does anyone know anything about probiotics? one of my triplets has only one functioning kidney that has some damage and her non functioning is multicystic. she is on daily low dose antibiotics (Bactrim) to prevent any urinary tract infection that could lead to a kidney infection that would be horrible for her one fragile kidney. now i dont want her to get an infection by any means but i also hate that she is on antibiotics long term even at a low dose. wouldnt she build up tolerance to the med after so long and is the antibiotics hurting the "good" bacteria she needs in her tummy for digestion and fighting off infections and diseases and so on. So does anyone give their children probiotic supplements? i am worried about her getting her vaccinations while on antibiotics. we already have delayed their shots untill they were 6 months and now just giving one shot at a time so they have only had their dtap so far but i want their immune systems to be in the best condition possible when reciving a shot since i am already so worried about them getting the vaxs. any info on probiotics and when they can start taking them would be VERY helpful THANK YOU!

~*Sarah*~
GGB triplets born @ 32 weeks on 2-24-08
Ashlyn Karen 3lbs 4oz
Avery Grace 3lbs 11oz
Tyler John 3lbs 15oz
http://www.frenznickfive.blogspot.com

No advice on the probiotics (I need to look into these myself) but I did want to comment on something else you brought up.

My DD was also on Bactrim for the first coupple of year of her life to ward off UTI (She had urinary reflux and a double system - 2 ureters on each side instead of 1). I vaccinated her as "normal" - just before her 2nd birthday - she was diagnosed with PDD-NOS (one of the Autism spectrum disorders).

I am not saying that the vaccines caused her autism, but I do wish I had known then what I know now and took things slower - my youngest is only getting 1 shot at a time and I held her off until past age 2. About a year ago, I sat on a panel for a local TV show about autism - one of the women is the head of Autism outreach and Education for a major hospital in our area - she made a lot of sense to me - she stated that autism is an autoimmune disorder - so by introducing a vaccine (read: virus) when the immune system is compromised can be harmful - hence why most doctors will not vaccinate if the child has a cold/ear infection/fever.

This is just my experience and opinion - I do not want to scare you or make you more anxious than you may already be - I am just sharing my experience.

I am looking forward to reading people's experiences with probiotics.

Good luck!

Gracy
BGG (9/18/04 @ 31 weeks) and G (3/6/06 at 38 weeks)...
Save the babies!
www.marchforbabies.org/4littlesplinters

One of my girls has been diagnosed with the urinary/kidney reflux and is on low dose antibiotics. My doctor also recommended a probiotic. The trick is to give it with a bottle the feeding after the antibiotic has been given. It seems to be working because without it my little one's tummy was really bothered by the antibiotic. The probiotic just replaces the good bacteria so the gut can function properly. Another of my girls goes to Children's on Friday to have the test to see if she has this kidney reflux problem too...so I assume antibiotics and probiotics will be part of our life for a while. If you have a Pharmica in your area, they have very knowledgeable staff with suggestions and explanations regarding probiotics and homeopathic options in addition to having pharmacists who can dispense and explain medications. Hope that helps.
Michele

GGG April 6, 08

Sarah
I am by no means an expert on probiotics but I can tell you what I have learned so far. I believe you need to give them a few hours apart from your antibiotic. The best ones are the refrigerated ones because they are more likely to contain live bacteria. You need to buy it and go straight home and stick it in the fridge. I avoid ones made with dairy or gluten because we are on a GFCF diet. I do tend to buy ones with multiple strains of bacteria but I don't know much about one bacteria being more favorable than another. I have actually purchased a few different brands and give them without any problems. I give them early in the day so I can watch the kids for any reactions. I think I heard it is good to rotate brands too because the body can get used to one brand and maybe it is not as effective.

I agree with another poster about avoiding vaccines when the body is compromised. (My Grandmother became deathly ill after a flu vaccine she got when she was not feeling well to begin with.) We just had our girls IgG tested for allergens and they have several allergens that were keeping their guts inflamed. The increased IgG antibodies and the gut is closely tied to immunity. I will not give them another vaccination until I know they have a healthy gut and we have lowered are IgG allergies. I may not even do it then. I need to do more research before deciding.

I do think probiotics are a good idea for everyone because we could all use the healthy bacteria. I believe it helps you break down your food better and we supposedly get imbalances due to stress, antibiotic use, etc.
I believe they have probiotic specific to infants so look for those and used the staff at your local health food store for more information. I ask questions nearly every time I go in.

Tracey
GGG 2/04

I know you posted about this a while back but wanted to mention, we use Kirkman brand probiotics. Our DAN (autism specialist) recommended this brand and we have been using it for years with great results.

I second was pp's said about holding off on vaccinations until the immune system is not compromised. My oldest dd has autism and she was on antibiotics off and on her first 3 years because of severe ear infections. We believe now that her immune system was compromised thus causing vaccine damage.

Jessica
Mom to Parker, McKenna, ^Hadley^ born 10/9/07 28w5d
little brother Sawyer
and big sister Ashlyn
www.fourplusanangel.com