Community Forum

Do your kids take probiotics? which one? how often?

When does the worry go away? Everytime my daughter goes to the bathroom or says she has a tummy ache my heart just dives and I get so bummed out. I feel like I have no clue what is going on with her and how I know if things are ok or not!

We will see the GI later this month but I feel like I am in a state of nervous panic all the time!

Do mjost of your kids tolerate milk or do you tend to use Soy milk products for them?

 Reply posted for mygirlrj.

My daughter is 3 1/2 and takes Culturelle.  1 capsule in the morning and 1 at night.  I don't know how well it is working as she seems to have more flareups than not since her diagnosis of ulcerative pancolitis at age 2.  She is currently seeing a homeopathic doc and was doing very well, until she had a bout with the flu/double ear infection.  That may have set her off this time.  In any case...we don't go without the probiotic.  She also takes 1 tsp. of Benefiber in the morning and 1 at night.  Very tough to see a child go through this.

 Reply posted for mygirlrj.

Hi,

My son started improving when probiotics were added. He now takes 4 VSL3, but first was on 6 a day. He also takes a supplement called Seacure, which I feel helped him immensely.

Diane

 Reply posted for Jonsmom.

My daughter uses Florastor 2 times/day.  It seems to be the best thing for her.  She also takes Prednisone (tapered dose), Apriso, & is on a dose of Flagyl.  Is it common to get C Diff. with Crohns?  This is the second time she has tested positive for C Diff.  I've also noticed that she is very agitated since being on the Prednisone.  I gues that is a side affect, but it is not fun to deal with.  Although it is much better then the stomach pains & diarrhea. 

 Reply posted for mygirlrj.

My daugher is now 18 and was diagnosed at age 13. The worrying never stops. She is now in college now and I worry when the phone rings  or every time she calls. In fact, all the time. Of course, I don't let her know that though.

She has learned to manage her care while she's been away. In fact, in high school she went to Costa RIca for 10 days and did wonderfully. My husband and I were a nervous wreck, but we had a plan and worked with her doctors and it all worked out. 

We have always let her lead as much a normal life as possible.At times, that is difficult esp. when she had to manage her eating and  sleeping around crazy middle school, high school and now college schedules.

As far as probiotics go, she takes VSL-3 (2 packets a day or 8 capsules) plus FLorastor (4/day). Both have web sites -check thme out. HSe also on several other vitamins and meds.

Hang in there ! Join a pediatric supposrt group in your area. Our area, does not have one unfortunalety , so that is why this web site is so helpful.

It is helpful talking to other parents when your young child is diagnosed with an IBD. Never stop looking for anwers and support.

Hang in there. You aren't alone!!

 Reply posted for mygirlrj.

I was using Lactose Free milk for my 5 year old son and have now switched to Rice Milk per dr. suggestion.  My son likes the Rice Milk and does not seem to get an upset stomach from it.

 Reply posted for mygirlrj.

My 19 year old daughter has UC.  She takes the probiotic Ultimate Flora Critical Care 50 Billion which has helped her so much.  You have to keep in the the refrigerator.  I got it a Whole Foods.  She also takes one Women's One a Day vitamin and one OsCal calcium with vitamin D also ! 1/2 Azathioprine and 4 Lialda's per day.  Everyone is different what one can tolerate maybe another can't.  She can tolerate soy milk and regular milk but we buy organic milk.  She really likes coconut milk too.  She limits her dairy to maybe one cup a day.  There's also goat's milk and almond milk that she doesn't like too much.  What seems to help is a food diary so you can see maybe one food is causing problems.  She also stays away from processed foods, added sugars, no sodas.  Her new IBD specialist said lots of UC patients have "bacteria overgrowth" so he wants her to limit added sugars which produce the bacteria overgrowth. 

 Reply posted for mygirlrj.

My 15 y/o son, recently diagnosed with Crohn's, takes probiotics daily.  He takes VSL#3, one packet daily, but the doctor might have us up it to two packets daily.  He also takes two fish oil capsules daily.

So far it seems to be helping.  I have also been cooking mostly organic and trying to stay away from processed foods.  It can become expensive, but if he is feeling better it is worth it.  We are lucky that he can tolerate dairy products.  His nutritionist told us to stay away from soy milk.

I don't think you ever stop worrying.  I think about him when he's at school hoping he's having a good day.  It's so hard for parents to see their child sick.

Wishing you the best,

Jon's mom