Auto-immune diseases

UNSUBSCRIBE ME PLEASE

<A HREF="http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/d8da6.htm"
Celebrex For Osteoarthritis And Rheumatoid Arthritis</A
http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/d8da6.htm

<A HREF="http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/e19f2.htm"
Synvisc Delays Total Knee Replacement In Osteoarthritis Patients</A
http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/e7042.htm

<A HREF="http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/e50e2.htm"
May Help Treat Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis</A
http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/e50e2.htm

<A HREF="http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/e7042.htm"
Available In The U.S. For Arthritis Treatment</A
http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/e7042.htm

Dear group,
I'm unsubscribing for six days as I'm going over to Victoria to help
Steve move house, checkout the local restaurants and visit the lab he
built. My home connection won't handle the volume for a week and I can't
leave it to build up on my work connection either.
So if anyone wants to send messages to me, send to cadlard@...
and I'll answer them when I come back. I'll resubscribe then also.
This is the first time I've not been in the group for nearly three years
since Ethel, Steve and I started this. There are so many knowledgeable
people in the group now that I know things will be fine :)
See you next week,
Chris.

Dangerfield's Best One-liners:
A beautiful girl phoned me the other day and said, "Come on over,
there's nobody home." I went over. Nobody was home.
If it weren't for pick-pocketers I'd have no sex life at all.
And we were poor too. Why if I wasn't born a boy.... I'd have nothing
to play with.
During sex my girlfriend always wants to talk to me. Just the other
night she called me from a hotel.
One day as I came home early from work... I saw a guy jogging naked. I
said to the guy, "Hey buddy... why are you doing that?" He said,
"Because you came home early,"
Its been a rough day. I got up this morning... put on a shirt and
abutton fell off. I picked up my briefcase and the handle came off.
Now I'm afraid to go to the bathroom.
When I played in the sandbox the cat kept covering me up.
I could tell that my parents hated me. My bath toys were a toaster and a
radio.
My mother never breast fed me. She told me that she only liked me as a
friend.
My father carries around the picture of the kid who came with his
wallet.
When I was born... the doctor came out to the waiting room and said to
my father... I'm very sorry. We did everything we could... But he
pulled through.
I remember the time I was kidnapped and they sent a piece of my finger
to my father. He said he wanted more proof.
Once when I was lost... I saw a policeman and asked him to help me find
my parents. I said to him... "Do you think we'll ever find them? He
said... "I don't know kid... there are so many places they can hide."
My wife made me join a bridge club. Next Tuesday is when I jump.
I worked in a pet shop and people kept asking how big I'd get.
I went to see my doctor. "Doctor, every morning when I get up and look
in the mirror... I feel like throwing up; What's wrong with me?" He
said... "I don't know but your eyesight is perfect."
When I was born the doctor took one look at my face... turned me over
and said, "Look ... twins!"
--
Regards,
Geoff Crenshaw, ACC

Dr. Maureen Mayes, a leading researcher for scleroderma, wrote an article
about the bone marrow research. She was neither promoting nor negating, but
she did make it clear that there is no evidence that this is a "lasting cure."
The procedure is so new when used for SD, that there is no long term data yet.
To me, the risks are way too high for a maybe cure.
Marilynn

What, other than diet would be a treatment for Leaky Gut??? Any sort of
drug??? What specific herbs... Any good web sites out there with good info???

Hi Everyone,
I would to know if anyone had come down too fast when on any type of
cortisone. If so what were the side affects, and how long did it take before
your body adjusted?
Also did anyone switch from predisone to Cortisol or Cortef. If so did you
have to go to higher mgs because I heard Cortisol and Cortef is a much lower
strengh?
I am on Aristocort 6 mgs but am having all kinds of pain. On Feb.13 I went
from 8mgs to 6mgs. The first couple of days I was feeling ok, but for the
last 5 days I am having a lot of pain. I am also taking Celebrex since Feb.6
and have been
on Minosin since Aug. of 1998. I have inflammatory arthritis.
Thanking you in advance,
Pat B.

Hello everyone,
I will be traveling to Boston March 12 - March 18. If any of you live in or
near the Boston area and would be interested in meeting, please email me at
Ceardai@... (and put "Boston" in the subject).
Thanks and take care all,
Kim in Orlando :-)
DM 91, CREST 95, Lupus 97 AP Aug 97

Here are 80 health related Bulletin Boards. Ill soon add the link to the
supportlinks for you.
http://www.healthboards.com/
--
Clark Signs:
http://members.xoom.com/sclark/
AP Support Group:
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Gallery/6412/
Lots of arthritis and health links:
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Gallery/6412/supportlinks.htm

Hey you!!!hello I`m really surprise how you know so much (sorry about my english
I`m not so good in this)and the time you dedicate to the group is so nice to
hear someone so much and someone that really cares about others
diseases.Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!So lets get it!
This is my story:
I`m 31 almost 32 I began Ra since I was 29 more or less but I didn`t know till 9
months ago because I started with a lot of pain in one of my fingers of the
right hand and they were sometimes like if they were waking up or like itching
one of my hands,and sometimes my hand,when I woke up they were like
freeze,totally paralyze, then I began worry because I think I`m to young to feel
that way or to have deformities sooner, so I went to see a very good MD name
Juan Jakez here in Mexico,he works in the most important (maybe) hospitals
called Nutrition Hospital (in there if they have a patient they have integral
groups to see him and they have to agree everyone to treat him the right way)so
he send me a lot of blood test,like
rheumatics,sedimentation,antinuclear,etc.they were positive and some a little
bit high so he gave me at first movicox,then,arthrotec,clinoril etc and they
only were good at first days or weeks,so he had to changes to methotexatre I
take once a week 2 pills at the morning and one at night since 2 months ago and
I`m feeling better since then.I talk to him about the anthibiotics therapy and I
get disappointed because he told me that they took anthibiotics persons that are
very bad,or that are in the last of the disease,s I really don`t know what to
think because I see that a lot of people in here are taking it and it has been
really succesfully for them so I don`t know what to expect.He also told me that
I`m really in the first stages so I don`t have to worry because he is gonna
treatment the best way,so...
I allready read Dr.Mc.P.Brown research and Dr.Mercola`s diets and everything
thanks to chris but I still have my doubts.
My question to the group is this if I`m in the early stages of my RA why do my
MD told me that????????
And anyone are using the silver rings???????????are they good for me?????
thanks to everyone.
"Nadie nos vio esta tarde con las manos unidas,mientras la noche azul caìa sobre
el mundo.
(nobody saw us this afternoon with our hand in between, while the blue night
falls over the world)
Yo te recordaba con el alma apretada de esa tristeza que tu me conoces.
(I remember you with my sad sould you know me)
Entonces donde estabas?
(then where were you?)
Entre que gentes?
(In between what people)
Diciendo que palabras?
(saying what words)
Por què se me vendrà todo el amor de golpe cuando me siento tan triste y te
siento tan lejano.
(Why all the love comes to me when I feel so sad and I feel you so far...)
Pablo Neruda (Poeta Chileno)

Dear Robert,
I am fascinated by your history of RA and what happens in the course of the
illness. I am going to save your description and read and re-read it till I
understand it better.
Where did you get this life cyle of the disease? I would love to read the
original sources. (of course, you're an "original" too). Thanks for all the
info.
Susan

Hi Group - this afternoon I cautiously took half a boswellian tablet-
Natures Way brand. About an hour later I started to feel rather unwell - hot
and cold , nauseous , pounding heart and a distinctly uncomfortable tummy.
Spent the rest of the afternoon alternating between lying down and rushing
to the bathroom. I"m still this evening not feeling very well though things
have settled down a bit. My GP suggested thet I might have a tummy bug but
it seems rather too much of a coincidence to me. I'd be interested to know
if anyone else has had an upset stomach or diarrhoea after taking
boswellia.I dont think I'll be taking any more of it. (kind husband was
heard muttering about self medication).
Barbara

