of mouth, mouth ulcers, cracked lips, and white coating on the tongue.
Beyond the stomach, I am experiencing unintended weight loss, depression and anxiety, restless legs, fatigue, shortness of breath, worsened eyesight, poor sleep with nightmares and night sweats, and skin issues like dandruff.
I have done extensive medical testing to rule out serious pathology. I have had a colonoscopy, CT scan of the abdomen, extensive ultrasounds, and a new gastroscopy (Autumn 2025), all of which were normal. I have also tested negative for Celiac, food allergies, and blood in stool. My pancreas function is normal. I have also tested for SIBO & Candida, and both came back negative. I also tried FODMAP and Carnivore diet for a long time with little to none improvements, and I strictly drink water only.
However, a comprehensive stool analysis did show some abnormalities. I have high Zonulin levels (274), high stool pH (8.5), elevated E. coli, low Enterococcus, and signs of fat and carb malabsorption.
Has anyone successfully treated a similar profile? I have markers for dysbiosis and leaky gut alongside these systemic symptoms, I am unsure of the next step. Feel like I've tried every diet and I get symptoms no matter what I eat. Also tried herbal remedies without success.
Any advice is appreciated.
