Diverticulitis

[Chamberlayne]

I am diagonised CLL and have been treated with Ibrutinib since 2017, I have recently developed diverticulitis and was thinking of taking a Probiotic but wondered if this is safe for CLL patients.

[cajunjeff]

I have had some stomach problems starting with venetoclax, which I no longer take. Among other meds I took for my stomach, my physicians assistant at MD Anderson and my gastroenterologist both recommended I start probiotics. I have been on them for a year, my gastro dr suggested the Align brand probiotics.

That said, my belief is anyone with cll who is considering adding a medication or supplement to their cll meds, should speak with their cll doctor before doing so. We are all so different with our cll. Just because a medication is good for one person, does not make it good or safe for another.

I strongly suspect your cll doctor will have no issues with you trying probiotics. I still think it prudent to ask. Good luck, I hope your diverticulitis improves.

[Chamberlayne in reply to cajunjeff]

Thanks for your reply and kind words cajunjeff. I have an appointment next week with my doctor so will ask for her thoughts on probiotics

[annmcgowan in reply to cajunjeff]

Hi cajinjeff I use VSL#3 probiotics. Never heard of Align probiotics. Are they prescribed or over the counter?

Ann

[cajunjeff in reply to annmcgowan]

alignprobiotics.com/en-us/p...

Over the counter

[annmcgowan in reply to cajunjeff]

Thank you mine VSL#3 was recommended by a gastroenterologist many years ago. It’s useful to look at what’s out there today.

Ann

[annmcgowan]

Hi Chamberlayne I’ve used probiotics VSL# 3 for many years pre and post CLL diagnosis and treatment for IBS. I’ve had no problem.

Wishing you good luck.

Ann

[AntonMB]

I am currently on treatment with Acalabrutinib and was told to avoid probiotic yoghurts.

The following is from the Acalabrutinib information:

INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER MEDICINES AND/OR FOOD- Check with your doctor and your pharmacist that the medicines (with or without prescription) and/or other substances (food, plants, among which grapefruit and St John’s Wort, probiotics, essential oils, food supplements...) that you are using are compatible with your treatment. Some interactions may have an influence on the efficiency of your treatment or the outcome of side effects.

As an aside I was diagnosed with diverticular disease following a recent colonoscopy, as my ibs symptoms had worsened. Having tried mebeverine and buscopan with limited sucess, I have since started taking Amitriptyline on an evening which has alleviated my symptoms considerably.

[Big_Dee]

Hello Chamberlayne

I have 6 diverticula and after diverticulitis attack started using a prebiotic fiber supplemental powder in water. It has worked for me and have not had any additional diverticulitis infections.