Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis Support Group

Crohn's disease is a systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) of unknown cause, that results in chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract. It can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus, and can also cause complications outside of the gastrointestinal tract. There is no known medical or surgical cure for Crohn's disease, but there are many medical...

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VSL #3

Chuck62
Chuck62
I did a search and found that there were some older discussions on this probiotic, but there didn't appear to be anything within the last year or so.

My question is this: Is anybody currently taking VSL #3? If so, what have you experienced? I have a friend who started taking it a few months ago and she swears by it. Anybody else?

Thanks!

Chuck
deleted_user
deleted_user
I started taking VSL#3 just over a week ago. It has been amazing. I was 3 weeks into a flare and started taking the VSL#3 as well as doing the SCD (and taking 3 lialda a day). I take the VSL capsules. Two a day has worked for me. I don't think my flare was super severe, but there was definitely bleeding and urgency and non-normal BMs. Now, after one week on VSL#3, I am only using the bathroom once or twice a day, no blood, and no urgency. I even started working out again and I've eased up on the SCD and am still doing fine. I am afraid of coffee, though because that seemed to trigger 1+ hour of back and forth bathroom trips. I had a small amt yesterday and tolerated it, but still don't want to press my luck.

The first week on VSL#3, I did experience some bloating and gas, but definitely an improvement in my UC symptoms. Now in week 2, the bloating has subsided and only minor gas. I am definitely a fan of VSL#3.
BarbiW
BarbiW
VSL#3DS (double strength) is covered by many insurance companies unlike the regular strength VSL#3. Also keep in mind that different situations call for different amounts of the probiotic so it may be more or less than $70/month. I know for me right now to get my UC under control the recommended dose is 4-8 packets of the double strength per day and it can take a couple weeks or so for it to do what it's supposed to. If you can get your doctor to prescribe you the VSL#3DS then you'll be able to possibly save a lot of money and hopefully it will work for you! hope this helps a little. VSL3.COM can help you locate a pharmacy in your area.