Hi,

I don't think they're absolutely necessary to take solely because one has UC. I think if they make a person feel better, take them and if not, don't. I also think if you're doing well with your UC, why rock that boat.

They don't make me any worse, but they don't make me feel better either. I'd been taking them for about a year and just stopped because it seemed like a waste of time. And it was one less thing to take. My GI is indifferent about his patients taking them. He said if I were to take them, take the kind that are in capsule and that need to be refrigerated

Some people here feel they help so I'm not poopooing them,but I don't think they need to be an integral part of everyone's UC maintenance. Who's to say your particular gut needs it?

Yes, I agree. I used to take them when I was first diagnosed and didn't think it was a big deal or life changer.

A yeast kill-off would do that, but if you're doing great, like rmb said, why rock the boat? :)

A little late getting back to the post, but want to say thanks for the input all. You all make a good point...why the rock the boat!

My doctor told me to use VSL#3 which is one of the most potent probiotics. You can buy it online without a script but its 50 a bottle. Otherwise I love Natures Made Triple Probiotics which I get at Rite Aid

some probiotics have lactose in them. Are you lactose intolerant. I am . This is how I know bc I was taking a probiotic that made me sick mot know why I was sick when I looked at the ingredients it was listed.
Some have lactose some don't I now know to check label.

I find Jamieson Superstrain acidophilis really helpful. I think that when starting probiotics, if your body has a lot of yeast, you may feel worse for a few weeks while the yeast dies off. The dying yeast releases toxins (for lack of a better word) that can give you headache, gas, etc. but after a few weeks this usually passes. If your diet is high in sugar or starch, it can be worse, because these things feed yeast.

yeast is a problem for me, and keeping sugar and starch to a minimum and taking my probiotics keep me feeling well.

good luck!

I'm stuck with a j pouch now but have tried VSL 3, which is a very expensive probiotic. I can say it did make a little difference but nothing major. I only wish I could have tried it though when I had my colon. The good news is you still have a million other probiotics to choose from and it's worth the gamble.