NOT IMPRESSED WITH THE "BEST"

I have a negative out look too when it comes to most GI's. Really you are just another number to them, they see alot of people everyday. Does it make it right ? no not in my opinion. When it comes to alternate or natural therapy u really have to take matters into your own hands and do your own research. Remember doctors hands are tied when it comes to probiotics and natural therapies because most if not all are not FDA controlled, thus a doctor cannot and will not tell you how/to take probiotics and such. They dont want to be legally at fualt and i cant blame them.

I think its a combination a few things, one is the new generation of UC suffers need to make unite and speak up on what is working for them, two more research with diet and probiotics should be preformed (actual clinical trials). As far as i know only one has been done with VSL#3 and they had astounding results like 80% went into remission! And three most of all the FDA start backing this type of treatment up!

I think its only time and maybe soon before some break throughs are made and supported for UC. Probiotics is honestly kind of a grey area for people but it seems to be getting some respect it nowadays.

I've seen 7-8 GIs and have never had one talk to me about probiotics or natural supplements. And no, they don't do research on them because these things generally are natural, not patentable and no one (read: big pharmaceutical companies) stands to gain. They don't do dietary research for the same reasons and because it's extremely difficult to do controlled testing on patients with dietary manipulation. Also, most doctors aren't trained in any of these things in med school. They're trained in meds and surgical intervention.

There are a FEW exceptions to the rule out there, but you'll have to look long and hard to find them and most seem to be clustered on the east or west coasts. In the meantime, if these things interest you, the best thing you can do is be your own patient advocate and EDUCATE yourself by reading every IBD book and Web site on alternative therapies you can get your hands on.

Sorry to hear you had a disappointing experience. I was also not impressed with "the best" in my area of the country when I visited them last year.

My current GI is with it...he encourages me to see a nutritionist if I wish and even a naturalist and he thinks that the bee propolis and all the other naturals I take are great especially since they've helped me so much...infact regarding the bee propolis, he said even if it didn't help my CD like it does that it's still an excellent dietary supplement for IBDers because we tend to lack getting all the nutrients we need via food alone.

He is also a lead researcher for crohn's and colitis in Canada.

:)

I'm currently going through a flare up at the moment. It's really nerve racking that everything we all do doesn't work for each one of us. I'm just really trying to learn how my body reacts to certain natural meds. Can everyone tell when a flare up is starting to develp? At first I wasn't sure but now I know the little signs.
I also think our diets play a huge roll when were having a flare up. I'm not sure how everyone else eats but I eat a high protein diet and a good amount of complex carbs along with healthy fats. I really train and eat like a bodybuilder but I think that has really helped me out with this disease.

I have one of the best in London and he is amazing - he called me last night to "reassure me" and spent 45 minutes on the phone. I can email him anytime and I think that's important for IBD as it's a chronic issue that needs support.

My GI also never suggested probiotics, and when I asked about them she was indifferent.
I only see her for what I need to have covered by insurance.
I have learned -- and healed -- since I started seeing a Naturopathic doctor, and highly recommend it!