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Posted 1/25/2014 11:13 PM (GMT 0)
So, my fellow Lupies, I'm just wondering how many of you/if any are taking probiotics of some sort while on Azathiopurine (Imuran)?? I'm thinking that I really need to be taking them, due to things happening with my body, but I am not sure just how one sided the opinion is out there with pros/cons to taking them with an immunosuppresant drug every day. I have several health issues that I feel could be resolved should I to take them, but it seems that docs have a neg opinion on this. I'd love to hear yours?
Posted 1/25/2014 11:38 PM (GMT 0)
I'm not on the medicine you're taking, but I do take probiotics.
Make sure to follow your doctor's orders. You don't want any conflicts.
Posted 1/26/2014 3:49 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, make sure to check with your Dr. S/He doesn't have to approve, they just need to tell you if they will conflict with your medications.

For instance, Lupus gives us overactive immune systems, so our meds help us by reducing the action of the immune system, trying to get to a normal balance. Then, if you took something designed to "boost" the immune system, it'd be totally out of balance again, and you would have wasted all the time/money on Dr, meds, & supplements!
Posted 1/26/2014 5:23 AM (GMT 0)
My old rheumatologist had just said, "no, not a good idea." I didn't really get a reason. He just retired and I'm waiting to see my new one in a couple months. I suppose that I could ask a pharmacist about medication conflicts? Just as a place to start. I usually go with what doctors suggest, and if they strongly suggest against it, then of course I'm going to listen... it's just that my gut is telling me I need these. That might sound funny, but when I have a strong inkling on something I'm usually right (not always, but usually). Thanks for the encouragement as well that they can suggest, but it doesn't mean that I have to go with it (unless of course medication conflicts). I'm having a lot of stomach issues (which I never had before) as well as recently diagnosed bacterial vaginosis....all of the things going on seem to point to bacteria being "off" in my stomach. I don't digest food the same as I did even last year...I'm currently undergoing ultrasounds, and other tests to get to the bottom of things, but I cannot help but think, what if this is a big help
Posted 1/26/2014 2:47 PM (GMT 0)
I don't think the more gentle ways of getting probiotics -- such as the yogurt and cottage cheese products - would be of harm. I have had Drs recommend them to me when I've had vaginitis.

Some of those other (expensive! and somewhat drastic) antibiotic programs are a bit scary.
Posted 1/26/2014 2:56 PM (GMT 0)
My gastroenterologist said Align is the only probiotic that has had comprehensive scientific studies showing it works. Both he and my internist suggested I take it daily for my diarrhea. As you can see I talked to my docs before taking it, but it has been a tremendous help. It's great that you are so in tune to your body. That will really help you with your lupus. Love, Butterflake
Posted 1/26/2014 5:17 PM (GMT 0)
I wish that it was a simple for me as to eat plain yogurt. I love the stuff. I used to eat it all the time with fruit or granola or by itself. Now I'm lactose intolerant as of the past 6 months. I eat it and I get severe pains/bloating. I'm also not digesting other foods properly. A month or two back I had some antibiotics for 3 days and truth be told it seemed to improve things hugely. I cannot help but think that there are a lot of bad bacteria in my stomach.....its encouraging to know that the vaginitis can go away. I was under the impression that it could stick around.
Posted 1/26/2014 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
I read about the Align that Butterflake talked about above. I was a little surprised to see "milk" listed among it's ingredients. I don't know if that would be enough to kick off a lactose issue or not.

Is lactose intolerance something we just observe ourselves about how our bodies are acting, or it there an actual medical test that shows it?

Found this www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003500.htm. Interesting.
Posted 1/26/2014 9:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lynwood: I know that lactose intolerance can be diagnosed... in fact my doctor ordered the exact test that you provided the link for in your reply for me. I went to the lab and turns out I have to pay $50-$60 to do the test... right now in my life I cannot spare the money. Maybe in the near future. I don't need a test at this moment to prove that my body cannot handle the lactose. I have the tiniest amount... and I mean tinies (like a spread of margarine on toast) and I'm so bloated I cannot do my pants up and within a bit of time I end up in pain that is so bad it can sometimes cause vomiting. The only helps that I've found to rid the pain from my body is to take lactose pills... to me, that's proof enough that something in my body has changed and I am not digesting it properly. The thing is that I've been having milk products for years and years.. I miss cheese.
Posted 1/26/2014 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, please don't think I was questioning your lactose intolerance! I was just wondering how it was diagnosed, if there was anything besides observation. Sounds like you've nailed it!
Posted 1/26/2014 10:07 PM (GMT 0)
Lynnwood:) I wasn't insulted in the slightest. Sorry if my reply came across that way. It wasn't intended to. My intent, was more just sharing how I came about it. Now the reason behind these big changes in my body... now that a question that I'm trying to get to the bottom of too...I possibly could have celiac disease as well... working on that too with a nutritionist. I'm not digesting a lot of foods well these days.
Posted 1/26/2014 11:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Elle, you can get probiotics from fermented foods. Not that you may enjoy putting sauerkraut on everything with a side of sour pickles but hey, maybe you would lol.

I'm not very good at listening to doctors when they say not to use natural remedies. I'm a trial and error kind of person. I suppose I may learn my lesson but not so far, fingers crossed ;)

I mentioned in a previous topic that eating more raw veggies, specifically cabbage, broccoli, spinach, brussel sprouts and kale have helped me tremendously with balancing acidity/ alkalinity in my digestive system. They might be worth a try, unless ofcourse you have a sensitivity to them. If your gut is working effectively then it helps everything else.
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