randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
My friend. Ang. Went to her pcp yesterday. He knows she has lyme. When she told him about taking probiotics he told her they caused colon abscess.
Now ive never heard that. She ibs abd diverticulitis like me but shes also got inflammatory bowel.
Have you ever heard of this? Her gastro said it was ok as long as they didnt bother her. Shes doing cowden.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Q: probiotics causing colon abscess?
A: No.
LACK of probiotics can contribute to abscess, though.
You might suggest to your friend that she find a more intelligent PCP. A doctor who believes that is not one I'd trust. -
[ 01-04-2014, 07:15 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- It really surprises me that when someone hears something like that from their doctor they just believe it.
Does your friend not have internet access? No library around? No bookstore with some nutritional & health books? Are they unable to read for some reason or find it hard to navigate the web listings from the educational and the not so helpful sites)? Some web sites can be hard on the eyes - or many really don't have internet access so those who do can help out by asking if they'd like to use a computer when they are over for cut of tea, etc.
You can be a good friend and gather some key research gems to share -- it's fun to learn and share information that is so vital to health. But it may be hard for her to do so on her own and she may not feel comfortable saying she just can gather information on her own. It can be daunting.
You might just start a weekly "circle" of friends to discuss such matters, armed with some professional literature (of course). Your local librarian can guide you to some good nutrition books on their shelves.
For Probiotic detail, search Mercola.com as he collects some good date with links.
(Since she has lyme) you might share the name of the LL naturopathic doctor in your area if she is interested in learning more, specifically for HER body - - the best brands, etc.
Book: Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology - By Kathryn Sucher, Karen Lacey, Sara Long Roth
Diverticulitis . . . Colon, abscess . . .
(next paragraph) . . . treatment for . . . (includes) . . . probiotics and prebiotics . . . -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
She doesnt have a computer nor even a cell phone!! Shes older and doesnt drive and lives in senior housing.
Talking to some older people especially when you're saying something against a doc is almost impossible. She has to go to walkin clincs and you know what they've like.
I suggested she talk to her llmd but I dont think hes a real llmd just someone from an herb store or even her gastro. But poor thing is so broke she cant just go very often.
I try to help her out but all I can do is suggest. Its the ole you're not a doctor routine.
Been there done that with my own family....
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
[Scroll down to Section] Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Nutrition plays an important role in preventing and treating gastrointestinal disease, especially diverticulosis. You may help minimize attacks and improve treatment results by following specific dietary recommendations.
Nutrition and Supplements
. . . .
Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces boulardii (250 mg, taken daily between meals) and bifidobacteria, help maintain the health of the intestines.
In one study, people who had diverticulitis were more likely to remain symptom-free after 1 year when they were treated with Lactobacillus casei and mesalazine. Some probiotics may not be right for people with severely suppressed immune systems. . . .
(full article at link above).
(and that is why it would good for her to connect with the LL ND in your area. To find the right combination for her body.) -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
Oh forgot to add she has really bad eyesight. Macular degeneration. She can barely read labels on food products.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Yeah, I wondered if she might not have access to information. So many really don't.
And, it's common that at a certain age, they just want to believe whatever their doctor says and have not been accustomed to seeking out more detail.
Still, she knows enough about Cowden and to have already started taking probiotics so, perhaps, she would be interested in learning more if it's presented in a easy format.
So broke (unable to afford supplements, or to see a LL ND really) . . . still, then there would be other ways to help her keep informed just in conversation or going to a health lecture or cooking class, etc. Or sharing some probiotic FOODS that you might make or buy from Whole Foods as a gift to her.
There are various ways to incorporate probiotics and I do think older people might be more interested than we might think. Poverty just slams so hard that it can seem to bash the desire to learn when there seems to be no way to implement action.
Feeling ill, too, is an impediment to knowledge at the very time we need to spread wings.
Just keep involved with her. If there is a natural foods market nearby, I'd bet they have certain presentations. Maybe someone would come to where she lives and put on a talk for all the residents?
If you don't have energy or are drawn to help in such a manner, maybe you could find someone who would love to do so. I'd bet they do exist.
Even someone in circumstances as you describe would likely still be interested - just needs it brought to them. You might explore what she would like were someone to make an effort to organize some sort of tutoring sessions - or food sharing dates.
You might first call the Texas Naturopathic Association and see if they have any outreach programs or a speakers' bureau. -
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MichaelTampa
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 24868
posted
Here is an article giving a little bit of that point of view. I am not necessarily agreeing with it, but I think this point of view is a little broad than just one uneducated doc.
Razzle
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 30398
posted
Interesting link, MichaelTampa... I agree with the idea that what works for one may not work for another.
I also want to mention on this thread that some research has suggested enteric coated fish oil may be as effective as mesalamine (prescription anti-inflammatory for the gut) for IBD.
And Butyrate (naturally found in butter) is important for bowel health as well (especially the colon).
-------------------- -Razzle Lyme IgM IGeneX Pos. 18+++, 23-25+, 30++, 31+, 34++, 39 IND, 83-93 IND; IgG IGeneX Neg. 30+, 39 IND; Mayo/CDC Pos. IgM 23+, 39+; IgG Mayo/CDC Neg. band 41+; Bart. (clinical dx; Fry Labs neg. for all coinfections), sx >30 yrs. Posts: 4166 | From WA | Registered: Feb 2011
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Ellen101
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35432
posted
I am currently having a rough time tolerating probiotics and found this link very interesting. I have been using Custom Probiotics. It cleared up any issues I had with constipation but now I am having alot of GI distress, gas, bloating, and I wouldn't call them loose stools, just seems to be an endless amount especially upon waking.
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