HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

In need of advice

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 7/10/2011 2:16 PM (GMT 0)
I have been on antibiotics to try and treat Staph Aureus abscesses for 11months now. I have been diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis through these 11 months as well. Since they are still unsure as to why these abscesses keep occurring, I'm still being put on harsh antibiotics.
Could I start taking a probiotic to help my body regain good bacteria in the mean time? And if yes which probiotic is recomended?
Also, if anyone has experienced reoccurring staph abscesses and has any helpful knowledge about how to stop them from happening please let me know.
Thank you!!
Posted 7/10/2011 4:09 PM (GMT 0)
I have no experience with the abcesses, but I would definitely take a probiotic while on antibiotics. I use VSL#3DS which is available by prescription. This allows my insurance to help with costs. There is also an OTC version, VSL#3. It must be refrigerated, and if your pharmacy doesn't stock it, they might be able to order it. This probiotic is specifically recommended for UC, but lots of people use other brands. Align and culterelle are readily available, and health food stores stock loads. Try doing a search on this site to see if you can find some other brands people are using.

I've also read on here to take the probiotic two hours after the antibiotic to try to keep the antibiotic from immediately killing all the good bacteria.

Good luck. Hope this heals up for you soon.
Posted 7/10/2011 5:52 PM (GMT 0)
I'm not sure I understand this...where is your abcess?

Without a DOUBT, you need to get on a probiotic! VSL is very expensive, but it does work for most people. Try visting a health food store and talking to one of the clerks. they can guide you in the right direction. start out with one of their products (I only believe in the refrigerated probiotics!) and if they don't work you can move up to VSL
but with your constant antiobiotic use, you NEED to start something soon. Good luck
Posted 7/11/2011 1:46 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much! I am going to give the probiotics a shot. =)

The abscesses come out in different spots every time. I've had them on my arms, legs, back, and even places where the sun doesn't shine. It's so horrible! They just keep telling me that they are unsure as to why. But no one will look further into my situation. It's so frustrating. I appreciate you guys taking the time to help me! Thank you!!
Posted 7/11/2011 11:40 AM (GMT 0)
HunniBee,

Sorry you're having to deal with so much.

Absolutely start probiotics! The antibiotics you've been on has probably depleted you of any good bacteria and the only way to  replenish them is via probiotics.

I would recommend VSL#3 - it's got 450 billion active cultures in them, although they are on the expensive side, must be refrigerated, they're well worth it. They are the only medical grade food made for ulcerative colitis.

Good luck and let us know how it works out for you.

Posted 7/11/2011 1:58 PM (GMT 0)
Thank You! I'm going to see my dr. tomorrow for another abscess, so I will def ask for a prescription for the VSL#3.
Posted 7/11/2011 2:37 PM (GMT 0)
HunniBee

There are two kinds of VSL#3:
VSL#3DS is prescription type, it is double strength (DS)
not all insurance companies will pay for it

VSL#3 is available by mail order no prescription required. It is normal strength and costs $86 for 30 packets. It comes in a refrigerated styro case (shipping cost included in price)
website:vsl3.com
It is also available as capsules but they are more expensive per dose to get the rec'd dosage.

You need to be aware of the difference because not all doctors are knowledgeable about it. Mine gave me an Rx for VSL#3 and her Rx was not for the DS type so not necessary or useful.

Good luck.
Posted 7/16/2011 1:52 PM (GMT 0)
Thank You!!! =)
Posted 7/16/2011 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
I just saw my same GI a year later and let her know that VSL#3DS needs a prescription from her and it needed to specifically state VSL#3DS. She had no idea that there was such a thing as VSL#3DS and she is extremely well informed on all UC matters.
Posted 7/16/2011 7:15 PM (GMT 0)
HunniBee,

If you posses a good insurance, get your doc to write you a script (many times require additional paperwork) for VSL#3DS instead of VSL#3. It's prescription only and contains 900,000,000,000 bacteria. You could get 120 sachets per month and pay only your normal copay if you have one. No expensive at all. Mine is $25.
Posted 7/20/2011 4:35 PM (GMT 0)
I have to go to my GI in a week to have a flex sig done and will ask her for the VSL#3DS prescription. I'm having such bad flare ups lately from the antibiotics and the probiotic I'm on isn't helping me.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply