Possible reaction to Align prebiotic + Probiotic
Last week I had a colonoscopy because of of a lifetime of urgent BM's, diarrhea, not able to nail down what foods are the problem. It is hard to maintain weight because and I remain thin. Here is a quote from the GI doctor - "I did obtain biopsies from your small bowel which have returned showing no underlying inflammation and no evidence of celiac disease. During the colonoscopy, I did obtain biopsies throughout the colon which have returned showing evidence of a microscopic colitis called collagenous colitis. This inflammation would explain your recent diarrhea. I am going to start you on a medication called budesonide to take 3 tablets once a day for 4 weeks, then 2 tablets once a day for 4 weeks, then 1 tablet once a day for 2 weeks."
I would like to ask this group if any experiences on an OTC product by Align--dual biotic--prebiotic + probiotic gummies. I began taking them at half the recommended amount (2 a day versus 4 a day) 5 days after my colonoscopy. My gut was staying calm so I was encouraged. Then, 7 days after colonoscopy at about 8:30PM my lower GI decided to empty out over the next two hours. That was bad enough but the odor had almost a chemical smell and even a intense sweet smell about it, ugh. I had C-def over 15 years ago and it made me think about that episode. After a couple of hours I took two Imodiums and things did settle down after that so I wondered if it could be possibly be due to the Align products.
I've been cautioned by my pulmonary doctor to be cautious taking corticosteoids as they weaken the immune system. I do have mycobacterium avium complex, bronchiectasis and Lichen planus.
Any insight would be appreciated.
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I have been through a similar experience and have lots of questions…
1. Are you eating a bland BRAT diet, no alcohol, no caffeine, no coffee, no greasy or spicy foods, no dairy, no greens, etc.
2. Taking omeprazole?
3. Have GERD?
4. Menopausal?
5. Diagnosis of microscopic colitis from colonoscopy biopsy?
So many things can play into this.
And I had a very similar experience stage and unmasked on the mask singer after following a very careful diet and taking the budesonide, tapered, with a diagnosis of microscopic colitis.
Check with your doctor about the risk versus benefit of budesonide, for me the risk was well worth it.
All of the questions above play directly into successfully treating microscopic colitis. Good luck! 😊
Hi mjzd. Thanks for your response. To answer your questions: I had to check to see what a BRAT diet is so my response is yes, I go to some of those things that are more gentle on my gut during "episodes." On normal days I have 1 cup caffeinated coffee and later one 8 oz caffeinated soda as I have a snack--otherwise just water. I am post menopausal and have GERD. I do take Pantoprazole. I was diagnosed with microscopic colitis by biopsy during colonoscopy. Because I have three autoimmune conditions I contacted my pulmonary doc to get his OK before taking budesonide. He is comfortable with me taking it. In reading about this condition it says it can come back. Have you had it more than once and how long did the period of time last when you had no issues. Look forward to your response. Faye