Which Probiotic Has Worked for You?

What probiotics have worked for you?

I'm currently tapering prednisone (currently at 35mg) and started Rowasa and Colazal last week. Doing well - still a little bleeding and mucus, but urgency/tenesmus is significantly reduced and usually going 1x per day. However, I am quite constipated since starting the Rowasa and my trips to the bathroom are not super productive.

My GI agrees that I can start a probiotic though feels the evidence for them is somewhat conflicting and that it's a trial and error process. He says if it works, all the better. We discussed VSL#3, Align and Culturelle but he did not recommend one specifically. I know there are others, too.

Which probiotic have you all had success with - especially if you have had issues with constipation? I have read the studies for VSL#3, but am curious to hear success stories (and those who haven't). Any advice? I'd like to start something in the next day or so.

VSL is the strongest probiotic, the only one with studies backing it, and unfortunately the most expensive. I tried vsl for a month and had no improvements from it. Others have had successes. Like everything with UC, it's always hit or miss on what works for each individual.

Many others here use a probiotic of varying brands. Just look for whatever is both cost effective, has the most strains, and largest quantities of probiotic in each dose.

While the rectum is healing, limited inflammation will cause constipation. It's notnthe rowasa causing it...it's a symptom of change . Remember it since it will be a symptom of erly flaring i the future.

I agree adding fibre and foods that will soften stool and bulk it are a good thing. I would, however, suggest starting fibre supplements anyway and probiotics.

Reuteri....amazing. two brand i have used/use are Natures way primadophilus reuteri (now discontinued in Canada) and If there's a Vita Health in your are..Genuine Health Advanced Gut Health are great.
I also use Ultimate Flora critical care 50 billion.

q

Likewise, i've had some success with VSL 3. However, It hasn't been a miracle drug or anything for me, but is helpful as an adjunct to diet and meds. I also use SCD 24 hour yogurt every morning (part of the SCD diet)

Additionally, psyllium seed powder has helped with getting me more regular and consistent. It has helped indirectly in that way with UC.

Start very slow when introducing anything new.

When you start vsl, use a reduced dose for the first several days to limit gas and bloating. I did half doses for several days and then went up to the full dose.

Plucky, that was exactly the kind of info I was looking for - thank you! I always feel weird that my symptoms - even when flaring - are about consripation, tenesmus and bleeding - it seems like everyone else has D. My trips to the bathroom, when productive, are painful and with lots of straining - so if VSL can help regulate it, I'll try it!

Thanks, Quincy!

I should clarify that I've generally (always, in life) been very constipated as a rule - going once a week or so since I was a kid. That started to change when I got off birth control for a few years and then my cycle dictated periods of constipation versus diarrhea like clockwork every month - I was never really "regular."

Now that UC is in the picture since last summer, things have changed. For the most part before diagnosis, I had terrible constipation with tenesmus and a lot of bowel movements where I really just passed blood/mucus. As I started the prednisone and adjusted to that, and made some diet changes, I became more constipated.

HOWEVER - my current state since this past weekend (no fiber supplements but I am taking my balsalazide with applesauce three times a day which has added some fiber to my diet) is a fairly large, formed bowel movement each morning since this past Sunday. This is new for me - I don't think I have EVER had a large, formed bowel movement five days in a row.

I am still bleeding, and those bowel movements are still accompanied by gas pain, spasming and the need to strain/push, but I am only having 1-2 per day, so that is good. No urgency since starting the prednisone. I am having general abdominal discomfort throughout the day - gas and bloating - so not sure if I should rock the boat with VSL or not?

I'm guessing the discomfort, gas and bloating are the result of the balsalazide and Rowasa, which were both started last week - and maybe my three helpings a day of applesauce ;)

I'm tapering prednisone (30mg right now, decreasing 5mg/week), taking Rowasa nightly, balsalazide 3x3, and considering adding the VSL. No additional fiber other than the applesauce. Fiber does tend to cause gas, pain, etc. for me.

All advice welcomed! Thank you all so much for helping and responding.

Slindsay, I haven't tried the VSL yet myself but was planning to start with 1/2 packet (or 1 pill) per day to begin, and work my way up slowly - everything I've read is that you don't start with the full dose at once, though certainly your doctor is more knowledgable than I am You might want to research a bit but I would start with a very small dose per 7 days and adjust slowly.