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have to take an antibiotic/so scared

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/18/2012 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,
I am 9 weeks pregnant, with mild/moderate ulcerative colitis. My colitis has been in a "delicate" remission since I got pregnant (random bad days, some bleeding), but mostly okay. So today my OB called and said that I have bacteria in my urine and I have to take 10 days of ampicillin. I told them I was very wary to to this as it could cause my UC to flare. They said I didn't have a choice as I could go into pre-term labor if I don't. So of course I'm going to, but now I am so stressed and scared about my stupid UC. Has anyone taken ampicillin/and or other antibiotics and not had a problem with flaring? I need positive news!!!!
Posted 9/18/2012 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
I was just on Ceftin for an ear infection and I did not flare. I did see some mucous a few times a day after I had finished the antibiotics. All I can say is increase any of your meds you may have especially rectals and take probiotics...lots of them. I'm taking still 3 times what I normally do. I don't feel perfect but I've headed off the worst of it I think. Good luck.
Posted 9/18/2012 8:18 PM (GMT 0)
I'm currently taking ceftin for pneumonia and I also have some worry about reactivating my UC symptoms. I'm taking a larger dose of probiotics to help maintain the good baceteria in my gut. Also, I'm watching my diet closely and trying not to eat things that have triggered my UC in the past. Good luck and try not to worry too much about it. Stress can trigger UC too!
Posted 9/18/2012 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
Betsy,

Make sure you take plenty of probiotics.

Whichever ones you take, triple the dosage.

 

Posted 9/18/2012 9:14 PM (GMT 0)
You have to take very large doses of probiotics. Eating a bunch of yogurt is not going to cut it. You need LOTS.
Posted 9/18/2012 9:21 PM (GMT 0)
Easier said than done but don't stress. I just finished a course of ceftin which is very strong. I took extra doses of VSL #3.

You don't need a prescription. But you need to ask the pharmacist as it is in the refrigerator.

Good luck with your pregnancy and enjoy it! The infection will clear up and you will be better soon.

All the best!
Posted 9/18/2012 9:50 PM (GMT 0)
Congrats on your pregnancy! I'm 20 weeks along right now.

I've taken amoxicillin in the past with no problems. Sometimes it seems like things are a bit better for a few days.

Why were they testing for bacteria? Do you have a UTI?

Hope it goes well for you.
Posted 9/18/2012 10:17 PM (GMT 0)
As said, don't stress. I've been on antibiotics 3 times with my UC and it has never caused me to flare. I think everyone needs to think/stress a lot less what happens happens.

Good luck with the pregnancy and I have faith the antibiotics will not make you flare! Think positive!
Posted 9/19/2012 12:09 AM (GMT 0)
Get some hefty doses of sacharomyces boulardi along with any other good potent probiotics. S.boulardi is a probiotic yeast that supposedly is impervious to antibiotics. But I'd still take all probiotics at least 2 hours apart from antibiotics.
Posted 9/19/2012 12:11 AM (GMT 0)
You guys are awesome! Thank you...positive thoughts (and probiotics!!!) :)
Posted 9/19/2012 4:35 AM (GMT 0)
Take the probiotic(s) 2 hours after your final antibiotic dose of the day. I've used Culturelle & P. reuteri, which definitely helped, and I stayed on them for a few weeks after finishing the antibiotic. If you find bms getting too fluid, try a serving of plain boiled rice to firm things up. Best wishes & let us know how you're doing. / Old Hat (31 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
Posted 9/19/2012 5:56 AM (GMT 0)
As an IBDer you may want to strongly consider staying on probiotics indefinitely...we tend to have bacterial over growth and probiotics are for most, a great way to keep our gut flora balanced and aid with some of our IBD issues.

Some of us like to double up on our probiotics when taking antibiotics...as Old Hat mentioned above...taking the pros at least 2 hours after you're done your antis for the day is best.
Posted 9/19/2012 11:50 AM (GMT 0)
Interesting your mentioning taking the probiotics 2 hours after the antibiotics, my doc told me to make sure that they are taken 4 hours apart from one another.

 

Posted 9/19/2012 1:15 PM (GMT 0)
I've never flared from an antibiotic. In fact, when I have another infection of some sort, my UC is usually almost non-existent.
Posted 9/19/2012 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
Minimum 2 hours InSoFla...of course, the longer is probably better but 2 hours is a good enough window to start.
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