Customer Reviews

VSL #3 CAPS (BOTTLE) Size: 60

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis a few months before my 22nd birthday. I tried all kinds of medications - Asacol, cortisone, Colazal, and Canasa. The cort did nothing, Asacol worked at first (when my disease was at it's mildest), and Colazal only worked somewhat if I used it in conjunction with Canasa. I basically experienced a continuous flareup that vascillated between liveable, bad, and really bad for about two years. My BMs never went back to what they were before I was diagnosed and I was starting to get desperate. Hence my purchase of VSL#3.

I was really optimistic and hopeful that VSL#3 would work, mostly because of the events that preceded my diagnosis. Before I ever developed UC symptoms, I was extremely prone to infections and as a result, I took high doses of strong (and now we know sometimes dangerous) antibiotics several times a year. This went on for about two years. At the end of that period, I mysteriously stopped getting infections but developed a lack of fine motor control in both of my hands. At first I was told it was carpal tunnel, but a nerve study showed that this was an incorrect diagnosis and my orthopaedic doctor basically threw his hands up in the air and sent me on my way. About a year after that, I developed colitis, and with that came a whole host of symptoms that my gastroenterologist couldn't/didn't care to explain. I had joint pain; extreme swelling of the Achilles that would switch sides; swelling in my knees, elbow, finger, and jaw joints; swelling and painful bumps on the bottoms of my feet. It got to the point where I couldn't walk some days.

Now I don't want to say that VSL is a miracle drug. I'm no doctor, but I am a biologist and I do understand how the body works. Colitis is supposedly a result of a chronically overactive immune system, which may result from the presence of certain types of bacteria in the colon. The antibiotics I had been on have since been linked to (surprise!): a particular type of colitis caused by antibiotics wiping out the normal flora in your intestine, which is replaced by rapidly reproducing pathogenic bacteria, AND joint, particularly wrist, problems. After I learned all of this, I proposed to my doctor that perhaps my history of antibiotic use had upset the balance of bacteria in my colon, which caused my immune system to overreact and begin attacking my own tissues, not just in my colon, but in my joints and tendons as well. This would have explained the wide range of strange symptoms I was having, but he, again, waved it off.

Anyway, I said screw him and tried VSL anyway in the hopes that it would restore the balance of flora in my colon, if that were actually the problem. Low and behold, after two years of straight sufferring, within a couple of months of beginning VSL, I had my first normal BM. I am now taking 4 Colazal a day (instead of 9) and only using the Canasa every other day. Maybe it's not a miracle drug and my VSL use just happened to coincide with a freak trip into remission, as my doctor suggests. But I've learned not to trust everything my doctors say. They don't know everything, and I'm educated enough to make non-detrimental decisions for my own health.

I can't attest to whether this particular item is shipped correctly (refrigerated) because I purchase my VSL#3 direct; however, I do have to make a case for this amazing product. I've had GI issues ever since I was a young child -- my gastroenterologist finally determined that I had small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and fructose malabsorption. He suggested I take VSL#3 to correct my bacterial imbalance and I am soooo glad he did.

I don't want to get too graphic, but just let me just say that my experience in the bathroom has dramatically improved for the better. I thought I would have to live with my GI issues forever and now I don't.

Yes, VSL#3 is very expensive and it is not covered by my insurance, but it is still very much worth it to me. I have tried both the packets and the capsules and find the packets to be more effective from a cost and efficacy standpoint.

VSL#3 has worked wonders for me and a couple of others that I know. I have stopped all other medications for 7 years now. Still take VSL#3 at least 3 times a week. Started out with 4 times a day and tapered it down over a couple of months. This has made my life happy and easily livable under any stressful condition. Strongly recommened this product to anyone with UC or IBC.

This product is pricey, but totally worth it. I was suffering with some bad digestive problems, partially brought on by weakening digestion, antibiotics, etc. Having suffered greatly from candida- and digestion-related chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms at certain previous points in my life, I knew what to do. I tried some refrigerated capsule probiotics from the health food store, which looked quite powerful (& also somewhat expensive). While somewhat effective, they had nowhere near the effect of VSL3, which is what my doctor recommended. After the second dose, I could already tell the difference. I was going from being afraid to eat (EVERYTHING made me feel sick an hour after I ate it), & not wanting to get out of bed in the morning (I work full time) to having more energy than before, within 2 weeks. If you have similar problems, I highly recommend this product, as well as digestive enzymes (several good brands are available from health food stores & maybe from Amazon), a fiber product made from psyllium seeds (Konsyl is a good one, available from most pharmacies over the counter), certain enzyme-containing foods that stimulate digestion, such as peppermint, ginger, pineapple, etc. & PLENTY of fresh vegetables & fruits, preferably organic and locally grown. Also REDUCE your sugar intake greatly, eliminate refined/processed starches, eliminate or greatly reduce red meat, eat meals during the day & no later than 7:00 since your enzymatic juices start declining later in the evening, esp. if you are over 40. I also am just eating LESS, eating only when hungry & foregoing that second portion. I don't get as sleepy during the day, so I have been able to cut my overreliance on caffeine to keep myself going; too much caffeine can really be a gut irritant as well. It has been shown that a such a diet can help prevent many such other ills such as heart disease, cancer, etc. My mother's family suffered from bowel cancer, diverticulitis, etc., & I have inherited this same weakness evidently; therefore to keep myself healthy as long as possible I am making radical changes in my diet & supplementation, as described above. Weight loss & losing that big gut is another side effect of the diet that is nice. Shipping info: I ordered VSL3 directly from the VSL3 website, to make sure it came refrigerated. They ship it from there via 2nd day air, in an insulated package. The VSL3 packet box is enclosed with ice packs within the package. If you order from Amazon, make sure the product is shipped this way, to ensure the effectiveness of the product.

I have taken VSL#3 for nearly 6 years.
17 years ago I had my colon removed because of ulcerative colitis that would not respond to medication.
7-8 years ago I began to suffer from "pouchitis" and took large courses of metranidazole trying to curb it.
I developed peripheral neuropathy as a side effect of the metranidazole and had to stop taking it.
I then turned to what seemed like my only option: VSL#3, recommended by the surgeon who originally removed my colon.
For the past 6 years VSL# has managed my symptoms more-or-less successfully.
The times when it has not have been times when I tried to reduce my dosage (from 2 capsules 2 times daily). It has always taken a couple of months to reclaim my bowel health after trying to reduce my VSL#3.
I no longer run those types of experiments on myself.
If not for VSL#3 I am afraid I would either have to live in the bathroom or have an ostomy, neither of which are acceptable options

Like the other reviewers, I have had amazing success overcoming UC with VSL. I was diagnosed with UC almost three years ago, and I had a rough first few months. I had a rare but severe reaction to Asacol (sp?) and Canasa, and I was searching hard for ways to keep myself in remission without drugs. Using the databases available at a local university, I found a study indicating that VSL was fairly effective at keeping UC patients in remission. So, I went for it. I have since been in remission for the greater part of two years, and I don't take any medicines for UC. (I do, however, take fish oil supplements, and my diet is radically different from my pre-UC life.) Either way, I can't recommend this enough for people with UC.

NOTE: I purchase the product directly from the producer in order to ensure that the product is kept cool during shipping. Amazon may do the same thing, but I don't have certainty of it.

I have suffered from U.C. for 5 years. In April of this year I went on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet that has cured me from my aches and pains. I have also started taking the VSL#3 tablets that help me get better when I accidentally make a dietary mistake (like eating smoked chicken). VSL#3 cut down my flare up time, and now that I have been on it for about 2 months, I have had no flare ups. I am very very careful about what I eat and follow the SCD to the T. I also highly recommend that people wiht U.C. get on the SCD as well as take the VSL#3 tablets. If you follow the SCD diet, you are not allowed to take the powder form of the VSL #3, just the pills. They are a little more expensive. You can also purchase them in Costco as well.
I recommend that you also purchase the book "Breaking the Vicious Cycle."

this item needs a cold pack in the packaging. that was there, but it was actually hot. so the product was spoiled.

VSL is the big gun probiotic for serious digestive issues. All others pale in comparison. If you've been fooling around with other high priced probiotics, STOP! Pick up a cooler with an icepack and drive yourself to Costco (it's cheapest there). Buy a bottle of 60 capsules and start off with the lowest dosage.

I've tried countless probiotic brands. Some kind of worked and some didn't work at all. VSL#3 works period

Yes, it's expensive. But so are medication, doctors visits, and procedures. Spend money now to save later.

While it is a godsend, VSL#3 will probably not cure you. Consider in addition serious changes to diet, exercise, stress reduction, and other complementary supplements.

I have chronic GI problems and this product has helped regulate my system more than yogurt or other natural products. "Normal" people may not need this, but I'm glad my doctor recommended it.