VSL#3 alternatives..(probiotics)

luvvlyjubbly

Been advised my son takes VSL#3 a very high count probiotic but nearly fell over at the price....sorry there is no way i can afford it....lookingfor a subsitute....my son has an illeonal pouch, just wonder if any colitis sufferers on here may have some suggestions....

MrsAtobe

Found this for you, don't know how it compares on price? http://www.ibshealthcare.co.uk/taxonomy/term/27

I would also be interested in knowing why the medic who advised you that your son needed these probiotics couldn't write a prescription for them?

As for alternatives, AFAIK, these are the only probiotics that are proven to work with IBD, but I' m sure that someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

HTH, and good luck.

purplegirl*13

I agree, they are very expensive - which has put me off trying them. I am seeing my GP tomorrow to see if I can get a prescription for it.

If not, I think I may purchase them anyway. As the above poster states, they are proven to help with IBD and I'm on my second course of steroids since diagnosis in Feb, so am looking for anything that may help keep me in remission longer.

Another probiotic I have heard mentioned for IBD is LP299V, but I think this is from more recent studies.

luvvlyjubbly

Thanks. I think i will go and see if my sons GP will prescribe it, worth a try....And purplegirl I did a google on your recommendation and came across this
http://www.thehealthbay.com/quest-l-plantarum-30-capsules-c-117-p-7519?utm_source=google&utm_medium=basefeed&utm_campaign=redback
seems to be much cheaper.
IBD is such a horrible disease, I really feel for you all.

purplegirl*13

Thanks for the link. I know it is cheaper but haven't heard too much on this probiotic, in comparison to VSL3 so am wanting to try that one. I'm torn because of the expense but if it can keep me well for longer, then don't I owe it to myself to try it? It's just soo expensive!

Will let you know how I get on at the GP tomorrow. I'm hoping she'll be open to prescribing as she is open to more natural treatments, which is rare amongst the medical professionals I've come across over the years.

MrsAtobe

Purplegirl, perhaps I'm just lucky, but all my gastro's have said whenever I've suggested anything 'try it, if it helps you, great, please let me know'.

Hope you both come out of the GPs with a prescription.

katchia

Hi I suffer from UC and was given VSL3 on prescription (live in Scotland). I have since been told by my GP that this is only licensed and available on prescription for anyone who has had surgery to have their colon removed. I would go back to your sons GP and ask to have it prescribed.

Good luck and I hope your son is well.

bhunt

Believe me as a Mum who had a sick boy this stuff is so worth it. I only had to use it for one month straight and then kept in the fridge for flair ups which eventually got less and less. I had tried heaps of other probiotics before this one and none had helped, so I would say if you can possibly get one month's worth to give it a go it is so worth it.

A.Penny.Saved

LP299V is just a nice scientific sounding name that enables supplement producers to charge more for what is a very common bacteria. It's Lactobacillus Plantarum which is very common in Sauerkraut.

maddiemay

As someone with mild to moderate (by the standards of OP and other posters) I was intrigued by this thread. It is seriously interesting stuff and I post the following for information to other readers and to put a possibly well meaning, but totally unhelpful comment into it's proper perspective.

Anyone who is thinking of buying or obtaining 'script for VSL#3 really ought to read some of the comments on the following link, particularly review By ZapNZs - Published on Amazon.com

Link is here

HTH, I have a distant family member with IBD and I know how debilitating it can be, so my comments are made only with good intentions:D