Probiotics? Switching Medication? Need advice.

[CeceBTS]

I've just come off some antibiotics for a nasty UTI, but the antibiotics were obviously strong and gave me some horrendous side effects that really messed with my IBS. I'm wondering if perhaps a) I should start taking a probiotic but dont' really know where to start (so many for different uses) and b) whether I should switch from my current medication and try something else.

I know they say if it ain't broken don't fix it, but I'm wondering if maybe there's another medication out there that would not only help with the spasms and pain, but help do what the mebeverine does for me which is calm down the frequency. My frequency has reduced quite considerably since I started so I've always been reluctant to change but if there's a combination of meds I can take that may help me better I'll try anything haha. I've had Buscopan previously when I've been really in pain and it's helped but it isn't meant to be taken with Mebeverine and I know Buscopan doesn't slow down the frequency.

I think the Mebeverine may contribute to my constipation tho, so I don't want to be going too far the opposite direction. I would love if there was a balance but I know it's not easy to find the perfect solution.

As for probiotics, I don't really know what's best to try. I suffer with IC so perhaps anything that will help with both issues. I know there's a variety of strains and difference in numbers, but I've been told anything below 5 billion isn't worth trying. So yogurts kind of aren't really gonna contribute to much if that's so. What are the best strains of probiotic to try?

Any advice anyone has will be great! I know it's best to try the FODMAP diet on top and other stuff but if I can get a start while I wait for further referrals again that'd be awesome.

[Nicki1984]

Hi

I found this article useful on probiotics.

whole9life.com/2012/04/prob...

Are you uk or other?

How often are you taking mebeverine? I take 3 times per day if so could try dropping down to 2?

I have just started a probiotic and for long term health IBS and immune system I do this they are good. Be aware though when you first start they can cause a few digestive issues in first few days but stick with it as it passes. Also look into digestive enzymes as they tend to work together. X

[CeceBTS in reply to Nicki1984]

Thanks for the reply and information! Yeah, I'm from the UK. I take mebeverine once a day actually, taking it more makes me even more constipated so I found this was the most amount I could take. I'd love something that will control both the pain and the frequency but I know it's difficult to find that balance.

Which probiotic do you take? I've tried one in the past but I think it was just acidophilus and it didn't really do much for me but then maybe I hadn't tried it for long enough (it was only a month or two)

I'll definitely look into it tho, thank you

[Hiddenaway in reply to CeceBTS]

Since i started taking actimal, touch wood, my IBS has been much better. I take mine in the evening so has time to work during the night as I also tend to get my IBS in the morning

[Nicki1984 in reply to CeceBTS]

I'm more IBS d so not sure how probiotics differ for you I think just having a healthier gut and system makes all the difference to overall health. I've been taking boots digestive support for last 2 weeks so bit early to say. But am going to move on to Super20 Pro by healthspan as lots of good reviews and higher levels. I've also started taking a multi digestive enzyme from Holland and Barrett which I think is making a difference already. X

[Judym]

I've been taking Symprove for the last 10 weeks 2 more to go for the 12 week course.It's a very expensive probiotic but has worked wonders for ibs d I can now plan ahead, just need to sort out constant nausea now,does anyone have any advice on dealing with that?

[Hidden]

Yakult and actimel twice a day did the trick for me.

For those UTIs drink one or two glasses of cranberry juice everyday, it can help keep future infections away.

[gurgleguts]

I was given mebeverine and it wasn't much good. It seemed to patch some symptoms but create others, so I stopped and switched to PB's. Like others have said, they don't work overnight but they made a huge difference. I use the brand Quest and sometimes lindemans (I think) and they are 10bn strength. Personally I would avoid those drinks as theyre tiny doses and cost 1000x the price. Digestive enzymes also work but I take them for a few days and then stop as I found long term they were becoming less effective. Its good to see that so many people are having good results. Unfortunately we live in a world where GPs are recommending expensive one solution chemicals to cover something they don't really understand. With IBS, these meds have sweeteners and artificial flavours in them that could well be triggers for many sufferers.