Robert,
You mentioned that bone marrow transplants are "the closest to a cure
science has today."
I heartily disagree! I think that Dr. Thomas McPherson Brown's theory
of the infectious cause for rheumatic diseases and his antibiotic
treatment is the closest to a cure that science has today. Just ask the
over 10,000 people who have been greatly helped by this antibiotic
protocol. Do you think they would be willing to trade their successes
on the AP for a treatment where death is a distinct possibility (I
happen to wonder if it is indeed higher than the 5% that was mentioned
in the article) and where they would have to take immune
suppressing/anti-rejection drugs for the rest of their lives? I don't
think so.
For me, and many 1000's of people with rheumatic diseases, the AP is
definitely the road back to HEALTH. We are seeing many positive
results. You might want to give it a try.
take care,
Connie

Does anyone know of any hat lines for MS? My sister-in-law's friend has MS and
has been asked to try a new drug. She wants to talk to others who have used it
first.
Linda

Injections : Cortisone family
Joint and soft-tissue injection can augment systemic and local conservative
treatment and have long-lasting benefits. Inflammatory and crystalline
arthritis, synovitis, tendinitis, bursitis, and many other conditions
respond well to injection. Corticosteroid preparations should be chosen on
the basis of solubility and potency desired and the size of structure to be
injected. Injections should not be made directly into a ligament or tendon
and should be limited to every third or fourth month. With attention to the
usual cautions required with corticosteroid use and avoidance of
contraindications (eg, bacteremia, fracture), injection is usually safe and
effective, particularly as a bridging technique to long-term therapy.

This is a complicated form of vaccination it is the closest to a cure
science has today and I just know that it will cost an arm and a leg
and my insurance will not cover it, but its the "cutting edge".
I hope in a few years to see this refined so there is no danger of death.
But when a person has a new heart installed they must have
higher probability of complications than having a new immunity system
installed. Reminds me of the boy in the bubble. Its in this literature.. God
Bless and keep all those chins up as we will
soon be out of the woods. Robert Root
Oncologist, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL
TOPIC: LIFE-SAVING LYMPHOCYTES, #1285
Tell me a little bit about this procedure in laymen's terms.
Dr. Burt: The concept applies to anyone with a very severe auto-immune
disease who is failing all currently available therapies. The concept is
that your immune cells are made from the bone marrow cells. So we just try
to destroy those immune cells and the bone marrow compartment in the process
of destroying the immune cells. Then we give the patient back new progenitor
cells, new bone marrow cells that will result in development of a new immune
system, new lymphocytes, new macrophages, as well as new red blood cells
that carry oxygen and new platelets that carry blood that clot blood and new
neutrophils.
Another way of viewing this is it's just an extension of what was done a
long time ago in 1967 and reported in The Lancet. They took children that
had no immune system, severe combined immune deficiency, like the bubble
boys, and they gave them bone marrow from their normal brother or sister and
both of those children are alive and normal with families of their own
today. That goes back to 1967. So the concept here is to simply take
somebody who has very severe auto-immune disease and destroy their immune
system. Make them like that bubble boy where they don't have an immune
system and then give them healthy bone marrow just like those severe
combined immune deficiency children got and let that generate a new immune
system that will no longer attack their body.
How dangerous is that to do that?
Dr. Burt: It is dangerous. So it's very important to carefully select these
patients because we always have to weigh the risk to benefit ratio. If the
risk of it outweighs the benefit, we won't do it. So it involves the close
working and collaboration of a group of physicians and not just
transplanters.
When you select a patient, what do you tell them so that perhaps they don't
get their hopes completely up if it doesn't work?
Dr. Burt: What I think is important for you to know is that this is
experimental. So we make no promises whatsoever. When we first started this
one, we didn't know how well the patients would even tolerate the therapy
and if it would work, and if it did how long it would work. Now we've done a
total of 11 patients at this institution with severe auto-immune diseases,
that includes rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus
and they've all gone through the procedure fairly easily without any major
complications. We've been pleased with the results we're seeing, but we can
make no promises about any given patient based on what's happened to 11. The
other is that we have no idea how durable or how long term these responses
will be.
Does it matter how old you are?
Dr. Burt: Yes. The younger you are in general the better you're able to
tolerate this type of treatment. We do have age cutoffs. So if you're over
age 55 or 60, depending on the protocol we will not take the patient as a
candidate.
What's the youngest patient you've had?
Dr. Burt: We have done a patient who was 15. This is an adult hospital, so
we can't do people under age 16. However, we got a special exemption to do
the 15-year-old since we're the only place in the country doing it.
What kind of questions do you have the patients asking you?
Dr. Burt: For the most part, this risk to benefit ratio weighed very heavily
on our minds when we designed this protocol and had to go through multiple
layers of committees and answer those questions about risk benefit, and so
we emphasize that. But what I've been struck by is that these patients have
suffered a lot, and they're the driving force behind seeing this happen.
They're very enthusiastic about being able to try something that may help
them when everything else has failed, even without any guarantees. They're
also very aggressive in trying to help arrange to push their insurance
company to help pay for these things and basically the driving force for
this procedure has been and I think will continue to be the patients,
especially now that we're seeing some responses.
Since it is experimental, how long do you think before the FDA and other
organizations will embrace this as the treatment of choice?
Dr. Burt: It's already generated a great deal of interest, enthusiasm and
controversy around the country and the world. There are several other
centers that have already initiated or are beginning to initiate this
approach. There's also several centers in Europe that will be doing this,
and we're just going to have to wait and see what the results turn out to
be.
What is your greatest wish for this?
Dr. Burt: I think we've started something new. We've started a whole new way
of treating these diseases. So far I think we've realized our greatest hopes
in that patients have gone through it safely and that we've seen
improvements, in some cases even complete remission with no evidence of
disease. However this isn't the end. It's just another step. So along the
way we have to keep refining it, trying to make it safer for the patients at
the same time trying to improve on what we've already done and see if we can
actually end up curing a patient, because we don't know that yet. We have
patients now over one year after this procedure that have no evidence of the
disease, but we don't know if this will cure them. So we are going to have
to continue to follow them over time and refine the process. I think what
we've found is a new option, a new way of helping people who have failed
everything else. It is a very aggressive therapy, and it does have
significant risks associated with it -- but for people in that situation
it's an option. So far, we've found that it can be helpful.
What are some of the more serious risks?
Dr. Burt: The most serious is that the procedure itself could result in the
patient dying. We tell all our patients to estimate a five percent chance of
dying from this procedure. I actually think it will be less than that when
the data comes in but, it's better to be conservative and say to them if
they're not willing to accept a five percent chance of dying from this
treatment they should not be enrolled in the study. On the other hand
knowing that our treatment can kill a patient we're very careful on how we
select patients. And so we're selecting people who have a higher risk of
dying from the disease than dying from this therapy.
Does it matter what kind of team you have to work with?
Dr. Burt: That's is the most important thing, to have a good bunch of people
that are dedicated and hard-working and care about patients. Who are
excellent physicians and good scientists and indeed for a project like this,
which has to cross into different disciplines, it's very important. In
medicine today it isn't a one person operation any more. It's just too
technical, and there's too much to know and too much going on. But when you
do something like this where you cross specialties and you have to use the
expertise of people in different areas, it's very important to have a good
team working together.

