Probiotics

Pinky,
I never took any until the late 90's (my pouch was created in 79) because no one talked about them back then...no major problem...but I did eat a lot of yoghurt...Also there are much cheaper, stable brands sold in Costco or Walmart or even GNC...you do not need the expensive kind but a good basic...I would go for the expensive ones if you really have a problem...for now, do not worry too much about it.
Sharon

Thank you Sharon for your help. I picked up a cheaper brand. I just am concerned with me not having insurance that something will go wrong and I will have to go to the doc's. Just want to try and prevent as much as possible!

Although I do take VSL, my surgeon is convinced that probiotics do nothing. And, he has been around for a looong while!

Pinky,
I am a strong believer in preventitive medecin so I think that you are right to do your best to keep things happy in there...but there are no real rules other than avoid the stuff that makes you sick, try not to eat too much undigestible fiber that could block things and stay hydrated.
No other rules but you could post and ask people for their favorite trick not to get sick.
Sharon

It has been 10 years since my surgery and I had pouchitis for the 1st time 3 weeks ago, I was on Flagyl and Cipiro for 2 weeks it helped a little, then I started taking VSL#3 on advice of my Dr. 1 week later and I have never felt better. I also am going less frequently and sleeping 6 hours in a row for the 1st time in 10 years. I wish I knew about VSL#3 a long time ago.

I told my doctor that I had done my research on probiotics and found the information to be inconclusive. He told me that VSL #3 has definite positive research results. Those who took VSL #3 were better compared to those who took placebos.

I have yet to try my samples because it sounds like it would taste yucky to me and I wanted to try my Lomotil and Bentyl first.

Lomotil and Bentyl have helped me tremendously, but not for the entire 8 hours between dosages.

I find VSL yucky in water, but just fine in yogurt.

what is your opinion on probiotics that come encased in the plastic or gel caplets...can we digest those?

Capsules are fine. They are not plastic, but gelatin, and dissolve quickly. What matters is which probiotics that are inside and if they require refrigeration. You need to be sure they were stored properly if they are not shelf stable.

Jan

I have been a loyal VSL#3 user since my take down, 2.5 years ago. In a recent visit to my GI, Dr. Loftus Jr. at the Mayo Clinic, we discussed it and he says they don't hurt but he doesn't recommend it. I said I'd read a study on it by the the doctors at the Cleveland Clinic and he said those studies were better than the ones written by the Italians. Evidently he doesn't think the Italian studies were conducted correctly or whatever.

That said I am had several occurrences of pouchitis. So, it hasn't held pouchitis at bay for me but who knows how bad it could have been had I not taken it at all. I am going to continue to take all that I've already purchased and then see how I do without it. Run my own very not scientific but very specific self experiment.