HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Saw GI today and VSL ?

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 12/23/2010 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and Happy Holidays to all! Saw my GI today. Just a quick run down....flared up 4 weeks ago after round of cipro for a UTI. Currently tapering pred and down to 20mg. Going to continue a slow taper and cross fingers don't flare up again when come off. He said at this point if I flare again he wants to look at humira/remicade. Also gave me a script for steroid foam if start to flare again.

He gave me VSL and i know lots of people use it here. How many packs should I start with? He gave me so much information I forgot to write that part down! Just wasn't sure how many packs to use per day.

Thanks so much!
Posted 12/23/2010 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
Did he give you the "regular" VSL, 450 billion, or the DS, 900 billion?

I had no issues when I started it, but some folks have some increased gas at first - I think it even mentions that on the package insert. So I would start gradually - like 1/2 of a 450 billion packet per day for the first 3 or 4 days, then go to a full 450.

I am taking 2 packets of the 900 billion "DS" right now. I'd cut down to one, and started to have a few early flare symptoms, so I increased back to 2 per day and - lol, I don't want to jinx myself by saying this, but....the symptoms went away and I'm doing great!

I've heard some wonderful stories from GIs, about patients who didn't respond to anything else but then did respond to VSL - but then here I've heard of folks who haven't responded to it. I hope you find it as great as I do!

The first time it took me about 3 -4 weeks to see a difference.

If it works and you need to get more, if you have prescription coverage, a prescription for the DS strength might save you some money.
Posted 12/23/2010 6:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi! Thanks for the response. Looking at the sample he gave me now it says "Vsl #3" 450 billion live lactic acid bacteria. I will start off w/ a 1/2 packet and gradually increase.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply