Given the potential side effects taking antibiotics for 10-14 days is there any research regarding more short term periods? I speculate that the reason for the time frame above is to allow the pouch to fully heal.
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I'm not sure that antibiotics have 'severe' side effects; it's just that your body gets 'use' to them; and taking them will have less effect and benefits.
Antibiotics can indeed have severe side effects, but they usually don’t. If you’re going to take them, though, you really need an adequate course of treatment. I’ve been on Cipro for about ten years, and I’m doing fine. I am getting an ultrasound of my aorta, though, to make sure the Cipro hasn’t caused any trouble there.
I have been taking continuous antibiotics for 25 years to treat Pouch inflammation. The only side effects I ever had were minor and were due to not rotating. 10-14 days is kind of a blip on the radar compared to my 25 years, don’t you think? On the other hand I do realize that some people have severe reactions after one day. But I think if you tolerate you tolerate and if you don’t you don’t. You find out quickly.
I haven’t been feeling well for about a week but don’t have clear signs of pouchitis....just cramps and loose stools...how do you know when you have pouchitis?
Cramps, loose stools, increased urgency, nighttime incontinence, and incomplete evacuation are all signs of Pouchitis. If you are expecting to feel like you did when you had UC, no.
I've had a very minor bout of pouchitis once post takedown. Tbh like you I too am scared of taking any antibiotics whatsoever. I know many people have been taking them for really long times without any/minor side effects. Its just that with UC I compromised so much with medicines that I dont feel they fix up the issue. For me I had a cough along with pouchitis in the winters and I took 3 days course of 200mg metronizadole BD along with cough syrups. It did give my pouch a bit of relief but the moment I stopped the med I was very soon at the same point. So I altered my diet instead of going for a larger/longer dose. And within 3 days my pouchitis was more than cured. I've been feeding on too many nuts and fresh fruits so I cut them all except bananas which I can tolerate in any amount. I found that the skin of nuts was causing the irritation. The moment I stopped having them it got stable. You should always listen to the doctor what he says and to your body along with that. If the condition needs medical attention give it, but also try to determine what caused it in the first place. Chances are you can get it and eliminating that may help in future. Good Luck 👍