Larry has been very sick yesterday and this morning from the new antibiotic they have him on. He cannot keep any food down. Another Consult with the Infectious Disease Doc coming up.
Yesterday was very frustrating concerning the use of Probiotics. Antibiotics destroy the good bacteria in the gut. The Dr's know this. Why don't they automatically put their patients on a Probiotic? The US is the only country that does not do this. Two different Dr's would not approve its use even though Larry's oncologist did. Well, I went out this morning and bought PB8 for him. It is one of the best non-refrigerated brands. It is now sitting proudly on his tray table. When he gets home I will start him on Flora3 that needs to be kept in the fridge.
Even his nurses, who are from Europe it seems, cannot understand the Dr's fighting me on this. They told Larry to just take what I purchased. Why is everything I discuss with the Dr's a disagreement?
Mel,
ReplyDeleteI am a BIG proponent of probiotic use. Most of the GI docs that I deal with are also big fans. Two of my favorite ones to use are Floristor and Align. Align can be bought right off the shelf but Floristor is gotten at the pharmacy. Technically it is "over the counter" but the pharmacists usually order it for me/my patients.
I usually recommend probiotics when antibiotics are given - especially the big gun ones that - as you said - obliterate the GI good bacteria along with the bacteria you are trying to eliminate.
Floristor is my "go to" especially with an infection from Clostridium Difficile which is a "super infection" that results from antibiotic use. (I would be particularly concerned about this with Larry - be on the alert for profuse watery diarrhea) I credit Floristor to saving two of my patient's lives that the typical treatment for C-diff was not working and they developed toxic megacolon and almost died.
So, at least with THIS provider, you are preaching to the choir. I agree with the other doc and nurses - just give it to him, smile at the ID docs, and go on. :)
You are both his angel and his warrior. I remember when my dad was in the hospital with MRSA, I just became a warrior. I wanted the health care people on my side, but I was so frustrated so much of the time. You just keep fighting, girl. I believe in you.
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