I am just curious. How many of you still take med's. It doesn't really change my decision to have surgery b/c I know that I cant stay on predsnione but I feel like I hear a number of people that have the surgery but still take prednsione, antibotics etc. I almost did a poll but I thought I would post my question here. So what type of medication future should I look at after having surgery (with a stoma and then with the j pouch)

I think it really varies. I have had my pouch for two years now and just take a daily vitamin and the occasional VSL packet.

-Nicole

I take Protonix (antacid) right now, but dont think I'll be on it much longer. I had a bout with an ulcer in my pouch and once thats back to normal, I think Im going to switch to TUMS.

Other than that, just VSL here and there.

One drug you can look forward to NOT taking is prednisone. In my view, anything else is not so bad!
There have been some who do need prednisone after surgery but it is not common.
Probably the most common meds are lomotil or imodium, and various antibiotics. Of course I would include a probiotic as well, although it isn't a medication.
Best case scenario - nothing. But even people I know with a great outcome still take something like lomotil on occasion. All in all, it varies greatly.

I currently take no meds related to my pouch. Any pouchitis I've had has responded well to antibiotics. Do take an Immodium very infrequently.

I knew about that nasty predisone cause as a child I had to take it at times for asthma. If I had known about this surgery when I was told I had to take predisone again I would have gone straight to the knife. That said, besides my VSL I take a half dose of xifaxcan (antibiotic that releases into your intestines) to keep my pouchitis in remission. Good luck with your up coming surgery. You will not believe the difference in how you feel.
Susan

you guys are really inspiring me ALOT!! Not being on meds is so important to me. My biggest symptom with UC has been loss of appetite/nausea.......no pain. Most people here seem to have gotten a significant relief from the pain they had with UC. I hope cutting this stupid colon out of my body makes the loss of appetite/nausea go away and be prednsione free too. If it does, I will be thrilled.

Have taken Flagyl twice for pouchitis - other then that - no meds I do take probiotics though.

I've done step 1 and 2 so far...step 3 in three weeks....so far no drugs! I just take chewable multi-vitamins.

My symptoms of UC were atypical too. I didn't have the cramping pain but suffered more from general malaise, fevers, vomiting, and nausea. I lost a lot of weight. Now 8 years later my appetite is a bit too healthy! Surgery relieved me from all of the above and much more. I do not take meds.

Sue

Though I don't have (or didn't have) UC/Chrons....thought I'd chime in.

I only take Natural COX-2 Inhibitors and some other all natural meds for the good of my body.

I take NO pills for anything related to my Pouch.

I am two months post takedown and have not taken any meds so far.I find that i can regulate my pouch output by diet alone.

quote:

That said, besides my VSL I take a half dose of xifaxcan (antibiotic that releases into your intestines) to keep my pouchitis in remission.

VSL is a probiotic (?)
You take an anti-biotic

They cancel each other out, don't they?

I was thinkin the same thing Chuckus...I thought they would zero each other out as well...

I was told to take them at different times and there should be no problems. (by my Pharmacy)
**VSl#3DS and antibiotics**


Jim