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FMT at Taymount Clinic

42K views 124 replies 16 participants last post by  MaximilianKohler  
#1 ·
Hi all.

Today was my first of ten FMT sessions at Taymount Clinic and I thought I would document my experience as it may help others to decide if this treatment is worth a shot. At the moment, I don't think I'm going to do daily updates as I'm sure the procedure for the following days will be more or less the same, so I will just make notes as they come.

Quick background

IBS-D for at least 10 years. Diagnosed through exclusion of IBD and other known causes of intestinal upset. Have had every test, scope and scan known to man, and the most I have been told is that I have SIBO, fructose malabsorption, and IBS-D. I have tried every medication available in both Australia and Canada, have spend thousands on supplements (inc probiotics, prebiotics et al), given diets like SCD, FODMAP, Candida diet and many many more a long and serious go, but the only relief I've ever had is from plain old Imodium and chicken and rice. I believe my IBS-D may have been brought on by repeated use of antibiotics as a child.

Initial Consultation

In order to get treatment, you first need to set up a phone or Skype session with the clinic to determine if you are suitable for treatment. They will ask you for a brief history of your illness and diagnosis, tell you about the treatment, it's response rates and will let you know if they think you are a suitable patient. They are not pushy and don't attempt to get you to make a decision then and there. If they believe you are a good fit, they leave it up to you to contact them again to give the go ahead. They say about a third of people notice an improvement very quickly, another third over the next few months and the final third longer or potential not at all. Something to note though is that Dr Thomas Borody, a leader in FMT treatments says that even the most stubborn cases can be resolved over two years of intermittent treatment.

Preparation

There are three different ways to prepare for the treatment.

  • Daily magnesium salts capsules (Oxyklenz) for the 4 weeks prior to treatment followed by a colonic 10 days prior to treatment. The magnesium salts will cause softer stools, so perhaps this prep is more idyllic to IBS-C patients.
  • 1 or 2 colonics 10 days prior to treatment followed by MoviPrep solution 2 days prior to treatment.
  • 3 colonics provided by Taymount clinic in the days immediately prior to your treatment. The last option is an additional charge and adds to the waiting time.

I chose the second option, but erred on the side of caution and got 3 colonics in the 3 weeks prior to the treatment, and MoviPrep 2 days prior. If you haven't taken MoviPrep before, it is much easier than PegLyte etc. Something I will note here is that Newbery Clinic in Argentina do not recommend any bowel cleansing, and the Australian clinics only require it if your treatment is via colonoscopy.

Clinic

The clinic is located about a 4 minute bus ride or 10 minute walk from Letchworth train station, which is about 24 minutes by train from King's Cross London. I am staying in Stevenage which is two towns over, as there is more accommodation choices, and better access to supermarkets and transport. Stevenage is a 10 minute train ride to Letchworth. It is recommended that you stay nearby, so Letchworth, Hitchin, Baldock and Stevenage are your best options. The clinic is very professional in appearance, somewhat similar to a private day-surgery/naturopath. Each patient is assigned a nurse/therapist that you'll have the entire treatment. The treatments take place in what is more or less a private hospital room, with private washroom and hospital bed.

Day One

I'm going to skip through all the greetings etc and get straight to the treatment. Before you arrive they email you a timetable of what time your session will be each day. The first session is approx 2 hours long, with the rest being 1 hour. You are given a fairly thorough information pack including recommendations during treatment (ie, no large meals immediately prior to treatment), dietary and supplement recommendations post treatment, information on the microbiome and a lot more. The first part of the session is a gentle colonic. Mine was only about 20 minutes long but depending on what's required it can be up to 45 minutes. Their colonic machines looked very advanced and were more comfortable than the colonics I received at home. They then insert a small catheter, send the implant through, then remove the catheter. The bed is tilted so that your head is lower than your feet and you spend 10 minutes on your back while the therapist massages your stomach, followed by 10 minutes on your left side, then 10 minutes on your right side. I was given a prebiotic sachet to take with dinner, and advised not to eat or exercise excessively for the next few hours to avoid a bowel movement. At that point you can get dressed and leave at your leisure. My therapist mentioned that some people can only hold it for the 30 minutes which is enough time, whereas some others can hold it all day. I spent an extra 30 minutes at the clinic to make sure I didn't have any sudden urges then walked the 10 minutes back to the station, and took the train back to Stevenage. Thankfully most of the trains have washrooms so if you have an urge while commuting, you've got somewhere to go. I was able to hold it in for about 3 hours.

Some Notes

The founders, Dr Enid Taylor and Mr Glenn Taylor run a weekly presentation and discussion at the clinic every Tuesday open to all current and past patients.

I tried to ask some questions but I'm still fighting jet lag so I'm not on point at the moment. I asked if they've noticed if FMT works better for those with IBS-D over IBS-C (which is something I've noticed through other clinical reports like Dr Thomas Borody, and DIY patient reports). The therapist said she didn't notice it working better for one subset over the other.

I also asked if the donor stools are tested for strength and diversity of the microbiome, and was advised that they were not. This surprised me because something on their website lead me to believe that they did test bacterial strength. I will try to find this and ask them about it again.

I'm meaning to ask them what excludes potential donors from donating. The answer is more or less on their website (people with any health problems, illnesses and infections, recent antibiotic use, those who eat limited diets, those who have traveled to particular countries recently). However I want to find out how they make sure potentially unsuitable donors don't just lie about eating diverse foods, or antibiotic history etc.

Also, many people trying DIY FMT have noticed that exposing the stool to oxygen while blending it (etc) has a negative effect on the anaerobic bacteria. I will try and ask about their preparation methods and how they protect against this.

That's all I have for now. Hope this is of some help to those considering FMT.
 
#2 · (Edited by Moderator)
As a regular contributor in the chronic constipation forum I just wanted to say thank you for posting this and the best of luck with the results. Please, keep us posted!

Interesting article (I think this is the same Dr. Thomas Borody):

'Microbiome leader Professor Borody joins researchers at the China Microbiota Transplantation Conference'

https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/17/05/a9459341/microbiome-leader-professor-borody-joins-researchers-at-the-china-micro

P.S. They are even using FMT's to successfully treat multiple sclerosis & autism!
 
#4 ·
Updates

Asked again about testing donor stool for bacteria strength and diversity. They use a test conducted by Map My Gut through St. Thomas Hospital called 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing to get an understanding of the potential donors biome. The results must reach a certain standard, and the donor must pass all laboratory health tests and the clinics questionnaire to be considered as a donor. Donors are paid, as they must travel to the clinic regularly. I believe the therapist said all donors must also take Symprove daily, and receive FMT intermittently to ensure the consistent health of their biome.

I asked about the process for ensuring that donated stool maintains it's anaerobic bacteria, but the therapist said she would have to ask the lab team for me.

Finally, I mentioned to my therapist that there are a lot of people online thinking about FMT but are cautious because of it's high cost and limited clinical feedback. I also mentioned a few reviews I had read about people who had not been helped by FMT. She said that whilst there are no guarantees, those who don't respond (at Taymount) are a minority. She also agreed that due to the high cost and the potential for your illness to be misdiagnosed early on, it is best to exhaust all other avenues before FMT. She further went to say that the clinic will knock back prospective patients that have not had their condition properly diagnosed and have not attempted other treatments.
 
#6 ·
Good update.

Imagine, getting paid for your poop.
tongue.png


I have a question: How much do the FMT's cost?
The cost is ÂŁ3960 for 10 implants at the clinic over the course of two weeks, and two additional implants to take home with you to use at a later date. It also includes a colon lavage on your first day.

This makes Taymount Clinic more expensive than the Newbery Clinic in Argentina and Melbourne FMT in Australia. Taymount began performing FMT in 2009, Melbourne FMT in 2013 and Newbery in 2014.
 
#7 ·
The cost is ÂŁ3960 for 10 implants at the clinic over the course of two weeks, and two additional implants to take home with you to use at a later date. It also includes a colon lavage on your first day.

