My new G.I. wants me to try them again to help curb my pouchitis. I bought 20 packets of VSL#3; took one per day for two days and 1/2 per day for two days. By then I was emaciated with diarrhea.
Then he had me buy some Align tablets and take two of them per day. I took one per day for two days and spent the second night, all night on the throne.
I stopped a week to get back on my feet and tried one again. While sitting on the throne I remembered that only three years ago I had a Renal (kidney) shutdown due to dehydration and maybe this was not a good idea.
Am I just NOT a candidate for probiotics?
Dave D

Well, that renal failure could scare anyone. I wonder if you could start at a way, way lower dose and see if you can work your way up before you throw in the towel. VSL#3 is pretty strong so maybe you can start with something very mild with not a high number of good bugs. Then go to a stronger probiotic. Many people go through this adjustment period. But again, you're a pretty good judge of your body with all that you've been through. Maybe even try them every other day to begin with.

Good luck Dave, I hope you can get past the 'adjustment' period. If not, you could try a multi-strain yogurt like Stoneyfield Farms or Brown Cow. Sourdough bread is also a possibility.

kathy

I tried VSL#3 for a couple of weeks and I felt horrible with the frequency, gas, etc. I tried starting low and working my way up to a full pack but that didn't work any better.

My G.I. gave me a sample pack of a new probiotic called TuZen and it did cause a bit of gas in the beginning but after the first couple of weeks I felt much better. Not sure if you can get TuZen in the US but you could always ask you doctor about it. Perhaps there is another Probiotic that you could try? There are lots of them out there.

Good luck!

What about culturelle? That one comes up pretty often around here.
So, did they get you into remission with antibiotics ?
LoriP

No Lori, he just put me straight on the VSL #3.
Dave D

I would try a very small amount, like a quarter of a packet per day for a week. Then increase by increments only after you have fully adjusted. Some people are just very sensitive to it and like adding fiber to your diet, it has to be done gradually.

Someone here tried rectal instillations. I don't know how that worked out.

Jan

I saw a colo-rectal surgeon at Duke University and they suggested four packets a day for two weeks, then down to three a day for two weeks and keep reducing by one packet till my symptoms return, then increase by one packet and stay at that level.

I tried VSL for while and didn't notice anything. Right now I'm taking the probiotic Flora-Q (double strength) and it improves my frequency/ solidifies noticeably.
Good luck Dave.
-sara

I also take Flora Q. I've had pouchitis a number of times since my takedown in 2004, and my rectal surgeon puts me on flagyl for 3 months at a time. Afterwards I start on the FloraQ. For the first two weeks I am on it I get more gas and go more often, but then that subsides. I tried the double strength, but did not like it. I have been on the regular ones now for over 2 years without pouchitis. The price has certainly gone up the past few years, but it is worth it to me to not be on flagyl. Sometimes I feel I may be getting pouchitis, but I just keep taking the floraQ and my insides go back to my new normal. I usually go 8 times a day,
or more if I eat chocolate etc, which I love!

Good luck.
Linda

I took myself off antibiotic after 3 years of continued use and got off them and put myself on the probiotic Align. I got some free packs from my gastro doc and when I saw my primary I asked if the rep left any and could I have them. I'm running out and have enough expenses, so I found out CVS sell a double strength brand of probiotics and picked up a 30 day supply for $9.99. So far I only have gas at night. So far so good.

I get such horrendous gas pain....I'm kind of afraid to try probiotics again. I tried the Align a couple months ago, shortly afterwards had really bad gas pain. My gas pain seems to be almost gone now, but I'm going about 50 times a day...no kidding...I can't even keep count anymore. My last scope showed no pouchitis, but it sure seems that way.