You are such a cool group. I have been struggling trying to figure out this
problem for days and all it took was a second set of eyes and an understanding
of HTML.
Thanks a bunch .....
Rene Woodworth
renew@...
Finally. Now I don't have to call Bill Gates.
Man I love this group.
Donna
Ottawa, Canada
Scleroderma, Raynaud's 01/95, AP 10/97
(My Story) www.compmore.net/~donray

Hi group,
I just wanted to bounce this off of you guys.I have had an ongoing
yeast problem.I asked my doctor if this problem in any way stands in the way
of me improving on the AP.He didn't seem to think so.I'm not so sure if I
agree.He put me on diflucan which didn't seem to do much.So,I went to the
library today and got "The Yeast Connection".I'm going to read it and see if
it's something I can do..follow that diet.I have a strong feeling the yeast is
not only in my mouth but also in my gut.I don't want to stop the AP but,I'm
wondering if I should.I have to go to an infectious disease doc to see what he
can do to help me.And I know the first thing he'll stop is the AP.What do you
guys think?I'm having a horrible day today...tons of rib pain.I have got to
see some real improvement soon.It's getting to me again.
Joanie....MCTD 4 yrs, AP 10 months

DEAR GROUP, MY COMPUTER CANNOT HANDLE THE VOLUME OF MAIL AT THIS TIME.
I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO DOWNLOAD MESSAGES FROM GROUP FOR A COUPLE OF
WEEKS. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME PRIVATELY CTURNER@....
SENDING WARM HUGS ....THE FAIRYLADY

If any of you are in the area, this might be of interest to you. Encouraging
that the NIH is at least studying an antibiotic!
http://clinicalstudies.info.nih.gov/cgi/wais/bold011999.pl?/u/protocols/clinical\
_studies/html/detail/A_95-AR-0012.html@minocycline
Mark
RA 4/98 A/P 7/98
Mino (100mg/2x/daily)
http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes
RA Chat: http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes/RA/ra.html
mholmes@... ICQ # 18123139

A librarian friend of mine told me about this book. I will get it at the library
as soon as I can
and see if I can put it up on our books list.
BITTER PILLS: INSIDE THE
HAZARDOUS WORLD OF LEGAL DRUGS.
Here's an experience I have had with Accolate the asthma drug that came out a
couple years ago. I
was given it as soon as it came on the market. After about four days taking it I
started feeling
sick and feverish and really lousy. I stopped it and got better. WEnt to the
COPD forum and asked if
anyone else had this happen. No one had. Recently because my asthma has been
uncontrollable again,
I decided to try it. It does open my lungs. Again after a few days, feverish,
achy, achy joints, and
just plain lousy. I stopped it again and went back to the COPD forum and
searched all the back posts
on Accolate. Its now been found it causes bronchial inflammation and a rare
deadly syndrome mostly
among those who have been on steroids which is very common with asthmatics. And
although the aching
and stuff isn't mentioned in any of the side effects, I now find that dozens of
people had bad side
effects, including excessive weight gain and fatigue, the sick feeling, aching
joints and swollen
legs. And now after about four days off it my aches and sick feeling are gone
again.
I also was given the new asthma inhaler Serevent when it first came out. It made
my normal blood
pressure go up into the extreme danger zone and I felt like I was going to die
when it shot up. I
had to figure out on my own that it was this medicine as again its not a listed
side effect. This is
an inhaler for long term control not immediate broncodialation. Soon after this
experience I read in
our newspaper that about a dozen people had been found dead with this inhaler in
their hand and the
drug company surmised that they tried to use it for an acute attack for which it
doesn't work. I
surmised that these people probably had high blood pressure to start with and
when it shot up, as it
did dramatically after using the inhaler, it killed them. The article gave the
address of the
company to write to with any comments on this and I did but of course never
heard anything from them
and the drug is still being sold with no mention of this side effect.
--
Clark Signs:
http://members.xoom.com/sclark/
AP Support Group:
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Gallery/6412/
Lots of arthritis and health links:
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Gallery/6412/supportlinks.htm

Hi all, Maria here. I've been talking to my Physical Therapist about
cortisone injections. Her suggestion is to avoid them at all cost. The
proper way to do it is to put droplets in at different spots in the joint.
Put the needle in, let some out, move the needle, let more out, move the
needle, let more out (anyone cringing yet? This has to hurt). They cut open
some cadavers and found that the cortisone tends to clump, and it'll stay as a
clump for years, never dissolving and never disappearing. In fact, as a clump
it starts to degenerate the tissue around it, too. Doesn't sound too good to
me! Her alternative suggestions is, of course, physical therapy. Move that
joint, get it stretched by a therapist, use ultrasound heat to loosen it up,
and other tactics. It's worked for my shoulder!
Maria

Ok,
I'm ready to burn down the Microsoft building.
I decided to load Outlook Express and Explorer version 4 because of the search
on the email. It will search by message and I new it would help me find notes
quicker for others and myself.
But...what is annoying me is for some reason the Explorer version 4 will not
show my background gif.
I have checked everything a zillion times and I can't find why. If I look at my
website on the old version, version 3.0, I can see the wheat background.
This is driving me crazy because I can't design my webpage if I can't see the
background images. It also ignores colors and places white in it's place.
Normally if it ignores the background color the default is grey.
This has got to be a bug. Anyone have this problem??
Donna
Ottawa, Canada
Scleroderma, Raynaud's 01/95, AP 10/97
(My Story) www.compmore.net/~donray

Below is a good question that I wouldn't mind posing to the group. I don't
get why my doc is so adamant about NOT doing any antibiotics. Is he afraid of
being labeled a quack? Afraid of law suits? Professional disgrace? Anyone
know?
Maria
In a message dated 2/21/99 1:31:38 AM Eastern Standard Time,
cassandres@... writes:
<< What I
don't get is that it is all alternative so why should they (the drs) care
which alternative care I shove in my body ????
cassi

Last winter I went diving in Australia and I encountered a few sea
cucumbers. I wouldn't discribe them as delisious. They look very
strange, and when you touch them, they squirt a string of a white
substance that clings to you. I wouldn't like to eat them, but of course
squashed into a tablet they might be allright.
Regards Sarah, Denmark (RA 12yr)

I've just come back from my doctor. My blood test has gone in the wrong
direction. My doctor says not to worry. In Jan. and Nov. they were so
fine, better than ever I think. Nov. SED 6 and CRP 22, in Jan. (They
forgot the SED) the CRP 22 again. Now they have gone up SED 15 CRP 81.
White blood count is high (339), which indicates a herx - is that right?
I started doxy in Sept 100mg only once a week. Before that I had taken a
lot of Tetracycline for 3 months. Stopped because I felt terrible, took
a month brake and then started doxy slowly. A few weeks ago I increased
the dose to 100 mg Mon/Fri. Next week I think I'll start Wensday as
well. I think I'm experiencing a herx. It looks like it's working, but
the thing is I'm on Prednisone, so I can't really be sure can I. It
could all be the Pred.
One month ago I cut down Pred from 5 mg a day to 2,5 mg. I really want
to get rid of the stuff. Now I'm worried that the blood figures looks so
nice because of Pred and if I quit the Pred they will shute to the sky.
How will I know if it is working for me. I had a mycoplasma test done
some months ago and it showed nothing. At the next blood test I'll have
an ASO titer done, mayby that will show something? Today I had the doc
write me oral clindamycin, she didn't want to give it to me when I first
started the AP. I'll take 1200 mg once a week. She won't give me IV's. I
wonder if the oral will be of any use to me now? And how will I know?
I'm 30 years old (RA 12 Years) I don't diet, but I think I am going to
in the near future (the vegetables are more dead than alive here in
Denmark in winter) I have read about all the health remedies you all are
taking and will try some. I have just been to the health store and
bought Boswellia (completly new! they had just had it come in from the
States - funny) I don't feel much better or mayby just a little better I
can't really determine, it seems to travel around my body at the moment.
I know there will be ups and downs, but as long as I need the Pred I
can't be sure of anything. And once again I'm so happy I found you...
Regards Sarah, Denmark

Hi all, Maria here. (I always feel like I'm using Geoff's line when I say
that :-)
I have a suggestion to you from my mother, who does not have any of our
diseases, but is about the brain-foggiest person I know. She came by to visit
Saturday, and had gone grocery shopping before coming so she brought her
frozen stuff in and put it in my freezer. Well, I had other ladies over and
was getting one of them a drink, and when I went to get ice I found a set of
keys in the freezer. Just like my mom, silly nut, to leave her keys in the
freezer when she put her food in there! So I gave them back to her -- cold,
cold keys. Well, she told me to put them back! It's her way of remembering
she's got stuff in my freezer. She can't leave without her keys, and when she
finally remembers where she put them (in the freezer) she'll remember she has
her food in there too. I can see this being used in all sorts of ways. Next
time we go to a friends house, I'm giving my daughter the car keys. Then, I
won't forget her when we leave (hee hee hee) No, I've never really forgotten
her anywhere, I'm just joshing. :-=Þ (that's me on 30 mg of Prednisone with
my mustache. Can't wait to cut back to 25 mg, because the mustache will stop
growing then). Toodles!
Maria

