What probiotics do you like? My favorite, Flora-Q, has been discontinued.
Thanks for any input on this.
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If your insurance will cover it, VSL #3 DS is the best-studied one (for preventing pouchitis). The DS form requires a prescription, which is why some insurance policies will pay for it.
With the exception of VSL #3 (which my insurance does not cover even with a prescription, and I can't afford to pay for on my own), I've tried quite a few different kinds. Of the ones I've tried, I've had the best results with Align, which I've been taking since last October. It's not exactly cheap either, but certainly more affordable than VSL, especially if you buy it from Costco.
I'm sure you're aware, but with any new probiotic you need a trial of a good 2-4 weeks to see if it has any effect, positive or otherwise.
I'm sure you're aware, but with any new probiotic you need a trial of a good 2-4 weeks to see if it has any effect, positive or otherwise.
I eat Activia.... I don't know how good it is but fixing to find out. Anyone else ever try it out?
Richard.
Richard.
I agree with Spooky.
I just started a chewable brand from a large chain vitamin store...inspite of the fact that I don't have pouchitis I take it for the positive digestive effect that it has on me...and it seems to be working quite well...much less undigested food and a more regular transit time ( I tend to have under an hour door-to-door ) so it definiely slows things down...I can also sleep through the night without having to get up to empty out my pouch...a real bonus.
Sharon
Sharon
Scott F...
I've just gotten my first prescription for VSL#3 DS, and yes, I'm blessed (and relieved) that my insurance will cover it. My surgeon has told me that it's the best way to keep your pouch in "good shape", and that VSL#3 DS is designed specifically for the management of anal pouches. Here's my questions for you... as a user...
1. Do you have any side effects from it?
2. Do you use the powder/refrigerated form?
3. If yes, what do you find to be the best way to take it (i.e. mix in water, or juice, etc. Sprinkle on applesauce, whatever)?
4. Is there a good/bad time of day to take it?
5. And, do you think it would be a good idea or a bad idea to take it at the same time I take my daily dose of Metamucil? (i.e. my morning "cocktail").
Any input/advice you would have on the VSL would be greatly appreciated...
If anyone else has ideas, please chime in!!
-- Linda
I've just gotten my first prescription for VSL#3 DS, and yes, I'm blessed (and relieved) that my insurance will cover it. My surgeon has told me that it's the best way to keep your pouch in "good shape", and that VSL#3 DS is designed specifically for the management of anal pouches. Here's my questions for you... as a user...
1. Do you have any side effects from it?
2. Do you use the powder/refrigerated form?
3. If yes, what do you find to be the best way to take it (i.e. mix in water, or juice, etc. Sprinkle on applesauce, whatever)?
4. Is there a good/bad time of day to take it?
5. And, do you think it would be a good idea or a bad idea to take it at the same time I take my daily dose of Metamucil? (i.e. my morning "cocktail").
Any input/advice you would have on the VSL would be greatly appreciated...
If anyone else has ideas, please chime in!!
-- Linda
I mix it with Yogurt and Protein Smoothies. I have mixed it with applesauce, pudding and ice cream in the past. One of the suggestions it comes with is ice cream, I think? I'm trying to stay away from sugar now...trying. I mixed it with cottage cheese once and it was awful!
FYI I just increased my dose to 2 packets of VSL#3DS daily at separate times. My GI at the Mayo Clinic wrote the prescription when I asked if I could try it to see if it would help get rid of my recurring pouchitis. I was pleasantly surprised when my insurance company paid for the double dose of the DS.
(I have a high deductible so I been payed for it myself the first 5 months of the year, ouch!)
Good Luck everyone
FYI I just increased my dose to 2 packets of VSL#3DS daily at separate times. My GI at the Mayo Clinic wrote the prescription when I asked if I could try it to see if it would help get rid of my recurring pouchitis. I was pleasantly surprised when my insurance company paid for the double dose of the DS.
(I have a high deductible so I been payed for it myself the first 5 months of the year, ouch!)
Good Luck everyone
Linda-
1) I have no side effects from VSL (as far as I know). Some people report gas (and sometimes that's transient).
2) All VSL is refrigerated. The DS (prescription strength) is only available as a powder.
3) I mix it in Greek yogurt twice a day. I find it undetectable in yogurt. I'll mix it in water (with Metamucil) when I'm traveling and can't get yogurt.
4) Any time of day is fine. I tend to take it at mealtime based on the completely-made-up idea that the probiotic bacteria can "hitch a ride" on the food and better survive the acid bath in the stomach.
