probiotics

[mcdoll]

Okay, so I've been doing some more research, and am feeling that bacteria may really be the cause of my ic. It started with an infection anyways. I started probiotics this morning, because I know that they help fight bad bacteria. I'm not taking any antibiotics right now, but I figured it couldn't hurt to try the probiotics. Maybe they could help at least keep things a little under control. Does anyone else use these as part of their treatment, and what have your experiences been? I know the acid in the meds can bother some people, I'm wondering if this is common or only for some? Does anyone feel they've benefited from probiotics?

[jen74]

I take probiotics everyday, and I have to say I think they do help me alot, especially with digestive issues. I so think bacteria have a part in what causes IC as well. I think we all have some good bacteria that thrive in the bladder normally and they are essential for having a healthy bladder, but when we take maybe certain antibitoics, it kills off that beneficial bacteria and then lets the bad bacteria's take hold easier. This is just a thought. I mean if it can happen in the gut after taking antibitoics, then why not the bladder or any other organ for that matter.
I take acidophilis daily and also femdophilis. The femdophilis is suppose to help keep the urinary tract more healthy by adding certain bacteria to the vagina that is needed to keep the urinary tract healthy. It takes a few weeks of being on it to really start to have an effect though.
Jen

[mcdoll]

Thanks, I've never heard about femdophilis but I'm going to look into it. I'm willing to try any non-invasive treatment!

[mlzippy7]

My doctor suggested I used probiotics as well. It hasn't caused me any more issues than I already deal with every day.
My thoughts are it doesn't hurt to try anything like this. It sure beats all the doctors telling me to remove my bladder.
I hope it works for you!!

[mcdoll]

wow, I wish I could find a doctor like that! I'm currently looking for one who will perform the procedure in Canada. For myself, it's a bit early, but it's mostly for a friend having difficulty finding a surgeon willing despite her intense pain and decades of suffering.

[Katrina]

I feel my IC bennefited from probiotics but not because I suspected bacteria...it was a hard process though that took about 2 weeks to really get the change. Good luck!! HOpe they work for you!

[elamar]

My accupuncturist who also studies chinese medicine highly recommends using Megadophilus by Natren. You can buy it at Whole Foods market. I used Femdophilus for month. I never felt different. Then again, it didn't aggrivate my symptoms either. My AC says Natren makes their own achidophilus and he has done lots of research on it at thinks it's the best. I have been using Megadophilus for 2 months now. Same as before - I don't really feel any different - not better, but certainly not worse!

[mcdoll]

I took the acidophilus for one day, and it induced a major flare. I can't be sure that was the cause, but I think I'll wait awhile before trying that again. I also noticed that one of the ingredients is ascorbic acid, so maybe that had something to do with it. I'm in Canada, so I can't always get the same medications available in the States. I'm going to try and see if I can find a different brand without the acid. I'm not sure if that even exists! We'll see.