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Traveling with VSL#3...?

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Posted 4/27/2010 11:44 PM (GMT 0)
I'm traveling to FL for 1 week in a couple of days and will pick up my newly ordered 30 day supply of VSL #3 tomorrow (I'm taking Align now but will finish it in 3 days). I'm wondering if I should start the VSL #3 tomorrow night or wait till I get back to the comfort of my own home just in case I get extra gassy and "bloaty"? As this forum as taught me, when you start a new probiotic, it takes a few days for your body to adjust to it and you may experience bloating, gas, and gurgling noises. I'd rather wait till I get back if this is going to happen! shakehead

Has anyone had good/bad symptoms with taking VSL #3 for the first week?
Posted 4/28/2010 12:31 AM (GMT 0)
I really didn't have any strange symptoms when I started taking it, except the smell of my poos changed - for the better.
I generally would wait until back home to start something new, since while you're away some food/activity issues will be different. If you start it while away, it could be hard to tell the cause of any problems. (My diet is always so different when we go to see my in-laws, despite my best efforts to "eat the same"...)
I hope you'll have the chance to have some fun while you're away!
Posted 4/28/2010 12:38 AM (GMT 0)
I started with half a packet because I'm super cautious but had no bad effects at all. On the 3rd day onward I used a whole packet and again no problems.
Would I start something new while away from home? Probably not. Because away from home you might be eating diff. foods and if there are problems you won't know whether it's the VSL or something else. Err on the side of caution.
Posted 4/28/2010 1:06 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Songlady & imagardner - that's great advice that I should have thought of before! It's great to pick brains of fellow UC'ers when my brain isn't thinking quite straight - maybe anxiety induced due to the excitement of VSL and my trip to FL...

: )
Posted 4/28/2010 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hi! Heading to Florida Thursday also.  Hope we both have a great trip.  Looks like it will be HOT there.

I would not start until I return.  I take Align and once tried something "stronger" and could never get rid of the terrible gas so I went back to Align which is working for me.

Good luck traveling with UC and fun in Florida!

ElaineNY

Posted 4/28/2010 3:03 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Elaine! I'm actually considering continuing Align (I'll be out in 2 days) for my trip and if that works for my tender tummy, I'll probably send the VSL back. I ordered it because so many people here have incredible luck with it that I figured I'd give it a "go". But your response has me thinking I should just stay with what seems to be working for me...

Have fun in Florida and wish you good health!
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