VSL-3 is a just for maintenance. It's good to continue to to take if affordable to you it keeps the good bacteria in you digestive system to counteract all the bad bacteria but I'm sure you probably already knew that. My point is VSL-3 or any probiotic is not used as a cure. Flagyl or Cipro is usually used in the case of pouchitis. I have never experienced it thank God but from every instance I've read about it is usually resolved with a round of antibiotics. Good Luck.

Pouchitis is bacteria overgrowth so you need to take the antibiotic to kill it off. Hopefully it's your last case of it as well.

As far as I can tell, alternatives are few (I have chronic pouchitis and have been taking cipro more or less continuously for about two years now). I have heard on this list of people radically changing their diet in the manner suggested by your mom. I personally have not gone that route because, like you, I just want to live normally. People have also tried bismuth based products like Pepto Bismol and claim it has helped. I personally have been thinking about trying humira if I can't get off the antibiotic circuit - although I don't know if that qualifies as being a healthier option.

Others probably have additional suggestions, but the landscape of options is pretty barren as far as I can tell. Hopefully you get it resolved quickly and don't have to worry about it in the future.

Most cases of pouchitis clear up fully with 10-14 days of antibiotic use, and don't come back very often. Some folks, like TinCan (and me) have to stay on antibiotics, but even that generally works just fine.

Your mum is trying to be helpful, but you should only make major changes to your diet under advice from a medical professional e.g. surgeon, doctor or dietitian.

Antibiotics aren't "bad", they are a serious medicine for a serious problem. Remember that your doctors have studied for many years, and that their recommendations are backed up by many studies and government oversight.