i have been reading more and more people having success against pouchitis when using Pepto Bismol . For those of us who are IgG4 positive(antibiotic resistant), would this help us out any?

Hi there,

I have not yet been confirmed positive for IgG4, but I have suspected I am for years now. I read a medical abstract a few years ago by Dr. Shen about this "new" autoimmune disease and have been researching it ever since. None of the doctors in my area have any idea about a J-Pouch, much less the more specialized IgG4.

I NEVER thought something as simple as Pepto Bismol would help. I had been on every biological and combination-everything. I continue to suffer from cuffitis and pouchitis, and basically have since 2 weeks after my pouch. But, after my mother insisting I give it a whirl, I was so surprised that PB actually helped, and not by a small amount, but more than any drug I had yet to try!!

I have scoured the research for any adverse reactions to long time use of PB and haven't found any.

I would say to try it. Not much to lose...right?

I use two tablets (or you can do chewables or liquids-another great thing about it) every 3-4 hours.

I hope it works for you too.

I take Pepto Bismol chewable tablets between antibiotic doses if I start feeling irritated. I feel it helps.

I too am IgG4 positive - not being treated specifically for it, but taking canasa for cuffitis and tindamax for fistula, feeling pretty well.

However, a few weeks ago I started with the more frequent, small bms., getting up more at night, accidents, inflammatory feelings - started getting a little freaked out - but I restarted the PB and am doing well once again. Once in the am, once before bed seems to do the trick for me.

I absolutely think it's worth a try, and can't hurt, far as I'm aware. You may want to send your dr. a note, letting him know that you're giving it a shot.

The pepto worked amazingly for my IGG4 Pouchitis, gave me my life back. It worked for about 6 months, but quit. I've tried several times since, and it doesn't seem to work anymore. Well worth a try though, a very cheap and safe treatment!

michelb how much were you taking at a time ..maybe noy enough or you needed to up it..i am using in between my antibiotics that are not working as well when i end one and start anotther(i rotate antibiotic) i take 6 at a time...usually amounting to two times in the day beween the antibiotic..

but if you take no antibiotics increase your pb higher.see if it helps
rebe

my son had mild pouchitis for the first year and a half post takedown - he's been taking 2 pepto a day, 2 Align & 2 fiber pills (one in the am and one in the pm). He's been healthy and symptom free for over a year (knock on wood)

Rebecca,

I was taking 8 a day, 2 at a time. I was told 10 was the limit I should take. I'll try to up it and see what happens, as I'm not on any other antibiotics.