Experiences with VSL #3

I didn't experience any benefit from VSL #3, but other people have, and on that basis, I'd say it's worth trying. I believe some insurance plans are starting to cover VSL #3 double-strength on prescription. Might be worth looking into.

The only side effects I experienced were bloating and extra gas, but those subsided after a while.

You may wish to start off by trying the less expensive probiotics, such as Align, before going all in with VSL #3.

Hope one of them works for you!

It made me worse. I don't have pouchitis but bacteria overgrowth. I am starting to believe probiotics aren't worth it without a colon.

VSL#3 helps thicken up the stool for me. I take the prescription VSL#3DS which can only be prescribed by your doctor. I do have to note that it hasn't helped "cure" my pouchitis as I suffer from chronic pouchitis. I take one packet in the morning and one in the evening with almond milk or a smoothie.

The website is the same product just half the dose in each packet. The $86 is the cost for a box of 30 packets, not just one packet. My insurance covers the DS for which I spend $50 for one box of 30.

If cost is a concern for you, you can try a cheaper probiotic like Align. I have heard of many people happy using it.

My husband has to use Cipro to cure pouchitis, but as soon as he's done with that, he goes on probiotics and they really work for him. He just started Ultimate Flora Critical Colon 80 billion probiotic and it has been the best so far....he's literally been skipping around the house. he's also taking 4 Tumeric pills/day, which help with inflammation.

He has also taken VSL#3 with success, but I think the key with any of them is to switch them every few months. But so far, Ultimate Flora was been the best for him.

I love VSl #3 DS--I have been pouchitis free since I have started taking VSL 6 months ago. Good stuff!!

I think the success rate is exaggerated, but there are some people who swear by it. Anything is worth a try. Coffee works for me at keeping pouchitis at bay.

Coffee? How interesting - I recently stepped up my coffee drinking to 1-2 cups daily and have avoided a pouchitis relapse for the last 2 weeks since off antibiotics. hmmmmm.

I also use VSL#3DS and I think it helps as well, along with PB8. My PCP wrote a script for the VSL#3DS - it's $75 for 3 months. He wrote the script for 2/day, but I use 1/day.

My theory on the coffee is that it keeps my system quite regular and the high acidity helps. I am by no means a doctor, but since I started drinking 1-2 cups a day 6 years ago, I've stayed pouchitis free.

wow thats a hoot..cofee to keep pouchitis away..worth a try..i started having cappucinos in last year..maybe i need to increase that..or give it a try..

rebe

dr. shen who deals with probably more pouchitis patients at c.c in ohio has told me that he has not found vsl#3 beneficial for pouchitis sufferers (chronic pouchitis) at all...if so its probably not chronic pouchitis or something else going on..but he never recommends it for his pouchitis sufferers..nor does he think any probiotics do the trick in controlling pouchitis..that does not mean not to give it a shot.you never know...but vsl#3 very expensive so if its not doing anything do not continue this venture i would think..

I'm now on third years since my j-pouch surgery. I have Chronic pouchitis since then. This year my disease is more than ever. I never was so weak, dehydrated and lost weight too.

I have found VSL# is helpful to control gas formation in intestine. Excessive gas in bowel expels whatever scant liquid in pouch out. So more frequent dash for the toilet. I have seen reduction of bowel gas with VSL# Capsule after each meal. And never faced any side effect other than holing my pocket.

Hi,
I have chronic pouchitis and I am 2 years post op. I'm currenty on cipro and flagyl and recently when I stop taking it the next day my symptoms are back. I have started taking vsl3 capsules at the same time as the antibiotics. During that time, not "with them". It seems strange the nurse would tell me to do that. Don't antibiotics kill bacteria, good and bad? They said the vsl3 strengthens good bacteria. Has anyone else been told this?
As far as vsl3 it is too early to tell.I'll keep you posted on the result. I'm having a scope next week. Does anyone else suffer with nausea and low back pain with pouchitis? I'm trying to determine if the pain is pouchitis or my interstitial cystitis (bladder disease)
I know sugar is terrible for my pouch and I am going to try to eliminate that. I had very good results for over a year with floristor probiotic. I get my probiotics at drugstore.com. Its free shipping, good service and decent prices comparitively. Make sure if you try the vsl3 it is refrigerated all the time, or it becomes ineffective.I got my vsl3 at kroger to be sure. Floristor I used drug store.com.
Kim V.

One year antibiotic free thanks to VSL. Bill is $2500 a year. Crazy. I stopped all my expenses like coffee & paying for lunch to afford this. I believe in it 100%. It also reduces bowel movements. I take three packs a day and would probably go to four but or the expense.
My biggest problem is very little ino on proper dosing.

in the United States, there are insurance companies that cover vsl#3DS. Don't leave off the DS (double strength). They don't cover if it isn't DS. Maybe you can have the doctor write the script for 4 a day.

Does anyone know if Anthem covers VSL?

How long did you guys have to take it to see results?

Any guidance on ordering or taking it?

My dr wants me to try Humira for pouchitis, but I would like to try something a little less severe first...

You have to ask your insurance company if your policy covers it. There could be different policies in the same company and one covers and the other doesn't. When you call and ask, make sure to find out about vsl#3 DS.