I'm a recent J-Poucher (my takedown was on 5/12/17). Do any of you have experience with taking the probiotic VSL #3? And if so, what are your thoughts and experiences? It's a bit pricey so wanted to get some feedback before taking the dive.
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My surgeon has me taking Align for now. I am also new, 10 mos. out. I can't really say how well it's working, but I have had minimal issues with my pouch so far. I guess the real test will be if I eventually develop pouchitis. I don't dwell on that idea and am just doing the best I can for my pouch. If you belong to Costco, Align will cost about 54.00 for 12 weeks when it is not on sale. I stock up when it is on sale for about 10.00 cheaper. I did check the price on VSL -3 and VSL-3ds. Also, if your doctor does prescribe VSL-3 ds, you can go to their website to look for financial assistance. My sister currently gets it for free based on financial need. Doesn't hurt to take a look. I don't qualify now, but that may change in 6 mos. when I retire. Hope this helps.
Jeremy, I find that VSL is worth it for me. As CTB wrote, there are discounts and financial assistance available on the VSL web site for the prescription-only VSL #3 DS. In addition, some insurance companies cover it. I managed to persuade mine to cover it, but it took me about a year.
VSL #3DS IS WHAT I TAKE AND IT IS A GAMECHANGER FOR ME!!!!!!!!
I used to take VSL #3 4 sachets a day. I spent thousands of dollars over the years. One day i figured out it was triggering my arthritis, so i switched to a much cheaper probiotic it didn't seem to work as well. Then i tried taking it before meals usually 10 min before a meal and bang it works really well. Im now of the opinion that if you find a good enough probiotic and take it 10 minutes before each meal you get great results. So before each meal i take x2 probiotic capsules and x1 digestive enzyme, its been working really well.
