All - been taking VLS DS 2x/day for the past 3-4 months with no apparent benefit and in fact have had a couple minor flare ups during this time. Question is has anyone found they need to increase dosage to 3 or even 4 of the DS packets per day to see improvement?

Hi Mike,
Wow, that really surprises me! I don't want to insult your intelligence, so please forgive this question...are you storing it in the refrigerator? Because of the limited shelf life and special handling instructions, it was the first thing that popped in my head.

Mike,

Were you able to get your pouchitis under control with antibiotics before you started the VSL?

I've been on VSL#3 for a couple of years. I haven't noticed that it helps my pouchitis at all, but I take it because I am on antibiotics every day for pouchitis. If I don't take VSL#3 I get yeast infections, athlete's foot, etc. I tried taking up to four packets a day for a while to see if it made a difference with my pouchitis, and I have to say it didn't. I do feel it is a good product to take if you have to take a lot of antibiotics. I try to take it at least four hours afer a take the antibiotic though in the event the antibiotic kills the "good bacteria" in VSL#3. My doctor said he didn't think the antibiotic killed the bacteria in VSL#3.

Barbara

Thanks all and yes, I do refrigerate and try to take at leat 3-4 hours between antibiotics (Xifaxin 200mg 2@ 3x/day and intermitten cipro during flare ups).

I will try increasing to 3-4 packets per day.

I started adding some culturelle along with still taking the VSL, it seems to help. I guess I'll find out for sure in August when I get scoped next.
LoriP