Hi all,

This is my first post to this group; I just registered this evening; and I was hoping you could help me with the following questions.

I guess my first question is, does pouchitis go away naturally? I've had similar symptoms before and I've never gone for treatment. I've read some comments about the treatment and it makes me want to stay away from the drugs if not necessary.

Are there any quick fix over the counter solutions to this problem? I have a triathlon I wanted to compete in this coming weekend and I'm starting to have doubts about attending if this doesn't get any better.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

The only thing that has a prayer is probiotics and they may not work. Everything else only treats the symptoms of diarrhea.

Jan

i think jan has said in the past the only thing to use for pouchitis is antibiotics and that pouchitis will not go away by itself..so maybe you did not have pouchitis..rebecca

Thanks ladies,

I guess I'll make an appointment to see my doctor then.

Fast_Robbie
Try VSL3 you can get it at VSL3.com.
I love it. I don't take any prescription drugs anymore. No Bentyl, Flagyl, Metrozonodale..... The VSL3 is a natural probiotic that will build good flora in your pouch and you will just love it. I suffered for months and now with this stuff I no longer have any problems.
You do have to watch your food portions and stay away from raw veggies.

I have read some recent literature that indicates there is some anecdotal evidence that probiotics have been useful for some cases of pouchitis. I would presume that they would be confined to the less severe cases. This is promising news, because the less antibiotics we need to use, the better.

Jan

Thanks Joann, I'll look into that. I'm still not sure what is the issue I have. My situation has improved, but I'm still not back to my old self. I'm on my third week with the change in health now. I'm confused as to what the issue might be. I have to wait a month to see my specialist, so I'm just watching my diet t'ill then. The good news is I managed to do my triathlon last week (it was under 2 hrs so I managed, plus I knew where all the washrooms where along the course). I ran right through the finish line and to the nearest go-hut

I just noticed you finished the triathlon. Congratulations! I'm amazed. I have a hard time just getting to the gym. You are Fast, Robbie!
Mav+

Hi Joann,
How many packs of VSL do you use per day?
Thanks
Susan

Thanks Mav+, These events give me something to strive for throughout the year and keep me sane. I'd encourage you to try a run, duathlon or triathlon if you get the chance. The people you meet along the way are great! Let me know and I'll set you up with some training programs

Unfortunatelly my bowels are still bothering me. I can run but I do feel pressure sometimes. Insted of waiting for the doctors appointment, I'm about to try a probiotic similar to what Joann suggested. This one was used by my gym coordinatoor's husband to help him with his colitis. Its called Primal Defence and its made by "garden of Life" (hey I didn't pick the name ). Has anybody heard of it or better yet tried it?

Fast Robbie,

Congratulations on finishing your marathon. Regarding the Primal Defense, do a search on it in the archives and you will find some information there. Much of what I gleaned in the historical posts seems unfavorable, however every individual is different and you may have to try it yourself to find out if you derive any benefit. Good luck.