Probiotics

[Snoopydrop]

Can anyone recommend a probiotic? I am stuck without a clear diagnosis. I have some IBS symptoms but because of Covid can't have a stool sample test. I can have several lovely ache free weeks then bang diarrhoea and in bed. Have been reading and probiotics are recommended but I will have to check they are ok with my other prescriptions. Scared of taking something new but Dr is not suggesting anything else. I believe they come as tablets. Am on Omeprazole. Something rather than nothing not sure if they are helping

Sorry I may be repeating myself. Thanks

[auntyjean]

I use kefir. If u can't tolerate dairy you can make your own with substitute milk. Best to buy it in Eastern European shop.

[Snoopydrop in reply to auntyjean]

Hi, Thanks for the recommendation. I've checked a recommended website and it says 170 ml first thing in the morning of Kefir. How long did you take it for? Again been told take it for 3 months constantly and then have like booster course every 3 months. I know I can buy it in my local town. Certainly cheaper than a website but of course they would provide the convenience of it being delivered.

[auntyjean in reply to Snoopydrop]

I have been drinking it every day for about a year and intend to keep doing so. Its about £1.20 a litre.

[Snoopydrop in reply to auntyjean]

Thats good to know. Thanks.

[xjrs]

That's strange - I've just seen a post on here where someone is doing a stool sample test right now. I'm surprised because they can post the collection pot to you, you can quarantine it for 72 hours and you could hand it in with a mask or leave outside for reception to pick up.

Alflorex probiotic has been scientifically studied for IBS and it has changed my life.

[Hidden in reply to xjrs]

Xjrs what is Alflorex and what does it do ? Hope you are okay

Shaun

[xjrs in reply to Hidden]

It is a strong strain of probiotic that has been scientifically studied for IBS and may be able to kick to touch any bad bugs that may be giving IBS symptoms:

precisionbiotics.com/uk/alf...

[Snoopydrop in reply to xjrs]

Thanks for the recommendation. I would have to check with my GP as I'm on quite strong antidepressants.

[xjrs in reply to Snoopydrop]

Good to ask, however probiotics are regarded as 'food' so shouldn't pose a problem. I've just checked the Precision Biotics (the supplier) website and it says:

precisionbiotics.com/uk/alf...

Is Alflorex safe to take with medicine?

No side effects in conjunction with the use of Alflorex® have been observed to date.

There are no known interactions with any medications.

[Snoopydrop in reply to xjrs]

Many thanks! Thats helpful

[Snoopydrop in reply to xjrs]

I'm having a follow-up call with the GP tomorrow so I'll double check on the stool sample. Thanks thats helpful to know others are having tests.

[Dodie117]

I used kefir for many years, making my own. It seemed to help in the early stages but not anymore. I now take Alflorex which seems to help but is expensive. The gastroenterologist in a London hospital suggested symprove and said it was the most tested. I have not tried it as very expensive - even more expensive than Alflorex.

[Wiggo]

chucklinggoat.co.uk/

[Snoopydrop in reply to Wiggo]

Thank you. I have contacted this company Chucklinggoat and they were very helpful. Just deciding whether to try it before Xmas.

[Wiggo in reply to Snoopydrop]

I will be taking mine thro' the Christmas period as I have noticed a difference in the short time that I have been taking it.

[Snoopydrop in reply to Wiggo]

Thats encouraging news! I'm going to try it starting tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

[Snoopydrop in reply to Wiggo]

Happy New Year. I've been taking Kefir for about 2.5 weeks now. After the first week I was slightly constipated. I was advised to reduce the amount from 170 ml to 1 tablespoon a day and then gradually build it up. However, advice from a medical professional was to only take it for 3 weeks. So I will finish what I have bought and see how it goes.

My bowel movements have been OK. Still get pains in the back first thing but it does go after food and a wee/poo. Bearing in mind I stick to the same food and try not to eat anything processed. I admit to the odd sausage roll or pasty! My GP says as I have had all the scans and blood tests I probably have IBS so next drug to try would be Meveberine but I've read you only take it for a few weeks. Is that other peoples experience? And only during a flare-up (I assume this is diarrhoea)? I will take it reluctantly. When things are going fairly well I dont like changes. See how the next few weeks go.

It seems like everyone gives you different advice and all drugs or probiotics work differently for each person. So I guess we have to work our way through everything till we find what works.

I've mentioned it before but I suffer with anxiety as well so I'm hoping my supposed IBS symptoms may ease as things improve during the year with the virus. Well lets certainly hope so.

[Viklou]

They are still doing blood tests and stool tests. Covid or not

[yogaman]

I tried a number of probiotics on Amazon and wound up with more problems but Amazon gave me credit because they made me worse.