5) I take it at the same time as Metamucil (see # 4), but I only mix them when I can't get yogurt.
6) If you're taking an antibiotic it's probably a good idea to take the VSL a few hours before or after the antibiotic.
Good luck!
1) I have no side effects from VSL (as far as I know). Some people report gas (and sometimes that's transient).
2) All VSL is refrigerated. The DS (prescription strength) is only available as a powder.
3) I mix it in Greek yogurt twice a day. I find it undetectable in yogurt. I'll mix it in water (with Metamucil) when I'm traveling and can't get yogurt.
4) Any time of day is fine. I tend to take it at mealtime based on the completely-made-up idea that the probiotic bacteria can "hitch a ride" on the food and better survive the acid bath in the stomach.
5) I take it at the same time as Metamucil (see # 4), but I only mix them when I can't get yogurt.
6) If you're taking an antibiotic it's probably a good idea to take the VSL a few hours before or after the antibiotic.
Good luck!
Scott... thank you so much for your input. I just took the plunge and started with my first dose this morning of VSL. I figured that if I did have any side effects, I'd rather have them over the weekend
Thanks again... you've been most helpful!
-- Linda
Thanks again... you've been most helpful!
-- Linda
I eat Activia, and keep some Culturelle capsules on hand to use if my symptoms worsen. Has worked for me so far.
Good luck,
Mark
Good luck,
Mark
I take 1 Culturelle capsule every morning.
Then in the evening - 1 small bottle of DanActive.
Then in the evening - 1 small bottle of DanActive.
Phillips Colon Health. I've been taking a probiotic every day since my take-down (4 1/2 years ago) & I notice a huge difference in how I feel if I accidentally forget to take one. I used to change brands every month, rotating 3 different brands, but I always felt least bloated & gassy when I took Phillips so I just stuck w/ it.
FYI
I'd suggest for everyone that is having ongoing pouchitis problems that you look at how many bacteria and how many strains of it you are receiving in the probiotics you are taking.
We no longer have our colon and I agree with line of thinking that the small intestines, that were used to make our j-pouches, were not equipped with enough of the good bacteria needed to be the waste storage and processor of our waste. Therefore helping furnish the healthy bacteria to kill the bad bacteria which is the basis of pouchitis is required. VSL#3 has 450 Billion and VSL#3DS has 900 Billion bacteria containing 8 strains of live, freeze-dried lactic acid bacteria per sachet.
Please note that what you may be taking as 9 to 40 million or billion bacteria but no where the amount in VSL#3 450 billion or VSL#3DS 900 billion healthy bacteria.
My GI and I just increased mine to 2 doses of 900 billion daily as I still have recurring pouchitis. The treatment per the VSL#3DS instructions are 1/2 to 4 sachets per day.
If what you have is working for you then I'd say don't change it, but if it's not working you might want to try something stronger. Unfortunately VSL#3 is the only probiotic there has been studies on regarding pouchitis but it proved beneficial.
I'd suggest for everyone that is having ongoing pouchitis problems that you look at how many bacteria and how many strains of it you are receiving in the probiotics you are taking.
We no longer have our colon and I agree with line of thinking that the small intestines, that were used to make our j-pouches, were not equipped with enough of the good bacteria needed to be the waste storage and processor of our waste. Therefore helping furnish the healthy bacteria to kill the bad bacteria which is the basis of pouchitis is required. VSL#3 has 450 Billion and VSL#3DS has 900 Billion bacteria containing 8 strains of live, freeze-dried lactic acid bacteria per sachet.
Please note that what you may be taking as 9 to 40 million or billion bacteria but no where the amount in VSL#3 450 billion or VSL#3DS 900 billion healthy bacteria.
My GI and I just increased mine to 2 doses of 900 billion daily as I still have recurring pouchitis. The treatment per the VSL#3DS instructions are 1/2 to 4 sachets per day.
If what you have is working for you then I'd say don't change it, but if it's not working you might want to try something stronger. Unfortunately VSL#3 is the only probiotic there has been studies on regarding pouchitis but it proved beneficial.
I use VSL#3. It is expensive but I will do whatever it takes to save my pouch....
I use 1 packet of VSL#3DS. I mix mine with a scoop of ice cream in the evenings. I feel it is working. Never had pouchitis. My co-pay with insurance is $50.00 a month and $148.00 if I had to pay out of pocket. With all these insurance changes coming up soon I hope this will still be covered under my new plan.