This makes Taymount Clinic more expensive than the Newbery Clinic in Argentina and Melbourne FMT in Australia. Taymount began performing FMT in 2009, Melbourne FMT in 2013 and Newbery in 2014.
Thanks for the reply.

So how are you doing so far? Any positive changes in BM's or no?
 
#8 ·
Thanks for the reply.

So how are you doing so far? Any positive changes in BM's or no?
There have been some changes. I've felt a little bloated the past few days and as of Wednesday morning I was starting to get constipated. Up until that point I was still taking Imodium an hour before each meal, so starting Wednesday I have only taken one Imodium in the morning with breakfast. If I continue to feel like I'm straining I will stop Imodium all together. I have only very rarely gotten constipated while on Imodium, so it's either a coincidence or the FMT is having some influence. Circumstance would suggest it's the latter, but I think it's far too early to be making any form of judgement, positive or negative.

I will say that on prior occasions I have reduced or stopped taking Imodium, I have felt the effects very quickly. My therapist gave me magnesium capsules as she said whilst I obviously don't want to experience diarrhea by choice, constipation can stop the FMT from traveling around the large intestine.
 
#9 · (Edited by Moderator)
There have been some changes. I've felt a little bloated the past few days and as of Wednesday morning I was starting to get constipated. Up until that point I was still taking Imodium an hour before each meal, so starting Wednesday I have only taken one Imodium in the morning with breakfast. If I continue to feel like I'm straining I will stop Imodium all together. I have only very rarely gotten constipated while on Imodium, so it's either a coincidence or the FMT is having some influence. Circumstance would suggest it's the latter, but I think it's far too early to be making any form of judgement, positive or negative.

I will say that on prior occasions I have reduced or stopped taking Imodium, I have felt the effects very quickly. My therapist gave me magnesium capsules as she said whilst I obviously don't want to experience diarrhea by choice, constipation can stop the FMT from traveling around the large intestine.
It definitely sounds like the FMT's are most likely having an impact, which is great. Also I'm thinking you probably shouldn't take Imodium anymore, because of the FMT's.

Good luck and keep us posted!
 
#11 ·
They've included quiet a bit of information about diet, it's effects on the microbiome and what foods to focus on, but they say not to make too many changes at once. For that reason, I am waiting until I get back home before making any big changes to my diet, and will introduce things slowly.

Yesterday they taught me how to do the implant myself via catheter, and it is easier than I expected it to be, and easier than it was when I did a DIY implant years ago. They are sending me home with two free implants, and give you the option to purchase additional implants at any point in time. The say some people won't need additional implants, others will see benefits from monthly implants. They do however advise that an implant be used after getting any gastrointestinal virus, and two implants be used after the use of any antibiotics. Implants cost ÂŁ200 if you are international, ÂŁ240 if you are from UK (inc VAT).

They also recommend taking Symprove for 12 weeks after your FMT. It is quite an expensive probiotic but there is research claiming that it is the only probiotic that will survive and grow successfully in your gut. Likewise, they recommend taking a prebiotic, like Acacia gum or GOS, which is fairly cheap.
 
#13 ·
I have had 9 transplants as of today. My last is tomorrow.

The schedule is one implant Monday to Friday for two weeks.

I tried stopping Imodium over the weekend, and I went back to having diarrhea. I resumed taking it again but at a smaller dose, one tablet before breakfast, and one before dinner. I've also been taking Galactomune by Klaire Labs, a GOS prebiotic. Since starting this combination on Monday, I have been having about two Type-4 movements a day.

This is obviously a big improvement, however I have not yet challenged my diet, and I can't be completely certain that the relief is coming from the FMT, the prebiotic, or both. Still early days.
 
#15 ·
They haven't mentioned anything about medications, but there is a lot of information about feeding your microbiome and foods that inhibit this in the information pack they give you.

I didn't have an urge to go to the toilet until a few hours after I got up this morning, which is unusual. I strained a little and was a bit constipated, however, what surprised me was the color of my stool. It is usually either pale or a shade of yellow/orange. This time is was dark brown. I can't remember the last time I had a normal looking stool.
 