I'm off to town again tomorrow for another week of tests and doctors, etc. Hope
everyone can be as painfree as possible. I'll be thinking of you all, and I'll
miss you. Be well and happy.
Hugs, Jani

Thanks everybody for all the info you are giving me it`s been great to know all
of that,so I can talk with my MD more clear not so blind.
Either way he has been great with me and in my illness, I think because I am in
the first stages everything is good for me.
In here I been using Voltaren and naproxen for my back problems not for RA
pains,so I really don`t know if they are good for RA.
I was using too some natural medicine form Guatemala called Artrinella I used
for two months and I was feeling better but not anymore maybe it`s good for
someone else.
See you hugs for everyone.Rocio

Group,
I got an email from a former member of the group who's husband is going
to start to take Enbrel and the cost is $1,000/mo. OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!
jan perdue

CNN - Painful prices -- Drug costs are rising quickly - February 19, 1999
--
Clark Signs:
http://members.xoom.com/sclark/
AP Support Group:
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Gallery/6412/
Lots of arthritis and health links:
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Gallery/6412/supportlinks.htm

<<Your immune system is your interface with the environment. If it is healthy
and doing its job right, you can interact with germs and not get infections,
with allergens and not have allergic reactions, and with carcinogens and not
get cancer. A healthy immune system is the cornerstone of good general health.
Its problems are of two general sorts: underactivity, which predisposes to
infections and cancer, and overactivity, which predisposes to allergies and
autoimmunity. Although the advent of AIDS has made us very conscious of
immunity and its failures, most people I meet do not have a clear picture of
what the immune system is. I often hear references to the "autoimmune system."
There is no such thing; autoimmunity is a disease process in which the immune
system attacks the body's own tissues. The immune system is hard to understand
for several reasons. First of all, it was not recognized as a functional unit
of the body until recent years. It is a sobering fact of modern medical
history that doctors labeled many of the organs of the immune system
"functionless" throughout most of this century, giving surgeons license to
remove them with abandon. The medical profession has removed or destroyed
countless tonsils, adenoids, appendixes, thymus glands, and spleens in the
belief that these structures were useless, not worth the space they occupied.
Second, the components of the immune system do not hang together in any neat
arrangement that makes it easy to picture the whole, as we can picture the
digestive system or the vascular system. Finally, the operations of the immune
system are immensely intricate. Let me try to cut through the complexity and
tell you what Ithink you need to know to protect your body's defenses. The
immune system comprises the tonsils and adenoids, the thymus gland, the lymph
nodes throughout the body, the bone marrow, the circulating white blood cells
and other cells that leave blood vessels and migrate through tissues and the
lymphatic circulation, the spleen, the appendix, and patches of lymphoid
tissue in the intestinal tract. The essential job of this system is to
distinguish self from not-self, to recognize and take appropriate action
against any materials that ought not to be in the body, including abnormal and
damaged components. For example, it can seek out and destroy disease germs and
cells infected by germs, as well as recognize and destroy tumor cells. In
deciding what belongs in the body and what does not, the immune system pays
particular attention to details of protein chemistry, because of all the
molecules that make up living organisms, proteins are the most distinctive and
the most specialized. Like the nervous system, the immune system is capable of
learning. It analyzes its experiences, remembers them, and passes them on to
future generations of cells. Because its tissues are very active and very
involved in processing information, its cells divide very rapidly and so, as
you learned in the last chapter, are unusually susceptible to injury by types
of energy and matter that can alter (mutate) DNA. All of the recommendations I
gave you for decreasing your risks of cancer also hold for protecting your
immune system. Please follow them. Here are some further guidelines: 1.Do Not
Allow Infections to Persist
One of the greatest strains on the immune system is an infection it cannot
eliminate. Never ignore such symptoms as unexplained fevers, night sweats, or
tender, swollen lymph nodes ("glands") they can indicate a hidden infection.
One area of the body where infection often goes unnoticed is the mouth.
Pockets of germs in the gums and teeth may cause few symptoms yet use up a lot
of the body's immune resources. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene
and to have the teeth and gums examined regularly to detect any areas of
infection. Sexually transmitted infections may also go unnoticed while they
drain the vitality of the immune system. Observe good sexual hygiene and good
hygiene of body orifices. Limit the number of sexual partners and make a habit
of practicing safe sex. 2.Do Not Use Antibiotics Indiscriminately Whenever the
immune system deals successfully with an infection, it emerges from the
experience stronger and better able to confront similar threats in the future.
Our immune competence develops in combat. If, at the first sign of infection,
you always jump in with antibiotics, you do not give the system a chance to
test itself and grow stronger. There are less drastic methods to try first
with ordinary infections you don't have to bring out the heavy artillery until
simpler measures fail. Antibiotics are powerful medicines that should be
reserved for situations that demand them, for instance, when the immune system
cannot contain a bacterial infection or when a bacterial infection establishes
itself in a vital organ like the heart, lungs, or brain. Another strong reason
to be cautious about overuse of antibiotics is the possibility of selectively
breeding new strains of antibiotic-resistant, more virulent bacteria. Even
people who are aware of that danger seldom realize that frequent use of
antibiotics can lead in the long run to weakened immunity. 3.Avoid
Immunosuppressive Drugs Examples of immunosuppressives are the drugs used in
cancer chemotherapy and those used to suppress rejection in patients receiving
organ transplants. Another class of drugs with similar effects is cause for
greater concern because it is much more commonly used. It is the
corticosteroids, or steroids, derivatives and relatives of cortisone in
widespread use for the treatment of allergies, autoimmune diseases, and
inflammatory conditions. I consider them dangerous drugs, much misunderstood,
abused, and overprescribed. Cortisone is a hormone produced by the outer layer
(cortex) of the adrenal gland. It has a distinctive molecular structure,
called the steroid nucleus, that is shared by a few other natural hormones and
many synthetic drugs with powerful effects on metabolism. Collectively these
substances are known as steroids. Synthetic steroids, like prednisone, are
widely used in allopathic medicine today. Doctors prescribe them in many
forms: as pills, injections, inhaled aerosols, and topical creams. Steroids
cause allergies and inflammation to disappear as if by magic. In fact, the
magic is nothing other than direct suppressionof immune function. I have no
objection to giving these strongdrugs for very severe or life-threatening
problems, but even then Ithink they should be limited to short-term use: no
more than twoto three weeks. I deplore prescription of steroids for illnesses
ofmild or moderate severity or for months and years at a time. Ihave known
them to be given to patients with mild cases of poi-son ivy, infants with
diaper rash, and adults with back pain andundiagnosable fatigue. Steroids are
terribly toxic, cause depen-dence, suppress rather than cure disease, and
reduce the chance ofhealing by natural methods of treatment. Moreover, they
weakenimmunity. Even topical steroids are dangerous in my opinion. The medical
profession is so unconscious of the hazards of these drugs that it allows
steroidal ointments and creams to be sold over the counter. Many people apply
them every day to skin rashes and irritations that could be much better dealt
with by simple remedies. All of these products are absorbed through the skin
to one degree or another, and all of them can suppress activity of the thymus,
the lymph nodes, and the white blood cells. In summary: Do not use steroids in
any form until you have exhausted all other possible treatments. If you must
take a steroid for a severe problem, limit its use to a few weeks at most.
4.Avoid Blood Transfusions
Blood transfusions and injections of blood products may transmit viral
diseases hepatitis, especially that cannot be treated. They also stress the
immune system by flooding it with foreign proteins. Obviously, in an emergency
it may not be possible to do without blood, although synthetic blood replacers
that are safer may soon become available. If you know in advance that you are
going to have surgery, have some of your own blood drawn and stored for any
replacement you might need. 5.Avoid Exposure to Radiation
Be aware of a special danger to the immune system from any radiation
treatments (usually for cancer), as opposed to diagnostic X rays, directed to
the head, neck, or chest. The thymus gland, behind the breastbone, is very
