Around 2008 when I was first diagnosed with Crohn's I started taking a probiotic called Primal defense (in addition to 6mp, 5ASA, etc.). I really noticed a difference when I took the probiotic consistently and honestly felt it was doing more for me than the medications being prescribed by my GI.
Fast forward a few years and the new "Ultra" line of Primal Defense was introduced, making the original impossible to find in stores (at least in my location). However I did not notice the same improvements while taking the "ultra" line, so much so that I stopped buying it completely, and started taking Align. The Align seems to help but I would estimate the original PD was about twice as effective at managing my symptoms.
My question being, has anyone else experienced this, and has the formula changed significantly over the years? Or perhaps my crohn's has just gotten worse. FYI I am on the severe end of the spectrum with ulceration of the small intestine, stenosis of the large intestine, and perianal fistulas. My large intestine is mostly inflamed in the bottom 12 inches or so, with the rest being relatively OK.
Also any suggestions for probiotics would be helpful (I am aware of VSL3 but am a little wary of a high pricetag for potential snake oil)
Thanks for reading,
Andrew
Fast forward a few years and the new "Ultra" line of Primal Defense was introduced, making the original impossible to find in stores (at least in my location). However I did not notice the same improvements while taking the "ultra" line, so much so that I stopped buying it completely, and started taking Align. The Align seems to help but I would estimate the original PD was about twice as effective at managing my symptoms.
My question being, has anyone else experienced this, and has the formula changed significantly over the years? Or perhaps my crohn's has just gotten worse. FYI I am on the severe end of the spectrum with ulceration of the small intestine, stenosis of the large intestine, and perianal fistulas. My large intestine is mostly inflamed in the bottom 12 inches or so, with the rest being relatively OK.
Also any suggestions for probiotics would be helpful (I am aware of VSL3 but am a little wary of a high pricetag for potential snake oil)
Thanks for reading,
Andrew