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Curious about VSL#3

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/3/2010 3:35 PM (GMT 0)
If you take this:

 

How long have you been taking it?

 

How much do you take?

 

Do you plan to take it for the forseeable future?

 

Just curious- Thanks!turn

Posted 2/3/2010 3:53 PM (GMT 0)
I started VSL#3, one packet a day, 10 months ago, in a long but not horribly severe flare.
3 months later, things were improving... I wasn't sure the VSL was worth the money so I stopped it. In 3 or 4 days I was bleeding again! So I went back to it.

One month ago I finally got my GI to prescribe the VSL#3DS - 900 billion per packet! - (he'd tried several times before but it kept getting denied because the pharmacy was reading it as regular, not DS - there are threads about this somewhere on here). While waiting for it, I ran out, and... in several days began bleeding again.
So, for me, I'd say I've proved that it helps.
I'm taking one packet of DS a day. I started that and cortenemas within a few days of each other, and I've never seen a flare turn around so quickly!

I plan to take VSL "forever." When I'm in a solid remission I'll lower to 1/2 packet per day.
Posted 2/4/2010 2:30 PM (GMT 0)
No one else is using VSL? I thought many were on it?
Posted 2/4/2010 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
I just started it 3 days ago and I'm hoping for improvement...I take one packet a day right now. I found out my GI does have it but the nurse said they have never used it on any patient....I'm hoping I can get a prescription to cut down on the cost each month
Posted 2/4/2010 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
I took 2 packs a day for several months and it did not help. But many here have found good results with it.
Posted 2/4/2010 4:09 PM (GMT 0)
I am taking it as well. I do think it helps, but my flare has gotten so bad that I don't think any of the natural things are enough to make much of a dent.

But when I first started taking it, I saw an improvement, and I recently got my doc to write me a prescription for it-hopefully it will go through ok.

I have been taking it for maybe a month now? I have been taking between 2-4 packets a day. As for staying on it, if it goes through with the insurance, then yes I will. But otherwise, it is so expensive, I am just not sure.
Posted 2/4/2010 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
My daughter takes VSL#3DS and we believe that it helps her. She takes two packets per day mixed with applesauce and psyllium seed powder. I think the psyllium seed powder works as a prebiotic, which encourages (feeds) the good bacteria in the VSL#3DS. We plan to continue the two packets of VSL#3DS (900 bil CFU each) dose for the time being. We are not worried about getting too much of the probiotics as they are essential for a healthy digestive system and help to prevent bad bacteria from growing.
Posted 2/4/2010 7:50 PM (GMT 0)
I thank the OP for this question since it is one I've been thinking about. Searching the web for probiotic studies does not come up with much that is clinically proven. One study I read showed absolutely no positive results from VSL#3 but since I am an SCD dieter I know how every person with UC is different. The SCD diet doesn't have any studies either but I've had good results so far and will continue that.

I just don't want to add VSL#3 and upset my applecart (If I ain't broke don't fix it)

But I am very curious what % of people have improvement. And that's hard to determine. :-)
Posted 2/5/2010 1:08 AM (GMT 0)
BTW does anyone belong to Consumer Labs?
I see they did a rating of all the probiotics to see if they had what the label said.
But you have to be a member ($30/yr) to see results and I am too cheap.
They did not do a study on whether they work, just about ingredients.
Here's the link: http://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/Probiotic_Supplements_Including_Lactobacillus_acidophilus_Bifidobacterium_and_Others/probiotics/
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