Two questions - probiotics, & passing clear fluid

[lesley]

Hello everyone!

I want to say thanks again for when you all welcomed me here - I'm so glad to have this forum available and welcoming when I need it!

I'm sort-of flaring up right now, have been for the last few months, basically just very frequent bowel movements, especially in the morning. Very loose, and lots of intestinal contractions without actually passing anything.
Overall exhaustion and sometimes small amounts of blood visible.
Currently taking Asacol, Entocort, and Modulon, as well as B12. (And Effexor for anxiety.)

I'm wondering about beginning a pro-biotic supplement. A friend-of-a-friend has Crohn's and has had wonderful results from taking Dr. Ohhira's Probiotics.
I asked my family doctor about them today and she said that she believes that it won't do me any good, that there are no wonderful results from studies done.
She said it might not be BAD to take them but that they aren't proven to help Crohn's patients.
She told me I should get in touch with my gastroenterologist before beginning anything, and I left a message for her twice now without getting an answer. Soooo... I figure I'll try to get some other opinions in the mean time!

My other little remark has to do with passing clear liquid. Lately in the mornings, as soon as I get up and go to the bathroom, I'm first passing some clear liquid. A bit cloudy sometimes, but almost like water. Very loose stool follows.
Has anyone else experienced this? I haven't heard other people complain about it before so I'm curious. My family doctor says it could be mucus but that doesn't seem right.

I look forward to hearing from you all!

 

[Jennifer]

Check out these links on probiotics: http://www.crohnsforum.com/wiki/Probiotics
http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=23071

They aren't really meant for treating IBD but they can help with some symptoms. Its good bacteria so there's no harm here. My GI also suggests taking them. I don't cause well, they can be expensive and I'm poor so oh well.

As for the fluid, when you wipe, look at what's on the toilet paper and see if you see anything that resembles snot (you know when you're sick and you blow your nose, its all gooey and slimy). I'm not asking to play with your poop but if you see drags of snot (could be clear, yellow, or white and clear would look like whatever color your poo is) or if you squish the paper (don't let the poop touch you) and release you may see that it resembles what you might blow out your nose only stinky and, well in poop. This will help you tell if you have mucus or not.

BUT if you don't see that and only pass the possible mucus at the beginning of the bowel movement then try using a "hat" (a plastic specimen collector that you place in the toilet which you can get at any medical supply store) and take a specimen collecting stick (also at the medical supply store) or a Q-tip or something besides your finger and try to pick up that clear/white liquid. Is it a liquid or is it snotty. If its snot, then its more than likely mucus which is generally a sign of inflammation.

Sorry if that was long to read but whatever, at least it was pleasantly gross.

 

[kiny]

I take probiotics, just don't expect a miracle, very few studies have shown a benefit. Many people all over the world are currently mapping out the gut flora of different people, once that project is more complete they might better understand which probiotic could help crohn.

Probiotic are good for preventing C. Difficile if you take antibiotics.