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VSL #3


Fri, December 10, 2010 8:20 PM

Has anyone had luck with VSL#3????  I am thinking about getting for my son, he is 6 years old and has UC.  It is very expensive but if it works, I am ok with that.  I figured this would be the best place to get some feedback.


Thanks,
Sandy

FPO jcraig007
Joined Feb 17, 2010

Wed, March 29, 2023 1:05 PM

Reply posted for jcraig007.

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FPO jemijonson12
Joined Sep 14, 2022

Fri, December 17, 2010 5:39 PM

 Reply posted for mygirlrj.

mygirlrj,


My sons bm's are mostly loose, but sometimes are totally formed (thats when we celebrate!) His doctor has never mentioned cortenema.  We did use Immodium for the first time a few weeks ago and that did seem to help, but I was a nervous wreck because I have always read not to give it to IBD patients because it can cause toxic megacolon.  I dont really think that the Colazal is the problem because he has been on it for quite some time and has had periods where he has done just fine.  His doctor did suggest giving him more fiber, which I have always done the opposite.  He says that the fiber will help bulk up the stool. Thanks for your suggestions...keep them coming :)

Sandy

FPO jcraig007
Joined Feb 17, 2010

Fri, December 17, 2010 11:35 AM

 Reply posted for jcraig007.

One more thing... Do you think your son could be having a reaction to the Colazal? My daughter got terrible diarrhea from Colazal and from all Mesalamines.

This sure is a learning process and it does take a village...

FPO mygirlrj
Joined Oct 22, 2009

Fri, December 17, 2010 11:33 AM

 Reply posted for jcraig007.

Sandy-

 

Hi- I really hope the VSL helps your son. I guess if it were me I may start out at 1 packet a day for a few days, make sure he has no issues and then bump it up to 2 packs a day.

In the beginning I was trying to give it 2 times a day thinking that it would be more beneficial but in the end decided it made no difference at all. I personally believe giving it in the morning, after breakfast( so that the stomach acids are not as strong) and i like to give it in something cold- hence mixing it in Soy ice cream for us. I use maybe a tbspn of ice cream,is the way to go.

You said your son is having 5-8 bm's a day. Are they formed or loose like diarrhea? If loose, have you tried adding in a cortenema and even using some immodium? I have done both of these in the past and it does work. Just a thought...

FPO mygirlrj
Joined Oct 22, 2009

Fri, December 17, 2010 9:42 AM

 Reply posted for mygirlrj.

mygirlrj,


I ordered VSL#3 for my son yesterday and I am very anxious to get it and get started.  According to their website, if a child is having 5-8 bm's a day (which my son is), then the dosage should be !/2 packet.  I know you said that your daughter is taking 1 1/2 per day, did you start out less and then work your way up???  I am wondering how long it will take to see a change in him once he starts taking it???  My son is on Colazal and Imuran and I really dont want to increase his Imuran dosage so I really hope this helps him.  Fingers crossed!!!

Thanks for your reply,
Sandy

FPO jcraig007
Joined Feb 17, 2010

Tue, December 14, 2010 7:10 PM

 Reply posted for jcraig007.

Yes- I have had my daughter on VSL#3 for  a year. I do believe it does help and I have tried changing the amount I give her and we have settled out at 1 1/2 packets per day.

My GI also thinks it has to be helping. She is also on 6-MP and I do believe it is super important to have them on a strong probiotic as well.

I am able to have my local Safeway order the VSL for me- it costs me $65 a box. I think it is worth any penny- I give it to her in the morning after breakfast in melted ice cream- this combo has worked for us.

So I guess I would say that you should give it a shot!

I really hope it works for your son!

FPO mygirlrj
Joined Oct 22, 2009

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