Hello,
I was wondering if some of you could tell me the results you had after taking VSL#3.
I'm curious as to the number of BMs before and after with the drug. It's been over four years since my j-pouch was created and a good day for me is about 8 to 10 BMs a day. That may not be too bad but fewer would be better. During what I think is pouchitis flare ups, obviously the number goes up to 13 to 15 or more BMs a day. I only take cipro to take care of the flare up and then go back to the probiotic Floragen which has worked best for me so far.
thanks in advance for any useful info. Jim

I know lots of people swear by VSL#3 but for me I couldn't get through 2 weeks of it as it was causing me so much gas. Perhaps I should have started at half a packet a day and worked up from there?

Currently I am taking a new probiotic called TuZen that seems to be working quiet well for now. It has a count of 10billion.

Hi GB,
My daughter has been taking it since her takedown and she has an average of 4-6 bm's a day. She does take immodium each day which also helps. Knock on wood, she has not had a case of pouchitis yet which we think is directly attributed to VSL #3...makes sense to keep the intestinal flora in check. Best of health to you!

Thanks for the info EliseC & jpoucher. I'm going to have to try the VSL#3. I was going to try it some time ago but was not covered by my insurance. But thanks to this site I see that they have VSL#3 DS by prescription only. I'm hoping I'm covered!

GB,
I just wanted to say that I agree with jpoucher in that working your way up to 1 packet is a good idea. My daughter started with 1/2 a packet and did experience abdominal discomfort for about two weeks or so. Try to be patient while your system adjusts. Best of luck!