vulnerable. Insist that a lead shield be placed over it if you ever have to
undergo radiation therapy. If the therapist will not comply, refuse treatment.
Many doctors continue to believe that the thymus has no function in adulthood.
It does; it is an integral part of your immune system. 6.Avoid Exposure to
Harmful Chemicals All of the chemicals that cause cancer may also damage the
immune system. Please follow the recommendations about harmful chemicals in
the previous chapter. 7.Eat a Healthy Diet
Follow all of the dietary guidelines I have given you so far. In particular:
"Avoid polyunsaturated vegetable oils and products made from them. Their
tendency to form free radicals makes them dangerous to cells of the immune
system. Eat less protein.Residues of protein metabolism can irritate the
immune system, especially in people prone to allergy and autoimmunity. A
low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and
fiber is good for immunity as well as general health. Do not eat many foods of
animal origin. Meat, poultry, and dairy products often carry residues of
antibiotics and steroid hormones that can weaken immunity. Minimize
consumption of milk and milk products, especially if you are prone to allergy
or autoimmunity. Milk protein is a common irritant of the immune system.
8.Take Antioxidant Supplements 9.Learn About Foods and Herbs That Enhance
Immunity Medical doctors know a lot of ways to hurt the immune system but few
ways to help it. With AIDS and other manifestations of weakened immunity much
on people's minds, a great many products have appeared in health food stores
that claim to boost resistance. Usually, solid research to back these claims
is nonexistent, but in some cases the evidence is there. The idea of
immunopotentiators is appealing, especially if we can find ones that are
natural, nontoxic, and effective. Because of a long-standing interest in
mushrooms, I came to learn of several mushrooms from China and Japan that may
have the desired effects. Traditional doctors in those countries esteem many
mushrooms as both foods and medicines. Some of the most prized remedies in the
Chinese herbal repertory are mushrooms that act as tonics and that are
believed to increase resistance to all kinds of stress as well as extend
longevity. Traditional Chinese medicine did not know the immune system as a
set of interacting organs and cells, but it understood the concept of a
defensive function of the body and taught that a useful way to treat disease
was to support that function. Tonic mushrooms are supposed to do just that.
One of the most promising ones is Polyporus umbellatus, the source of a
traditional Chinese remedy called zhu ling. This fungus grows wild on tree
stumps in this country (although it is not common) and can be cultivated.
Above ground it produces large clusters of fleshy mushrooms that are edible
and delicious. Below ground it produces hard, tuberlike masses of fungal
tissue that are the source of the remedy. Suppliers of Chinese herbal
medicines sell dried slices of zhu ling to be boiled in water and drunk as a
tea. Recently medical scientists in Beijing showed that extracts of zhu ling
were effective against lung cancer in both animals and humans. The treatment
also potentiated the effect of chemotherapy and had no toxicity of its own.
Most interestingly, it worked only in living animals with intact immune
systems. The extracts showed no activity against cancer cells growing in test
tubes. The scientists concluded that zhu ling worked by stimulating an immune
response against the tumor. The National Cancer Institute included Polyporus
umbellatus in a series of screening tests of natural products for anticancer
activity, but the tests were done in test tubes and gave negative results. In
the West we have focused on the development of cytotoxic drugs as weapons
against cancer poisons we hope will kill more tumor cells than normal cells.
The complementary approach would be to look for nontoxic therapies that work
by strengthening the host's defenses, and zhu ling might be one of these; more
studies of it are needed. A close relative of "zhu ling is Grifola frondosus,
known to mushroom hunters as hen-of-the-woods, a delicious edible species.
Japanese know it as maitake ("dancing mushroom"), and Japanese scientists have
figured out how to cultivate it on a commercial scale. You can buy fresh
maitake in any Japanese market, but until now only the rare wild form has been
available here. Recent research indicates that maitake has outstanding
immunopotentiating effect. The dried form of the mushroom is now sold in some
health food stores here, along with extracts in tablet form; these are
imported from Japan and tend to be expensive. Mushroom cultivators on this
side of the Pacific are busily working to introduce maitake to the American
market, so it should become more widely available soon. Other mushrooms that
may be effective, based on Japanese research, are the shiitake and the
enokidake (Flammulina velutipes), both of which are good to eat and
increasingly easy to find. Another Chinese herbal remedy with similar
properties comes from the root of a plant in the pea family, Astragalus
membranaceus. This plant is a relative of our locoweed, which is toxic to
livestock. The Chinese species is nontoxic, the source of a very popular
medicine called huang qi that you can buy in any drugstore in China for use
against colds, flus, and other respiratory infections. Recent studies in the
West confirm its antiviral and immune-boosting effects, and preparations are
now available in most health food stores here. American Indian medicine gave
us a useful native plant that is another immune-system booster: purple
coneflower, Echinacea purpurea and related species. The root of this
ornamental plant is held in high esteem by herbalists, naturopathic doctors,
and many lay-people because of its antibiotic and immune-enhancing properties.
You can buy echinacea products in any health food store: tinctures, capsules,
tablets, and extracts of fresh or dried roots. Although few medical doctors in
America are familiar with echinacea, much research on it has been done in
Germany, and the plant is in widespread use as a home remedy in Europe and
America. (See pp. 238 239 for more information.) Zhu ling, maitake, shiitake,
enokidake, Astragalus, and echinacea share some common chemistry. All contain
polysaccharides, long chain molecules composed of sugar units, which seem to
be responsible for their action as immunopotentiators. Polysaccharides have
never excited much interest among scientists who search for new drugs. They
are structural components of many organisms and are not the kinds of molecules
that usually have biological effects. Yet researchers are finding them in a
whole range of plants and mushrooms that seem able to enhance our immunity.
One possibility is that they resemble components of the cell walls of bacteria
and stimulate immune responses for that reason. However they work, it is good
to know that safe natural products exist and are readily available to help us
during periods of low resistance. I do not think you need to use them if you
are in good health, but if you are having frequent colds or other infections,
if you seem to "get everything that's going around," if your healing responses
seem sluggish and your resistance low, you might consider taking one or more
of these immune enhancers for a time. 10.Work at Improving Your Mental and
Emotional Health For many years immunologists maintained that the immune
system was the only autonomous system of the body, the only one that operated
free of external controls. This is a silly idea. No system of the body is
autonomous. All are interconnected, especially with the nervous system. In
addition, the clinical experience of doctors who work with immune disorders is
that a strong correlation exists between the ups and downs of these disorders
and the ups and downs of emotional life. For example, a typical onset of
rheumatoid arthritis in a young woman may be a flare-up in many joints of the
body within hours of a severe emotional trauma. A few years ago I saw two
patients with advanced lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, another
autoimmune disease). Both were women in their thirties, one white, one black.
The white woman was hospitalized with serious kidney damage and, as a result,
uncontrollably high blood pressure. She also had serious toxicity from long
treatment with steroids and other immunosuppressive drugs. Her prognosis was
grave. The black woman was out of the hospital but also was very sick with
kidney damage, high blood pressure, brain dysfunction, and drug toxicity. She
was in better shape than the first patient, but her future also looked grim.
The first patient underwent a religious conversion in the hospital and became
a fundamentalist Christian. The second woman fell in love and subsequently
married. Both went into complete remission and became symptom free. The young
science of psychoneuroimmunology is demonstrating the interconnections of
mind, nervous system, and immune system. In many cases the connections are
chemical, with small protein molecules called peptides being the messengers
that take information from cell to cell. It is clear that the nervous, immune,
and endocrine systems are in constant biochemical communication, linked by a
web of peptide hormones. Wherever nerves are, the activities of the mind can
travel. Clearly, emotional states like grief and depression can interfere with
immunity, just as loving can enhance it. You do not need to know any more than
that to be motivated to improve your emotional health. Do not try to stop or
fight negative mental states. Instead, put energy into creating a positive
state, and the negativity will tend to resolve.