#16 ·
They haven't mentioned anything about medications, but there is a lot of information about feeding your microbiome and foods that inhibit this in the information pack they give you.

I didn't have an urge to go to the toilet until a few hours after I got up this morning, which is unusual. I strained a little and was a bit constipated, however, what surprised me was the color of my stool. It is usually either pale or a shade of yellow/orange. This time is was dark brown. I can't remember the last time I had a normal looking stool.
Yay!
 
#18 ·
Update

I flew home on Saturday, took a couple Imodium throughout the day as travel usually upsets my gut. It is common for me to have a few days after I fly of very loose stool despite using Imodium, but this time that has not happened.

Since returning I have still been taking Imodium, one tablet before breakfast and one before dinner. I am finding that I am getting constipated so I will be cutting it down to half a tablet before breakfast and dinner, and hopefully at a later stage, none at all. I am continuing to take Galactomune, which is a GOS prebiotic fibre supplement.

I have reintroduced a few things into my diet since returning, without problems.

  • Oatmeal
  • Cheese (Swiss)
  • Kefir (Rice based)
  • Butter

It is important after FMT to consume pre- and pro-biotics, to support the new bacteria. In the past, fibre and probiotics would cause me a lot of problems. For now, I seem to be tolerating them well.

In terms of side effects from the FMT, the only I have noticed is that I feel quite tired, but according to the clinic this is common. They told me to expect ups and downs over the next 3 months.
 
#20 · (Edited by Moderator)
Great to hear of your good news, and your updates.

Thank you for keeping us informed, this is pretty important feedback for people.

Blessings, and hope you continue to improve.
I like the info in this post too, acureisoutthere! Very interesting. If there is a possible cure for some of us out there? FMT's are it. IMHO
 
#21 ·
"FMTs are it" I couldn't agree more. I just wish it was easier for people that suffer with IBS to get help and complete reversal of their symptoms, like I have. I count my blessings, every day. I know how lucky I am, and I just wish everyone else could have this same relief.

I think it's helpful to be reading everything one can find on the human microbiome. This helps to give a better understanding of what it's all about. You could try this ; Google CBS news, microbiome and the same for all the other major news sites. Start reading and understanding. This microbiome is playing such an amazing role in human health, and we've been overlooking it (and paying the price for that).

Also, there is a Reddit site on the microbiome that has an enormous about of info/articles on the microbiome :

https://www.reddit.com/r/Microbiome/
 
#23 ·
I've been doing well. I recently introduced Greek yogurt and granola bars without problems. I've also been taking a probiotic called Bio-K Plus, which is a fermented liquid similar to kefir.

I also reduced the Imodium from a full tablet twice a day, to half a tablet twice a day, but after a few days of that I got diarrhea, so I've returned to the previous dose. I noticed however that the turkey meat I'd been using for my sandwiches was very slimy and had a bit of an odor, so perhaps that caused it. Or maybe I was just having bad day, who knows. For now I'm going to stick with the initial Imodium dose and first concentrate on reintroducing more foods. My diet is already noticeably better than it was before.

Another improvement I have noticed (but cannot say for certain that was an affect of the FMT) is that my skin appears to be clearer. I usually have a patch of acne on my chest that never really clears, and since the FMT, it has all but gone.
 
#24 ·
I hope you try to avoid those processed foods, with their emulsifiers.

Very very interesting. I've read where rosacea is connected with the gut microbiome, so your report about acne makes sense.

It could have been that turkey meat. Time will tell. Wishing you the best. I've noticed after my FMT that unpasteurized sauerkraut (homemade) or kimchi seem to be good and helpful. There certainly is a dearth of info on how they are supposed to be. Perhaps you will find they are helpful for you ?
 
#26 ·
I'm still taking the Imodium but I'm doing a lot better than I was pre-treatment, in addition to being able to eat more foods. I haven't introduced much more in the last week because I've just been enjoying the predictable bowel movements. I will add some more foods this week. I'm having two movements a day, Bristol type 3/4.

The last week I've felt quite tired, but this is apparently common.