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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/27/2011 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all! I have been on VSL DS (1/2 packet a day) for about 3 weeks. I have seen an improvement in my stools so I *think* it is working!

I have 2 questions. 1st...I am really gassy and bloated. Is that normal at the 3 week mark? I know at the beginning it would be as I adjusted.

2nd. I have a terrible gag reflex (ever since my last colonoscopy and I got super sick from prep). Anyway I have tried eating it mixed w/ applesauce, yogurt. I have tried mixing it w/ gatorade, vitamin water, regular water. I think it is the smell that is getting to me. Didn't know if anyone had anymore suggestions.

Thanks for your time!
Posted 1/27/2011 12:31 AM (GMT 0)
Well good that VSL#3 is working for you.

Q#1-I never had gas/bloating from day 1 so I can't say what is normal for you. I take 1 packet a day and get best results when I drink it at night before bed. I use the unflavored type which brings me to...

Q#2-It is tasteless to me except a little taste of yeast which is not bad at all. I also gag on the colonoscopy prep but VSL#3 goes down easily for me. I mix it in water as my colon does not like fruit of any type or yogurt.
Could you hold your nose and drink (old trick) in as cold a liquid as possible (another trick)?
Posted 1/27/2011 1:39 AM (GMT 0)
My daughter takes 1 1/2 packets each morning.
She does not love the taste- we now get the unflavored (they also have a vanilla flavor ) and this is better.

the thing that works for her the best is to mix it in ice cream.
I only use soy, rice, coconut ice cream for her and I use about a
tbspn and let it melt halfway- then I miz in the VSL and she eats it
this way.

She has never complained of feeling gassy/bloated either.
Hope this helps!
Posted 1/27/2011 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
I started with 1/2 sachet per day with no gas, symptoms or improvement. After a week I moved to 1 sachet per day with no symptoms or improvement. Last week my GI told me to up to dosage to 2 sachets per day and I have started noticing I am passing more gas (particularly smelly), feeling bloated and also have increased frequency to use the toilet. I have, however, noticed that my stools are more formed...
Posted 1/27/2011 2:03 AM (GMT 0)
Beats me I can down 4 a day with on problems. Tastes fine to me ( malt ) in just water but I usually put it in lactaid with various protein powders.
Posted 1/27/2011 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
Another idea: VSL#3 also comes in pill form (although maybe not "DS" just regular strength). Maybe that would be better for you.
Posted 1/27/2011 10:51 PM (GMT 0)
I had a little extra gas at first but it went away - I would hope yours would soon.

I have trouble with the taste, also......my most palatable ways of taking it have been in chocolate milk or cranberry juice.
Posted 1/28/2011 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
Mmmmhhh mmmmhhhh. Loved it in plain, whole milk yogurt. Just didn't love the price and it did not keep me out of a flair.
Posted 1/28/2011 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
I'm not sure what VSL I am getting but it can't be the same you as guys do. I put a whole pack of DS in about 20 mils of liquid and drink it in one gulp. I actually put in as small amount of liquid as possible to have a more concentrated flavor. Seriously...I usually take a break around 9:30 at work and I look forward to it daily, it's like a mini dessert.

Maybe there's something wrong with me... ;)
Posted 1/28/2011 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
I had to stop taking it for now. GAS/Cramps were so bad
Posted 1/28/2011 3:52 AM (GMT 0)
I've tried so many different things to combine VSL#3 with ... the best, and what I use every morning, is a bottle of orange juice. Put 1 packet in and shake it up. You can barely taste it.
Posted 2/2/2011 4:25 AM (GMT 0)

mjschl said...
I've tried so many different things to combine VSL#3 with ... the best, and what I use every morning, is a bottle of orange juice. Put 1 packet in and shake it up. You can barely taste it.

I do the same thing; OJ. 1 in the morning, 1 in the evening. It does make me gassy, but I don't mind it at all.
Posted 2/2/2011 1:06 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the suggestions. I've mixed it in w/ chocolate pudding the last couple of days and that is much better!
Posted 2/2/2011 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
VSL3 is also available in 'lemon creme' flavor. It's not unpleasant either.
Posted 2/2/2011 9:56 PM (GMT 0)
I wish my GI would prescribe this for me. I asked him once a couple years ago and he said not enough research has been done on the effects of it so he wouldn't prescribe it.
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