Hi Mark, <smile
Sorry, I should have been more specific ! I did not mention anything other than
Bromelain (and that was what the instructions were for) as I am not familiar
with the others you mentioned and do not know what properties they may or may
not have. I believe it applies to them too but ............don't quote me:-))
A snip from my files:
Some enzymes, particularly Bromelain, have anti-inflammatory effects but
only when taken away from food (as in between meals) otherwise they are
used up breaking down the food present. If they are taken anywhere near
food, before, after, during the meal, they will used for digestive
purposes. Use them for digestive purposes at the end of meals as
this most closely simulates when the body secretes them (ie once the food passes
into the small intestine).
And yes, I like you also headed for the bathroom, I understand this can happen.
Seems to me with both Bromelain and Boswellian you're taking a mega dose, maybe
back off a bit?
Dosage for *me* (to get a sever bout of p[pleuritis under control) )was:
I would try 1 capsule 3 times per day between meals. If you seem to tolerate
that (ie it doesn't feel like your stomach is starting to digest ;) ) then I
would probably increase it to two capsules three times per day between means
since you probably need a strong of effect (at least in the beginning) as it can
give you right about now. Remember it does need to be away from food for the
effect you are after.
I have found that 500mg, three times a day clears up any localised inflammation
and swelling for me.
Hope this helps clarify things:-))
hugs,
lisbeth

So let me make sure I got this right, ok? I'm supposed to take my bromelain,
quercetin,curcumin, and boswellia on an empty stomach, correct? I was taking
the boswellia and curcumin with food, but I'll switch if that is negating its
effect. I must note however, that the first time I took bromelain, quercetin
and curcumin on an empty stomach shortly after getting up in the morning, I was
headed for the bathroom! Maybe that was something else - I'll try again.
(I'm taking 500mg bromelain 3x/day from Country Life, quercetin 350mg/3x/day
from Source Naturals,curcumin 315mg/3xday from GNC's Nature's Fingerprint, and
boswellia 150mg 3x/day from Nature's Herbs) (the quercetin comes in a tablet
with 150mg of Vit C, 15mg of magnesium, and 100mg of bromelain). Whether any of
these are any good, I have no idea, but I'm taking them!
Mark
Mark
RA 4/98 A/P 7/98
Mino (100mg/2x/daily)
http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes
http://www.bbonline.com/va/foxhill
RA Chat: http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes/RA/ra.html
mholmes@... ICQ # 18123139

I wanted to send this to everyone in the group. I had so many to write me
and ask for more info. I tried to write each one back individually, but I
wanted everyone that is interested to be able to have this one hand. As I
have said, I have no idea why it works, I am supposed to see Laura, my
herbist, in two more weeks. I only went to her, because I was scared to death
due to all the swelling and the prescriptions my Rheumy had written that day.
Laura was my last resort so to say. I didnt want to have to take predinose
again, I had gained so much weight from it the times I had taken it and had
injections before. But to give all of you an example, last night, I played
pool with my freinds at our house for over 6 hours, on hardwood floors and did
quite well, before I could barely walk across the floor to get to a chair as a
way to not be in the way or be in pain. I have not called Laura and asked her
why this works, but I know she will explain it. I am on no specail diet,
except to increase my water intake to at least a gallon a day, but that is
easy, I am getting more and more active so I am thirsty more. And with a
slice of lemon, it doesnt taste that bad. LOL I also try to eat things more
natural, like not out of a box, but that is it. well here goes with what I
am doing... from thoughts of death to thoughts of getting on that exercise
bike to lose the 50 lbs I need to.... hmmmm go figure.
:-)
drink...
1 1/2 cups of apple juice
1 tbls of first pressing cold pressed virgin olive oil
1 lemon sliced in 1/4 and tossed in
blend until smooth, then strain (with anything to remove the pulp) then pour
back into blender, and add 1 tsp to 1 1/2 tsp of Spirulina. Spirulina is a
type of kelp that grows in Hawaii. Drink ... I do this in the morning
then take
Flax Borage Combo 600mg each 1 three times a day ( I take 2 in the
morning and 1 in evening) This gives you omega 6 GLA and Omega 3 we need
this alot due to the RA...
MSM 600 mg each ( methyl-sulfonyl-methane) 1 five times a day ( I take two
in the morning and 1 near lunch and 2 at night) this is a very essential
mineral
Liquid Calcium 1000 mg each /with 400 mg of magnesium 3 a day, I take 1 at
dinner and two about 1 hour before bedtime, this helps me sleep instead of
having to take flexeril. I have slept so soundly not waking due to pain or
being uncomfortable.
This is it so far, and I have stopped taking all the things that my Rheumy had
written. Keteprofen, darvocet, Ultram, flexeril, and I had a prescription for
prednisone, she had written for me when she saw me last due to the swelling of
my joints and the pain I was in, but I went to my herbists and asked her what
to do and she put me on this path. I hope it works for you. Also while you
are at the health stores, maybe ask for recomendations of an herbist. Just in
case ... Good luck.
Karen
the spirulina is added for the anti-oxidants and the health benefits. This
stuff has sooooo much of what our body no longer gets due to depleted soils
and lack of real vitamins in our body. I think it is the reason I have the
energy. But so far, it is doing the job minus all the other stuff I am no
longer taking.

I have been back on a great diet for one month now, and with a small amount of
Relafen I am now feeling (knock wood) pretty good. However, two fingers on
Left hand are misreable and my doc once shot up my right hand a few years ago
and the pain never returned. I'm wondering what your opinion is re the
harmfulness of the occasional (once or twice a year) shot. I know the pain
would be gone and stay away (if first and only experience is typical). On the
other hand (no pun intended), cortisone is cortisone.
I want the pain to be gone, and am concerned about damage if I don't do
anything. Any advice, please.
Thanks. Enjoy your Sunday.
Susan
By the way Robert, I am all for advocacy. But you said we'd get low rates
cause no expensive surgeries, well, some of us need or will need them for our
arthritis or other illnesses. Maybe I didn't understand details. I hate the
current health care system though; now the execs are getting rich instead of
the docs and at least the docs wanted us to get well, not get out of hospital
or on cheapest meds etc. Any ideas you have, great! These are horrific times
for the consumer.

I've been on it for almost 3 weeks now, and I've got to tell you guys, it has
made a difference! I had a lot of pain in various joints from my scleroderma
mimicking RA, and it's almost all gone.
Also, and here's the really big thing for me, my rheumatologist, Dr. Mayes,
thinks that maybe the reason I've been so out of breath is a low level
inflamation in the lining of my lungs. She thought that maybe an anti-
inflamatory would help. Well after 2 weeks on Celebrex, my shortness of
breath is almost gone. Last Thursday, I had to go upstairs in my school for
something, and I was really in a hurry, so I ran up the stairs. Halfway down
the upstairs hallway, I stopped in my tracks when I realized that I RAN UP THE
STAIRS!!!! And I wasn't breathing hard. Those stairs had been almost causing
me to pass out for months!
Hey, Ray--I've even started playing hockey again! Ready to start checking the
opposition into the boards.
So, has anyone else been taking it, and what are your results?
I'm thinking--to quote Martha Stewart--"It's a good thing."
Marilynn

Dear group,
Donna has her own web page and there she has described her recovery from
scleroderma using antibiotics. I've just put a link to Donna's web page
at rheumatic.org. Perhaps you would all like to click on:
http://www.compmore.net/~donray
and read Donna's very well written description of her progress. Thanks
Donna - I don't know why I didn't do this ages ago - brain fog I guess :)
Chris.

Hi,
A friend who knows all about this group..............you're famous, or should
that read infamous ??!! <grin
about Manna Tech? Ray have you had occasion to investigate this crowd?
I'd appreciate any info,
Thanks and hugs of course:-))
lisbeth
Request sent to me:
Has anyone on the list talked about a company called MannaTech, or any of
it's products, like Ambertose? We're just now getting signed up to try it
and will let you know how it goes. Their web site is at
(http://www.mannatech-inc.com/).

