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VSL#3 & Nicotine patch

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/22/2008 6:22 PM (GMT 0)
I was just reading some past posts while waiting for my GI doctor to call (probably have a long wait).  It seems like some of you folks have some success with improvement of UC symptoms by taking VSL#3.  I take powerdolphilus (probiotic) which my nutritionist recommended.  I'm not having any luck with ANYTHING...all my meds, probiotic, flaxseed oil capsules...etc..  I did read where some of you have luck with the nicotine patch.  I am going to ask the doctor if he would prescribe it for me (I doubt it though)
Posted 9/22/2008 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
I tried the patch and it made me feel nauseous.  I was on the lowest dose and it still made me feel sick.  I smoked years ago, it's been about 11 years since I quit.  I heard that the patch can help those that used to smoke but if you've never smoked, it may not do anything.  I thought you could get the patch over the counter???  I would give it a try, if it makes you sick or if it doesn't work, you just stop using it.
Posted 9/22/2008 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
I did smoke years ago, but very little, about 3 cigarettes a day.  You CAN buy it over the counter?  Wow...then I am going to give it a shot.  If it makes me sick then I won't continue with it.  The GI who treated me in the hospital told me "no way".
Posted 9/22/2008 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
When I tried the patch, it did not help my UC, but it did help calm my anxiety. I am a former smoker and have been off of cigarettes for about 5 years. If you are going to try it, start with the smallest size first. I think they come in 7mg, 14mg, and 21mg and are sold over the counter in the U.S.
Posted 9/22/2008 10:14 PM (GMT 0)
I just had a thought though.  I take blood pressure medications.  Would the patch increase my blood pressure?  Well....prednisone increases it too and that is what I am trying to stay away from.
Posted 9/24/2008 3:42 AM (GMT 0)
I have improvement with the patch. I didn't feel like I was sick enough for Remicade, which the Dr was pushing, so I suggested the patch. The GI Dr said to use the 21mg patch. I smoked a pack a day until 12 years ago. I flared and was diagnosed (UC; 15 inches effected) after that. The patch is OTC, in some stores it's kept in the pharmacy area, but it is OTC. I don't have any side effects from it, maybe some vivid dreams when I start on it, or crankiness when I go off, if it's "cold turkey".
I also noticed you mention VSL#3. I think that helped me more than other probiotics. My other Dr (a DO; I have a lot of Drs) laughed at that. He says they are all about the same if they have the same bacterial count, but if it seems better and costs about the same, why not!
The only other thing I wish I could figure out is diet.......
Hope that helps.
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