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Recs on Meds/Supplements to prevent/treat traveler’s diarrhea in Mexico?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/31/2018 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
Despite my son’s UC & restrictive diet, we got talked in to joining another family on surf trip in Mexico and am terrified of jeopardizing his remission. He has been doing SO well and i wanted to let him have this fun experience but am scared he will pick something up and/or require antibiotics that wreak havoc on his system. Any tips on supplements/med? I know all about the usual tips for avoiding exposure traveler’s diarrhea (ice, water, bottled for brushing teeth, no fruit/veggies wo peel) and we are staying in a villa so I will probably go to Sam’s Club and cook MOST of our meals.
But was wondering what meds/supplements I should carry with me both to prevent and to treat. He already takes 1 packet of VSL#3 Double Strength per day, should i increase it starting before we go?
Should I also have him take the Pepto Bismal before meals for prevention (safe for UC kids)?
If he starts showing signs that he has picked something up what should i give him that is UC friendly?
Anyone with UC try the Travelan stuff?
If he does need antibiotics which one should I ask for that is most compatible with his UC?
I guess I’m confused bc I know how to treat his flares (he usually starts up the enemas/suppositories) but I would assume that is not the right thing to do if he gets a bug.
Thanks
Posted 2/1/2018 12:35 PM (GMT 0)
Ironically I just read this article a couple of days ago that I think can help you for what your looking for. I haven’t tried these supplement yet so I can’t tell you if it would work but it looks promising. I would recommend you talk with his doctor about it before trying it. Also when choosing which brand just make sure to read the reviews (especially the low scoring ones). I’m trying to pick a brand right now but some of them have additives that are bad for people with IBS. So far EZ Melts Saccharomyces Boulardii on Amazon look like the best option for me but I think I’m going to go to a health food store before I decide and see what brands and advice they have and maybe you should do the same.
https://wholefoodsmagazine.com/supplements/features-supplements/saccharomyces-boulardii-probiotic-yeast/
Posted 2/1/2018 1:23 PM (GMT 0)
I don't believe anything can prevent picking up a gut bug while abroad. I'd insist on bottled water rather than tap water (which can be problematic).

Most of all, just let the kid have fun and try not to worry about everything smile
Posted 2/1/2018 3:26 PM (GMT 0)
Get Xifaxan; it is non-systemic and usually well tolerated by people with IBDs. Sometimes it is used as treatment for IBDs but its main use is for Travelers' Diarrhea.

I went to Cabo a month after getting out of the hospital, I picked something up when I ate at a restaurant in Town. I suffered for about a week after I got back but it didn't do anything to me long term. I didn't treat it with any antibiotics.
Posted 2/1/2018 9:03 PM (GMT 0)
Xifaxin is what my doctor gave me for when I went to Costa Rica last year. Didn't need to use it, but it's shelf life is long enough so I can bring it on future trips.

The only downside is that it cost $140 for a 3-day course, after insurance.
Posted 2/2/2018 4:23 AM (GMT 0)
Jen -- I take S. boulardii at the recommendation of my nutritionist (there are some studies that suggest it can be helpful for IBD, and VSL#3 is wayyy out of my price range). I bought the Jarrow brand, since they have a good reputation in general, and it is a fairly clean pill sans additives. The best price I found was at Walgreens.com, which is $30 for 180 pills.
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