IBS Network

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Probiotics

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

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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.

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.

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

Thats good to know. Thanks.

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.

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

Shaun

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...

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

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.

Many thanks! Thats helpful

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.

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.

chucklinggoat.co.uk/

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

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.

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

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.