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Cutting back on VSL #3 DS and rectals?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 3/19/2014 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
I've been in remission for 6 months now after a VERY bad flare. I am on Lialda, maintenance Rowasa/Canasa, fiber, l-glutamine, vitamins, and 2 packets of VSL #3 DS.

Things have been good. I have blips (looser stool that lasts a day or 2 and maybe an extra movement but thats it) around ovulation and my period that my GI suggests are hormone related and/or IBS. I have an appointment with him on Monday to discuss further.

The only other thing I have going on is a literal pain in the *** hemmie. It comes and goes and I use cream and supps to treat it. Also started eating prunes before bed which is GREATLY relieveing any straining. Also getting checked on Monday to make sure the slight pain is not inflammation (I have no other symptoms of UC).

So I'm wondering if I can start cutting back on the VSL and Rowasa. I have been on 2 packets of the VSL since I landed in the hospital last March...actually a year ago tonight at 3 am (weird).

Does anyone have any experience in this? What happens when you cut back on probiotocs? Should I drop my night time or morning time dose?

Also what is the lowest maintenace does of Rowasa you can do? Can I do one Rowasa and one Canasa a week to maintain?

Thanks guys!!

Posted 3/19/2014 8:30 PM (GMT 0)
I think the thought was that probiotics were most beneficial used to maintain remission ie you take them forever.
Posted 3/19/2014 8:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi AZ. Yes I will never stop VSL. Its expensive but I think it helps me. My thought process is do I need 2 packets of DS or can I cut back to one?
Posted 3/19/2014 8:34 PM (GMT 0)
I cut back rectals first (2 yrs ago) with no bad reactions then after a while the VSL seemed like overkill (over 1 yr ago) so I quit it too and now use a much less powerful probiotic "Pearls". Absolutely no problems related to quitting since then.

But if I had seen problems I'd have added them back.
Posted 3/19/2014 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
Ima - what rectals do you take and what did you start at and taper to?
Posted 3/19/2014 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
I found VSL too expensive and use it as a yogurt starter. I don't think you will find a answer to your question. Fresh homemade yogurt can have a lot more bacteria than probiotic pills and it is claimed kefir has even more. Maybe cut back on VSL and add priobotic food? I think lots is probably good but it is expensive.
Posted 3/19/2014 8:55 PM (GMT 0)
Right now I eat Fage yogurt every day as well. What other types of food are probiotic and can you suggest a kefir? I need something plain - no sugars/flavors. I really appreciate your suggestions. Maybe I can cut out a packet and add in kefir or something similar.
Posted 3/19/2014 10:13 PM (GMT 0)
I'm not going to comment on cutting back only to say that you don't have to go from 2 satchets of VSL per day to one. If you are going to do it I would start by taking 1 full satchet once per day and then a half once per day. Do that for a while and if it's going well then cut the full one back to a half and take two halves per day and see how that works for a while.
Posted 3/19/2014 10:16 PM (GMT 0)
That's a really good idea Gary. Thanks!!

Anyone have input on rectal maintenance? I'd like to be down to once a week switching between rowasa and canasa. Is this ever done?
Posted 3/19/2014 10:44 PM (GMT 0)
I started making my own kefir a few months ago. I will link info on the bottom. I also make my own yogurt out of skim milk with VSL #3 as the culture. I ferment them a long time to get as much of the lactose out and hopefully increase the probiotic count. I eat them plain usually on granola or cereal. The only commercial kefir I have had is Trader Joe's plain. I liked it. It is milder than homemade I think because has just the bacteria and not the yeast in kefir made with grains. Others on the board have been making kefir for years and also sour kraut.

users.sa.chariot.net.au/~dna/Makekefir.html

The problem with tapering down probiotics is the effects might be subtle and happen slowly. You might reduce the doses too much and not find out for days, weeks, months. I find experimenting on myself not that helpful most of the time.
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