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Reply to "Cipro isn't working anymore for my Chronic Pouchitis"

I was on Cipro & Flagyl also years ago & still felt sick. Besides diarrhea, my worse complaint was  body aches, fatigue and weakness, just a feeling of sickness.  About 12 years ago I came down with bronchitis so my dr prescribed Zithromax, which this drug is used for (upper respiratory infections, pneumonia, etc.).  Coincidentally, my pouchitis sickness symptoms cleared up & I just overall felt SO much better. I felt like a normal person!  I have continued on Zithromax 250 one a day since.  The strange thing, azithromycin (the generic, which is MUCH less expensive) is not as effective for me. It must have something to do with absorption or something, don’t know?  I notice some pills & vitamins do not get absorbed, see them in the toilet whole.

Luckily my insurance pays for the Zithromax. I have thought to maybe try liquid azithromycin if I ever get in a position that my insurance doesn’t cover the hundreds a month Zithromax (brand name) costs.

I still need to be careful not to eat large amounts of fiber or overeat in general, I’ll still get sick with pouchitis. For me a low fiber diet, along with Zithromax 250 mg one at night), keeps me feeling ok.

Zithromax is not usually used for treatment of GI problems so is not usually prescribed by most doctors for this.  I’m so glad I got that bronchitis & discovered it worked for the illness symptoms of pouchitis.

Oh, another life saver for me is Pepto Bismol.  Really calms down the diarrhea with pouchitis for me.  

I also take 1-2 Culturelle probiotic tablets during the day & try to eat yogurt. Zithromax is a broad spectrum antibiotic & kills lots of bacteria so it’s a battle to replenish the good bacteria.  

This has just been my experience, may not work for someone else. Pouchitis symptoms & treatment vary from person to person.  I hope you find a treatment that works for you.

Barbara

UC. procotocolectomy & J pouch 2003.  

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