Interesting - Janene currently has a craze on apple juice, which she says makes
her
hungry and helps her put weight on. Perhaps her body is talking to her?
Chris.

Note the action as a COX 2 inhibitor,thus prevention of cytotoxins
Mechanism of Action: Celebrex is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that
exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities in animal
models. The mechanism of action of Celebrex is believed to be due to
inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, primarily via inhibition of
cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and at therapeutic concentrations in humans,
Celebrex does not inhibit the cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) isoenzyme. -
Subject: Celebrex from Robert Root

I'm wondering if any of you have any helpful information for a friend of
mine. She has had ideopathic thrombocytopenia purpura for years and
nearly died three weeks ago. She has been treated with heavy doses of
steroids for years and has had her spleen removed, and nothing has
helped.
I read today that injections of immunoglobulin may be useful. In our
joint group knowledge, is there anything to offer Mary?
Thanks, Chris.

Group.....sorry if I doubled up on a message......Its that darn brain fog!
HUGS:)
Carol
HUGS:)
Carol^^

predisone and its hardly working. The last few days have been very stiff and
painful for approx. two hrs. after getting up. Im pretty miserable. Really
dont want to get up and go to work:), but then who does???
right now. I havent been really easy to live with lately. But then I get
this way every winter. Its been raining off and on for a month and when it
keeps coming every week or two in the winter, I really flare up. I've just
got to where I say...."its winter, so not so good" anytime anyone asks me
how I am. Oh well. Opposition in all things.
for around four or is it five, years now. Been on AP since July 97. Went
the usual route for the first two years. To date, I've responded to
absolutely nothing!!
HUGS:)
Carol^^

Hi Group:)
I have not only noticed dry eyes since I got RA, but my vision has really
gone the last year or so. I really notice it at work under flourescent
lights. It doesnt seem so bad at home. I have to use the tear stuff once a
day and I'd do it every day if I always had it around.
Sounds like its time for an eye exam. Well at least now I will get my
husband to go get his eyes checked too. I think he's worse than me!! Then
again, maybe its just old age. Alot seems to *Start* going in the late
forties!!!:-/
HUGS:)
Carol Scott**
HUGS:)
Carol^^

Hi Group:)
What I want to know is how do you do the diet when you CANNOT clean out
your cupboards or fridge because you have a teenager and grandkids in and
out that want to eat like they always have at home and at Grams?????
I'm just like Linda........the spirit is willing but thats about it:((
Darn! Seems like I always need willpower or extra strength for something!!
HUGS:)
Carol Scott**
California Carol!
HUGS:)
Carol^^

Hello everyone,
Havent been here in awhile. Didnt know about the new server or anything.
I just kept dumping email for awhile.
Well, its winter and I'm flared up big time. Having to take 10 mg of
predisone and its hardly working. The last few days have been very stiff and
painful for approx. two hrs. after getting up. Im pretty miserable. Really
dont want to get up and go to work:), but then who does???
I'm really interested in the natural anti-inflams. My seds up to 85 right
now. I havent been really easy to live with lately. But then I get this
way every winter. Its been raining off and on for a month and when it keeps
coming every week or two in the winter, I really flare up. I've just got to
where I say...."its winter, so not so good" anytime anyone asks me how I am.
Oh well. Opposition in all things.
Im going to tune in every now and then...I really do miss the group when
I'm not involved!!!
For those of you that dont know me......I'm Carol Scott and I've had RA
for around four or is it five, years now. Been on AP since July 97. Went
the usual route for the first two years. To date, I've responded to nothing!!
Love and good health to all.
Hugs:)
Carol Scott
HUGS:)
Carol^^

A friend has sent you a Q&A from Ask Dr. Weil (http://www.drweil.com).
Reply to your friend at mholmes@...
saw this on Dr. Weil's site. Thought I would pass it along
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
I'm aware that exercise helps people with ankylosing spondylitis, but I would
like to know if there are any nutritional changes that can help reduce the pain
associated with this ailment.
[http://www.spondylitis.org/whatis.htm] Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic
autoimmune disorder resulting in painful inflammation of the spine and joints in
the shoulders, hips and knees. It resembles
[http://cgi.pathfinder.comhttp://cgi.pathfinder.com/drweil/database/display/0,14\
12,101,00.html] rheumatoid arthritis and the arthritis that sometimes
accompanies psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease.
As you may know, there are specific stretching and strengthening exercises
recommended to help control the stiffness. If you're not familiar with them, you
can get information, books and videotapes from the
[http://www.spondylitis.org/about.htm] Spondylitis Association of America.
Swimming or movement in water is an excellent form of exercise for you.
Maintaining erect posture is also essential to prevent deformity of the upper
back.
As far as nutrition is concerned, you should reduce animal foods and eliminate
all polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening and products
made with partially hydrogenated oils of any kind. Use olive oil as your main
fat and increase your consumption of omega-3 fatty acids by eating oily fish
(salmon, sardines, herring) or
[http://www.epicurious.com/db/dictionary/terms/f/flax_see.html] flax. Increase
consumption of fruits and vegetables, getting organic produce when possible.
Also try eliminating foods that may trigger autoimmunity. Start by eliminating
all dairy products for two months. If that doesn't help, experiment with
eliminations of wheat, corn, soy, sugar and citrus fruits -- one at a time.
I also recommend taking one to two capsules of freeze-dried
[http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/f/feverf10.html] feverfew twice a day.
Feverfew has an anti-inflammatory effect that may help. You also might try one
to two capsules of powdered ginger -- another anti-inflammatory herb -- twice a
day, and curcumin, an extract of the yellow spice
[http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/t/turmer30.html] turmeric}. Both are
natural anti-inflammatory agents. The Ayurvedic herb Boswellia (found in most
health food stores) also has anti-inflammatory properties. Take the dose
recommended on the label.
Mind-body techniques including meditation, yoga, visualization and hypnotherapy
can also be quite useful, and I encourage you to find practitioners of
traditional Chinese medicine or Ayurvedic medicine who may be able to help you
as well.
The most extreme approach, to be used with caution, is monitored fasting for
more than three days. Don't even consider doing this without expert supervision
at a facility staffed by experienced health professionals. I've seen long-term
fasts lead to complete remission of disorders related to spondylitis, so I
sometimes recommend it. But since I'm not qualified to supervise, I refer my
patients elsewhere.
Dr. Andrew Weil
http://www.drweil.com

Im getting triples of all the messages posted to the group not including private
ones. Is anyone
else?
--
Clark Signs:
http://members.xoom.com/sclark/
AP Support Group:
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Gallery/6412/
Lots of arthritis and health links:
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Gallery/6412/supportlinks.htm

Would not!!! I lost it! SO THERE!!! Nee-ner, nee-ner, nee-ner....
:^)
--
Regards,
Geoff Crenshaw, ACC

The other night our local news said the AMA or some medical organization
announced that one in three
Americans has a chronic illness. This seems a horribly high amount to me and
should call for looking
into environmental and nutritional causes too.
Sarah
--
Clark Signs:
http://members.xoom.com/sclark/
AP Support Group:
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Gallery/6412/
Lots of arthritis and health links:
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Gallery/6412/supportlinks.htm

So long everyone, I'm dropping out for now while I go have surgery on my knee
this Monday. Wish me luck! My best to all of you. Shirley

Dear Group,
You will remember someone recently posted who said they had been
diagnosed with lupus who went to see Dr. Franco for the AP only to be
told he does not prescribe it for lupus.
To set the record straight, I have asked his office to comment. Here is
the reply.
Dear Ethel:
Please forward this to anyone in the group that may have an interest. I
hope this helps.
Dr. Franco prescribes antibiotics for many diseases including lupus.
Minocin may worsen lupus. Minocin may cause auto-immune hepatitis
(liver toxicity). Dr Franco's wife tried Minocin and discontinued due to
severe hair loss. Dr. Franco still uses doxycycline, minocycline for
selected lupus patients, but prefers the erythromycin family of
antibiotics such as Zithromax or Biaxin for lupus.
Finally, Dr. Franco always tries to tailor treatment to patients
circumstance.
Not knowing the identity of the patient that informed you of this, Dr
Franco cannot comment further i.e.:
Was Mycoplasma Genome positive or negative or available, etc.
Ethel, you know and everyone that attended the seminar last April knows
that Dr. Franco indeed uses AP for lupus patients as well as many other
diseases. This is a very individual treatment.
I hope that this information proves useful. Please let me know if I can
be of any further assistance.
Doree

