Ulcerative colitis - worried about medications

My gastroenterologist prescribes it for short-term use when I have a flare up, as the Rowasa enemas and Corti-foam did not work. During the flare, I was having bleeding, pain, bloating, constipation, etc. The prednisone reduces the inflammation. Once the inflammation is reduced, it seems to allow my colon to heal, so it stops bleeding, and the pain goes away and the bloating and constipation are reduced. I don't take anything else for pain. But, I take Colazal for the ulcerative colitis and Linzess for IBS-C regularly. My doctor gave me a sample of Trulance to try for my IBS, as I still have constipation issues, even though I eat a lot of fiber, drink a lot of water and exercise a lot. I have not tried it yet. I am not familiar with Lialda. Does it work well for you?

Thanks for your reply. I "guess" Lialda is helping, been taking it only since April. So I'm not really sure. I find it curious you're eating a lot of fiber, I'm on low fiber. This is what drives me nuts! One source says low and another says high. It's confusing. Ugh!

Hi @suez,

I'm tagging @alina151 @concernedmtnmom @liliane @janovr as they have discussed VSL#3; you may wish to view their posts in these discussions:
– https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/relentless-bile-reflux-pain/
– https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/small-intestine-bacteria-overgrowth/

I know - it can be really confusing! The reason my doctor has me on a high-fiber diet is due to my constipation issues. As long as I am not constipated, everything is fine. But, as soon as that starts, it causes all my problems. But, I know a lot of people are on the low-fiber diet for UC, as it helps to give the colon time to heal. Sometimes I wonder why there isn't a simple cure for this. It is very frustrating, but I know a lot of people have it worse. At least prednisone is not expensive.

Yes, a lot of people have it worse. Thanks again for your input.

My daughter took VSL#3 to help her recover from bad C. difficile infections. WE found it to be effective, but first you need to kill the bad bacteria that's making you miserable.

The low-down on probiotics: First, many need to be refrigerated (shelf-stable ones that don't need refrigeration might not be that viable or effective; VSL#3 is stored in the fridge at drug stores like Walgreens). She also took a probiotic yeast, S. boullardii, which didn't need to be refrigerated.

Second, you need to measure probiotics in the billions, and to make a difference in your microbiome, based on my research and experience, you need at least 100 billion taken daily to make a difference.

Third, the microbiome is a new frontier in medicine (NPR has lots of interesting podcasts on the latest research) and each of us carry trillions of microbes in our guts. So it's a numbers game and a combination game. There are numerous/countless strains in each of us (I'm not a biologist, so I'm generalizing here) and they work in balance and harmony or, if they are not in balance, cause damage and toxicity. Basic rule is that probiotic supplements that contain multiple strains may offer better results.

Fourth, it is hard to find a doctor who is well-versed in all this, and nutritional consultants might be better advisers. There are new studies and findings every week, so keep up the research if this seems like a reasonable pursuit. Good luck and never give up!

Hi @cdancer2 and @suez,

I was wondering if you had a chance to view the new Gastroenterology & GI Surgery Page on Connect? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/gastroenterology-and-gi-surgery/
You may wish to listen to the Mayo Clinic Radio podcast, where Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Dr. Joseph Murray, M.D., discusses probiotics.

Thanks to all who answered my question about VSL#3 awhile back. I apologize for not responding. I'm still searching for a probiotic to try.

Thanks! I'm a little better.

I would like to know if other members have had kidney stones related to their ulcerative colitis?