use of VSL#3

I highly recommend it. I stopped taking VSL because of the cost, developed pouchitis and was put on flagyl by my gastro. It wasn't working so he suggested Cipro...instead I bought a bottle of VSL again and within 3 days was feeling much better!!!!
It costs around 65 for a bottle. I've been taking 2 capsules a day, but I think you can take 1 and see a difference

My GI appointment isn't until next week and I am sick of the thrush and yeast infections. Where can I get VSL#3 without a script? I am sick of flagyl and I've got to try something.

Also, how many pills come in the bottle for 65 bucks?

You can get OTC-strength VSL directly from the manufacturer at vsl3.com. It has to be kept refrigerated, at least most of the time, so if you order it elsewhere (e.g. Amazon) try to make sure it will be shipped properly. Your pharmacy could also order it for you, if they're so inclined. The OTC strength comes in different forms - powder in packets or capsules, mainly.

It tends to be used in pretty high doses, which may be why there are success stories. I don't know whether one capsule a day would be adequate. One capsule contains about 112 billion bacteria, which is respectable compared with other OTC probiotics you'll find on the pharmacy shelf. But one double-strength (by prescription) VSL packet contains 900 billion bacteria, and I take four of *those* daily. That's equivalent to 32 capsules daily - more than half of that expensive bottle of 60 capsules. I wish my insurance still covered it!

VSL kept me off antibiotics for a couple of years. That didn't last forever, but I think it still helps.

Check with your insurance company. I was pleasantly surprised mine covered it. My GI recently increased my dose to 2 packets of VSL#3DS daily and my insurance company covered it. The only dosage considered as prescription is: VSL#3DS and not all pharmacies carry it. Walgreens in my area does but it takes a few days for them to get it in.

When I first wanted to try it, I asked my Internist to write my prescription, as I wasn't seeing my GI first. She was more than willing and I didn't bother asking my surgeon.

Last month was the first time my biopsies and pouchoscope pictures came back as pouchitis and I've had my pouch over three and a half years. This is why my VSL#3DS dose was increased from one to 2 packets per day. It was suspected I had pouchitis and IPS prior and I took augmentin or flagyl periodically but pouchitis wasn't confirmed in a biopsy until July.

It has 8 different strains of bacteria too which is more than other probiotics. Go for it!

Good luck and I hope you are feeling better soon

Thank you