probiotic suggestions?

I take VSL#3DS, it is prescription strength. Your doc would have to write a prescription for it. I don't know if it works but I don't want to take the chance of going off of it. I have never had pouchitis so I think that is very positive. I take the one packet with a scoop of vanilla ice cream every evening. What a great excuse to eat ice cream daily I hope this helps.

I don't think you need either of the VSL probiotics; they are both very expensive and I would only use them if I had chronic pouchitis. Over the years I have taken Culturelle, PB-8, Align, and Risaquad. I don't notice a difference between them.

Sue

No one really knows what is best, whatever agrees with you is the right one for you. I couldn't tolerate VSL (gave me a lot of gas that I never adapted to), but I now take Florastor and Culturelle daily. Florastor in particular is supposed to be effective in preventing C. diff.

I also take VSL#3DS prescription strength. I mix one packet with a very small amount of water each day and drink it down. It doesn't really taste like much - its pretty easy to do. My doctor recommended it and it says on the packet that it is for UC and pouch maintenance. It is expensive but my insurance pays for it. My copay is $75 for a 3-month supply.

I'm a bit surprised your GI would say you don't need one; I think all of us probably should be taking probiotics, pouch or otherwise. Currently I take Align, and have done so for the past 6 months. I'm actually quite happy with it and believe it has helped, particularly with reduction of gas. Previously I was taking the Jaimeson 4-strain probiotic, which is about 1/2 the cost of Align. While I didn't notice any negative side effects with that one, it seemed to make absolutely no difference with respect to frequency, gas, consistency, etc.; basically it amounted to just wasted money. Align is a little more expensive, but at least it seems to make some difference. I also drink 1 bottle of Danactive with breakfast each morning, something I've done for several years now.

VSL#3 was prescribed to me by my surgeon, unfortunately it's cost prohibitive for me as it's not covered by my plan, so I've never tried it.

One thing to keep in mind is that you may have to try several probiotics to find one that's right for you. The drawback is that this can be a lengthy process, as you would need to try any probiotic for a minimum of 2-4 weeks to see how it affects you.

I use Culturelle capsules and Activia yogurt. I have to be careful not to overdo on these; seems to give me problems.

(I had my takedown in Feb 2007)

Good Luck,

Mark