Is it pointless to start taking a probiotic while I'm still taking xifaxin and cipro for a pouchitis flare-up? On the VSL#3 website they say to not take with an antibiotic, but how the heck are you supposed to clear up the infection and begin the probiotics? Were the people in the vsl study in remission from pouchitis, or in an active flare? I'm very confused

-Sarah

In the study, the remission was obtained with antibiotics and the probiotics started after the course of antibiotics. However, there is one recent study that preliminary results show some efficacy in treating mild to moderate pouchitis with VSL#3. There are conflicting opinions regarding taking them concurrently.

Jan

CHRIS'S DR JUST PUT OUT A NEWSLETTER REGARDING THE USE OF PROBIOTICS. I WILL SCAN, COPY AND PASTE IT TOMORROW FOR ALL TO READ

If you have a pouchitis flare up, finish the antibiotice first, the begin immediately, the next day with a double dose of vdl#3... run that for two weeks and back off to a single dose. Think about what you are doing here, the antibiotics kill off everything and it is inportant to repopulate with good bacteria immediately. While the blood serium level of antibiotics will take one or two more days to clear your gi tract will be flooded with good bacteria to rebuild with.