The Big Three and probiotics

Posted by doberdoo @doberdoo, 2 days ago

I have to start The Big 3 in June and am terrified of the side effects, I have noted in various posts on this group that people use probiotics to help manage side effects. My question is which probiotic or brand name or ant info.. Because when I Google probiotics, hundreds of different kinds pop up without descriptions of what they are used for. Any advice and specifics would be appreciated.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

@doberdoo

Sometimes this group is atrocious in their lack of response. Do you pick and choose who you like or don't like to respond to? I have read many posts of people praising the effectiveness of using probiotics to help through the Big 3treatment yet only one person bothered to respond. What is up with that. What have I done to warrant being ignored? I simply asked for what KIND of probiotics to use for the Big 3 side effects because there are literally thousands advertised but for different conditions. Do I need to quit this group because no one wants to bother to help me?

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I noticed your post about being fired from your pulmonologist. Sorry that happened.

Sorry you feel this way: "Sometimes this group is atrocious in their lack of response."
I myself have a hard time finding time to read our Mayo Clinic Connect every day with all I have to do for myself, especially being single and no support, which is on top of what I, we, need to do to clear mucus from the lungs. So please understand that at times it will take a day or so for replies.

Now that you have a few replies you have much to decide with all the suggestions, and in itself can be overwhelming. Hope your search and decision for an antibiotic choice comes easy. I know for me it was somewhat of a research project. I decided for my first try the Sprouts Women's Advanced Daily Probiotic. 80 Billion CFU. But that might be too much for you, 80 Billion CFU.
Help will always be here for you.
Barbara

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@susanbeth

So when I was on the "big 3" I ended up in renal failure and liver failure, so have removal of gall bladder in the hospital and on dialysis for 6 weeks. The ID doc I saw was ready to retire, so thst to say make sure that labs monitoring kidney and liver function are monitored every 3 months.

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So glad to know they are trying new meds to replace the big 3 I was on. Maybe the side effects are not so awful

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@doberdoo , I saw Dr. Pamela McShane (MAC pulmonary specialist) in Tyler, Texas before she moved on to the NIH in Washington D.C., her nurse advised me that they recommend Florastor or Culturelle (over the counter) to all their patients. Also, I was having a bit of diarrhea & they recommended Benefiber (over the counter). Please check with your doctors, as they know all your medical issues. I am currently on the Big 3 since May 2024 & inhaled Arikayce since March 7th, 2025. Good luck to you !

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@doberdoo

Sometimes this group is atrocious in their lack of response. Do you pick and choose who you like or don't like to respond to? I have read many posts of people praising the effectiveness of using probiotics to help through the Big 3treatment yet only one person bothered to respond. What is up with that. What have I done to warrant being ignored? I simply asked for what KIND of probiotics to use for the Big 3 side effects because there are literally thousands advertised but for different conditions. Do I need to quit this group because no one wants to bother to help me?

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Hey @doberdoo, like others have said, I'm sorry that you are feeling ignored. I wonder if your expectations may be different from what I am seeing. When I look at your profile here https://connect.mayoclinic.org/member/00-a6f1e92af5805966450641/, I see that you started 12 discussions. In each discussion members have responded to your questions on the same day. In each discussion there are multiple comments, between 4 and 25 or more.

There's a whole group of people helping each other here, including you.

Here are a few tips to feel connected:
1. Learn more about adjusting your settings in the Help Center https://connect.mayoclinic.org/help-center/
2. Use the group search to find answers to your questions that have already been asked and answered https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/mac-bronchiectasis/
3. Re=read your discussions and review the kindess members have offered along with helpful information. You're not alone.

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@attracta

Hello Susanbeth,
Just saw your post now. I take a Thorne Flora/Mend Prime Probiotic, 1 a day, excellent quality, does not need refrigeration and is shelf stable in a cool, dry place. It is a Cdn product so don’t know if you can obtain in US. My best health wishes to you.

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I am in New Brunswick. Any idea where i can get Floramend

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@payette78

I am in New Brunswick. Any idea where i can get Floramend

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You can try this link:
https://well.ca/products/thorne-research-flora-mend-prime_135648.html
It appears they ship - perhaps they have a list of local vendors as well.

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Tell me side effects please

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