Mr. K chose fecal microbiota transplantation as a treatment for various health issues that had troubled him for many years. We had the privilege of hearing his valuable story about the journey leading to that decision, his current life, and his hopes for future medical care.
Profile
・Disease Name: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Orthostatic Dysregulation Disorder
・Migration Period: January 28, 2025 to February 4, 2025
・Number of transplants: 3-session course
・Transplant-Performing Medical Institution: Futamata Medical Corporation Natural Art Clinic
Interviews
How did you learn about fecal microbiota transplantation?
Mr. K’s Parents: He had been suffering from conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, orthostatic dysregulation, and sleep disorders. Due to persistent diarrhea in particular, we felt there was likely some issue with his gut environment. We were somewhat aware that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) existed as a method to improve gut health, but we didn’t know where it was performed. We understood it was limited to temporary, research-based procedures at university hospitals and was only available for specific intestinal diseases. While searching for various information, I learned that Natural Art Clinic offers intestinal flora transplantation.
During your treatment so far, what advice have you received from your primary physician regarding improving your gut environment?
Mr. K’s Parents: From the initial diarrhea symptoms, we recognized there was an issue with his intestines. This was three years ago during an online consultation at an internal medicine clinic. We began focusing on his gut flora after stool test results revealed that while harmful bacteria weren’t particularly high, beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus—which should naturally be present—were extremely low. This confirmed his gut environment was severely disrupted. Since then, he has been taking supplements.
How did you arrive at the option of “transplantation” due to an imbalance in your gut flora?
Mr. K’s Parents: We were searching for a place that performs fecal microbiota transplantation. About four years ago, we felt skeptical about this treatment, but our perception has changed recently. While researching various information, we discovered and read Mr. Shimizu’s book, The Power of Poop. We became convinced of the treatment’s reliability and track record, leading us to decide on treatment at Natural Art Clinic.
Weren’t you concerned about it being private treatment with a limited number of cases?
Mr. K: Before visiting that internal medicine clinic, I had been focusing on treatments for other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. I started seeing that clinic because I desperately wanted to get my diarrhea symptoms under control.
I heard about fecal microbiota transplantation from my parents several months later. At the time, I didn’t understand it as deeply as they did. My limited knowledge led me to dismiss it as a treatment option—I felt it seemed “shady,” had a strong physiological aversion to having stool introduced into my body, and worried about the risk of rejection. However, another six months later, I felt my health had improved as much as it possibly could. Yet, it still wasn’t sufficient for a normal life, leaving me in a dead-end situation where I felt “there was nothing else I could do.” At that point, my parents explained fecal transplantation to me again and tried to persuade me. I decided to give it a try, even though I didn’t know if it would work, and opted for three transplants at Natural Art Clinic.
Mr. K’s Parents: In the past, during a colonoscopy for irritable bowel syndrome, he experienced a period of feeling exceptionally well after the laxative emptied his bowels. This made him vaguely aware of the importance of gut health. He had also read specialized books on treatments for autism spectrum disorder.
How did you feel about the support provided by the medical institution and the administrative office?
Mr. K’s Parents: We have sent multiple emails to the secretariat of the Clinical Research Association for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation to confirm whether the test results from Natural Art Clinic have been shared. Since the treatment schedule is determined after payment is received, it would be helpful if the schedule could be finalized sooner to allow for time off work.
Are there any dietary restrictions you need to be mindful of?
Mr. K’s parents: While they aren’t overly strict about oils, they particularly restrict gluten and dairy products. They’ve cut back on noodles, which he used to enjoy eating excessively. They feel it wasn’t good that he relied on noodles as a convenient meal he could prepare and eat even when his parents weren’t around.
How about your sleep?
Mr. K: Before the transplant, I experienced unstable sleep and feelings of fatigue. After the transplant, I was able to lead a healthy student life. My fragmented sleep patterns changed to a single, solid block of 7 to 8 hours, and I think that contributed to my reduced fatigue. However, with so many changes—the transplant itself, managing my diet, starting university, regulating my sleep rhythm, and beginning to take health supplements—I honestly can’t say which factor had the greatest impact.
I’d also be very interested in learning about any research findings linking sleep disorders to gut microbiota dysbiosis. My sleep disorder is the “hypersomnia” type, characterized by sleeping for extremely long periods. Recently, increased outings while caring for my grandmother left me physically exhausted, and I ended up sleeping about 70 hours over four days.
Mr. K’s parents: They are concerned that this excessive sleepiness might be “Kleine-Levin syndrome” or “idiopathic hypersomnia,” and are also considering a connection to chronic fatigue syndrome. They are hopeful for further research data on how these symptoms relate to gut health.
What Mr. K continues to do to maintain a healthy gut environment
- I am restricting noodles, especially gluten and dairy products.
- Utilization of GC peptidases (a general term for enzymes that hydrolyze peptide bonds).
- Replace dairy products with A2 milk (milk composed solely of the A2 type of beta-casein) or soy milk.
- Use healthy oils such as perilla oil as much as possible.
- In addition to natto, kimchi, and pickled vegetables, consume bifidobacteria and oligosaccharides.
Finally.
Mr. K himself initially felt a physiological aversion to fecal microbiota transplantation and considered it “suspicious.” However, after trying various treatments and reaching a point where “there were no further options,” coupled with increased public awareness of stool transplants and his parents’ earnest persuasion, he decided to undergo the treatment.
Currently, Mr. K has undergone three fecal microbiota transplants and his condition is stable. He continues to make efforts to maintain a healthy gut environment, such as improving his diet (limiting noodles, gluten, and dairy products, and consuming pickled vegetables).
Mr. K’s experience suggests the potential and importance of symptom improvement through changes in the gut environment.
Important Notes Regarding Testimonials
- This article is based solely on the personal experiences of patients and their families and does not guarantee the effectiveness or course of treatment.
- The progression of symptoms, response to treatment, and degree of recovery vary from person to person, and not all patients will achieve the same results.
- When selecting or implementing a treatment method, be sure to consult thoroughly with your primary physician or specialist. Make your decision after comprehensively considering your own medical condition, constitution, lifestyle, and other factors.
- The treatment details described in this article (transplant method, course, duration, cost, etc.) are specific to a particular patient’s case and may not apply identically to all medical institutions or situations.
- This testimonial is published at the request of the patient and their family, with care taken to ensure individuals cannot be identified.
