I've had a j-pouch for 6.5 years now, and I'm going to start my first probiotic treatment next week. The one I'm starting has 6 different humanized strains, which all live in different parts of the track. Also, wouldn't the flora level of the pouch itself would be similar to the flora that would live in the colon, as it takes over the job of it? I would think having more happy bacteria than bad would lead to a healthy flora count thus stopping pouchitis (which is caused by too much bad bacteria, or even an antibiotic treatment can trigger it), being with it in itself.

I'm currently taking cipro and flagyl twice a day for pouchitis, so I'm going to start adding the probiotic near the end of their course. I hope to have a positive experience using them.

I have been taking probiotics for years. When my j-pouch was connected, and now that I have an ileostomy. Was just thrown for a loop when my specalist told me the bacteria from the probiotics don't survive in the small intestine. I don't know if they work or not as I still get sick. I will probably still take them, just in case they are doing something.

Yeah, wouldn't hurt to keep taking them. I'm stoked to try them out.

I've been using various probiotics for years. I guess I have no way to be sure they are working, but I feel they do help. And my CR surgeon from Mt Sinai insists taking probiotics is helpful.
I'm using the Rite Aid brand now and I'm happy with it. Cheaper then Align, and I think it works just as well.

Umm I was never told that by the few GI and surgeons I have. I would think my GI would not recommend wasting money on such things if they didn't work.

the VSL#3 DS says right on the package for people with ulcerative colitis or ileoanal pouches. I take one packet a day.

May I state the (possibly stupid) but obvious??? If antibiotics work in the small intestine why then wouldn't probiotics? We take the probiotics to regenerate the good bacteria that our constant use of antibiotics has kille/destroyed...They may not be truely necessary on a 24/7 basis 12 months of the year but at least when we are in trouble, feeling like our digestive process has been compromised by meds and when we are feeling 'pouchy' then I personally feel as if they help me...my naturaopathic doc (who was also my G.P) is the first one to have put me on them over 20yrs ago and I felt the difference almost immediately...so, try it...you may like it.
Sharon

I was just about to write what Holly did. I take VSL3 DS too and on the packets it says "for people with ulcerative colitis or ileoanal pouches." I take 1 packet a day with yogurt and I think it does help a bit. I figure, it can't hurt.