Hello All:
A few weeks ago I posted about my worsening bloating and distention. At the advice of, and warning of, others on this board, I introduced VSL#3 probiotic (1 pill in the morning and 1 pill in the evening). This is a very strong probiotic that comes packed in dry ice and must be refrigerated to ensure the cultures stay alive and active. I also doubled my efforts to remain gluten and dairy free. This meant returning to somewhat of a Paleo diet.
So when I first introduced VSL, I noticed my loose stools worsening, and somewhat abruptly. And I also had that acidic, burning sensation when going to the bathroom. This worried me quite a bit. I know when this is occurring my system is going into a flare. That symptom is one of the worst to tolerate, especially when away from home... sigh.
But I kept with it, and several weeks later, my bloating and distention have abated about 80%... I feel I am clearly heading in the right direction. I no longer look 6 months pregnant (and I am a male). Now, could all of this be merely a coincidence? ... possibly. As we all know MC waxes and wanes. But I have also noticed that my energy levels seem to be increasing. More significantly, I am able to think more clearly. Maybe this is because the fatigue is lessening. Now admittedly, I am also trying to get a lot more sleep. Having four days off over the Thanksgiving holiday was a nice "recharge" event for me. I am simply awaking when my body is ready, and not to an alarm clock. But, note that I was feeling better before the holiday.
So I hope this post helps others who are considering VSL#3. I did notice a sudden exacerbation of my symptoms (and some new ones) for the firsts few days taking it, but week by week, there does seem to be a noticeable improvement. Now let's just see if the improvement continues and is durable.
Rich
VSL#3 Helping my Bloating and Distention
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VSL#3 Helping my Bloating and Distention
"It's not what I believe. It's what I can prove." - A Few Good Men
Hi Rich, That is great news. I see that you are taking two capsules a day. Do you take it with a meal or before a meal? I stopped taking it for a few days and noticed my abdomen getting bigger. I am taking a capsule of Primal Defense Ultra but that is only 18 billion cells. I just purchased the capsules and will resume taking them tomorrow. Jon
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Gabes-Apg
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The changes to stools would probably happen to a non MC'er, as the VSL is changing the gut flora.....
FANTASTIC News how quickly things have improved - that is awesome!
I posted a news article a few months ago about probiotics and the immune system. and my theory is, once enough healing has occurred then they will work. If you take them while the gut is super inflammed it makes the D worse.
FANTASTIC News how quickly things have improved - that is awesome!
I posted a news article a few months ago about probiotics and the immune system. and my theory is, once enough healing has occurred then they will work. If you take them while the gut is super inflammed it makes the D worse.
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Gabes wrote:my theory is, once enough healing has occurred then they will work. If you take them while the gut is super inflammed it makes the D worse.
You may be on to something there.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.