VSL#3??

I personally have never tried it (sounds yucky tasting to me), but when my surgeon suggested it, I told him that my research of probiotics seemed to be inconclusive.

He said that the research on VSL #3 is indeed "conclusive" in that those within the study group who took VSL #3 did far better than those who took a placebo.

I think you can only get it by prescription and that it is really expensive (may not be paid by insurance?) My doctor gave me a few samples in the office to take home. They are still sitting in my drawer. I also did not want to try it immediately, as he gave me a few other prescriptions and I did not want to throw a whole bunch of drugs at my issues and not know what was really working and what was not.

If you are interested in trying VSL#3 it does come OTC in capsule form. IDK if this is as effective as dosing with the liquid form but it may be easier to handle if the taste is bothersome. I think I will give the capsules a try and see if I notice something better then the protection I get from the probiotic I typically use. I will report back. Thanks for responding.
Savannah from MPLS.

There is no liquid VSL #3. The OTC version is simply a lower dose, and comes in capsules or packets of powder. The "DS" version requires a prescription and only comes in packets. "DS" means double-strength, and it's exactly the same stuff, just twice as much per packet. I take a maximal dose - four DS packets per day (two in the AM, two in the PM). There is no taste (IMO) if you mix it in yogurt, but it is pretty yucky in water.

Prescription drug insurance coverage often (but not always) covers the DS form.

Thanks so much Scott!
Do you think the VSL3 is better then other probiotics for pouchers? And, just curious, what about the cultures makes it better? Anyway, I will see if my surgeon will write a scrip for the stronger stuff and meanwhile I will try the OTC capsules. They are expensive so I hope my insurance will cover the scrip.
Savannah

I don't know if VSL is the "best," but they've done decent clinical studies and have the best evidence.

What sets VSL#3 apart from most of the others is that they actually did some studies with j-pouches, and that is a rare thing. But, even with that, I would not say that it is conclusively superior to any other probiotic. What the few, small studes showed was that if you take it after surgery, it delayed the first instance of pouchitis.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16903771

If taken after treatment for pouchitis with antibiotics, it prolonged the period of remission for a small number of patients. It did not appear to be particularly effective for treating active inflammation.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16197493

The problem with the VSL#3 studies is that they are not very large or long term. Also, another important thing is that there are no comparative studies, pitting it against other probiotics. You really do not know if other probiotics might be similarly useful. So, again, this is one of those things that maybe it will be useful for you, maybe not. Apparently, the evidence is not strong enough for all the doctors and insurance companies to jump on the bandwagon and support the cost of treatment.

Jan

My husband has done pretty well with VSL3. It is pricey ($49).

My doctor has me taking the double strength version. I take 2 packets twice a day. I believe it has helped me. I mix the powder with applesauce. It needs to be refrigerated. My insurance paid for a three month supply but I have a feeling I may not get them to cover the cost again. It is very pricy.