Hello to everyone.
I have a problem that I need advice on I know a lot of you are familiar with
what happened to me in Dec.and some of you might not be .
I have had RA for about 10 years my sister has had it for about 12 years we were
both on methotrexate for about 8 years in Dec I was in a wreck and the steering
wheel hit me in the chest I went ot the hospital and they said my ribs were
bruised about 5 days later I went back to the hospital because I was getting to
where I couldn't breathe they said I had the worst case of pneumonia they had
ever seen that night I had resp failure and was put on life support they told my
family I wouldn't make it thru the night while I was in there they run a tube
into my broncioles the dr told my sister that he found something he had never
seen before after about 2 days he decided that it was cancer he told her it was
a rare type (Squmious Cell Carcinoma ) but that is the most common type .He was
my mothers Dr just before she died and he swore that she had cancer but he
couldn't find it so on her death certificate he put heart failure. they gave me
fourteen treaments of radiation Which normal amount is 6 weeks everyday on the
last exrays there was a spot on my lungs that wasn't there when I went into the
hospital , so they wanted to give me chemo too ( this was a pulmunary Dr) in the
meantime I wanted a second opionion so I went to an oncoligist . he looked at my
exrays and told me he didn't see anything that looked malignant so he done a ct
scan and called the other Dr.and then he decided I needed chemo for that spot
and he told me my broncioles were clean as a whistle that my lungs looked
beautiful except for that spot. which he couldn't be 100% sure it was cancer now
the strange thing is my sister is getting the same thing she has been sick for
about a year like I was and they kept saying sinus infection she has a spot on
her lung now too and is really sick with vomiting diarrea, and can't hardly
breathe and coughing.her Dr,says she has a rheumatoid lung desease they are
coming up with 2 different things when we have the same symptoms.I have searched
the internet and I found a site on rheumatoid lung deseases but everytime I ask
the dr if that could be it they say no they say it's not caused from metho. to
make a long story shor they don't know either .so I really don't know what to do
about the chemo I have been seeing an herbilist and I feel better now then I
have in a year . can anyone tell me what desease associated with arthritis or
anything else could have caused the spot or any suggestions where I might look
or any suggestions about the chemo,
any help would be appreciated Burlyne

Dear Grp:
I need advice- as I have slipped backwards in the last 6 weeks. In the last
few days my RA has gotten so bad it resembles what happened to me a year ago
when I had to start MTX because I could not swallow or move any body parts an
inch.
My history is: I started RA about 3 1/2 years ago- Last Feb 98 I had been on
minocin for 1 month with daily headaches and had been on BP meds for 5 years.
I had been treating my RA with steroid shotsIM every 3 months. I have atrophy
gastritis so I can not take much by mouth (oral steroid)etc. In Feb I had a
stroke-within a few weeks the RA flared severely and I started MTX. I saw Dr
F in April at the seminar. He told me to stay on MTX and use DOXY. The MTX
calmed down the joints for 2 months and then became useless. I am still
dealing with side effects eventhough I stopped MTX last November. In Nov. I
started Embrel which worked well for 4 weeks then began to fizzle. I saw Dr F
in January- and asked his opinion about going back to minocin and said I would
stop if I started Headaches- he said not to take a chance on another stroke.
I have severe yeast from doxy and stop and start it constantly. I have one
Clind IV every other week.
Stress of the stroke through me into the worst flare I could imagine last
year. I was bedridden completely. Now I have just in the last 2 weeks been
through terrible situations whch has obviously caused an already bad situation
to be an emergency situation again. I had a twisted ovary which had finally
been diagnosed after 2 weeks of severe pain, my dad went into hospital and had
emergency traech done and I had to be there night and day to help him as he
has 2 diff cancers, and I went to my son's basketball game on Thursday and the
fans from the other team attacked our parents. Because I could not move from
the RA- I got so panicked as bodies were being thrown around the bleachers. I
pulled a baby out from underneath a pile adults with my one good arm- our
school is a small religious school and we were in shock!
For the first time, I have pain in my breastbone- like arthritis. Is this RA
there?
I can not open my mouth because of joint stiffness. The pain is everywhere.
Please give me some advice- should I go with my gut reaction and try minocin
again?
Should I try depo-medrol shots again? Dr F said not to keep doing those shots.
But I can not open my mouth to eat anything.
Should I go back on MTX for a few months? I am still taking Embrel twice a
week.
Celebrax was to be option but someone wrote me that you should not if you have
had a stroke!
Please please help me- I can not move and I am terrified.
Carol*

Dear group,
Anyone like to welcome and help Ahmed with your experiences? I think this
is the first enquiry we've had from Egypt - correct me if I'm wrong!
Thanks, Chris.
PS Ahmed's email is below

Sounds good to me, where do we get the money to start?

Dr. Brown thought that the mycoplasma can be passed to a baby in the
birth canal. He advocated testing babies shortly after birth and giving a
short course of medication if they tested positive. Presumably a baby
infected with mycoplasma from birth might show rheumatic symptoms later
on.
Chris.

I just wanted to thank all of you who responded to me with your stories about
your RA. You all have given me strength to go on during my first flare of
this awful disease. Your senses of humor and knowledge have kept me going
over the past two weeks. I'd be feeling down, then I'd realize I could get on
line and talk with people who understand. Thanks again.
Now for the olive oil.....I have seen two nutritionists...most recently a new
one. and one forbid all oil...this one is encouraging me to use olive oil on
salads, along with Omega 3's (from flax seed).
What's the deal with oil.
Susan.

Could someone tell me what brain fog is? So many of you refer to this. I
certainly am pretty confused these days, but I attributed to perimenopause.
What's the story with brain fog and RA?
Thanks.
signed Confused & Forgetful and not sure why, (aka Susan)

In article <919444132.29102@onelist.com
Chris
Is there a way to turn off the digests? It does mean double the
messages ...
-------
Regards, Dr Graham Chiu
Prospective Internet Observational Study in Arthritis
Home Page http://www.compkarori.com/arthritis/
Contribute at http://www.compkarori.com/arthritis/contrib.htm
Data Entry at http://www.compkarori.com/cgi-local/piosa.cgi

THE CHOSEN VESSEL
The Master was searching
for a vessel to use;
On the shelf there were many --
which one would He choose?
Take me, cried the gold one,
I'm shiny and bright,
I'm of great value
and I do things just right.
My beauty and luster
will outshine the rest
And for someone like You, Master,
gold would be the best!
The Master passed on
with no word at all;
He looked at a silver urn,
narrow and tall;
I'll serve You, dear Master,
I'll pour out Your wine
And I'll be at Your table
whenever You dine,
My lines are so graceful,
my carvings so true,
And my silver will always
compliment You.
Unheeding the Master
passed on to the brass,
It was widemouthed and shallow,
and polished like glass.
Here! Here! cried the vessel,
I know I will do,
Place me on Your table
for all men to view.
Look at me, called the goblet
of crystal so clear,
My transparency shows
my contents so dear,
Though fragile am I,
I will serve You with pride,
And I'm sure I'll be happy
Your house to abide.
The Master came next
to a vessel of wood,
Polished and carved,
it solidly stood.
You may use me, dear Master,
the wooden bowl said,
But I'd rather You used me
for fruit, not for bread!
Then the Master looked down
and saw a vessel of clay.
Empty and broken
it helplessly lay.
No hope had the vessel
that the Master might choose,
To cleanse and make whole,
to fill and to use.
Ah! This is the vessel
I've been hoping to find,
I will mend and use it
and make it all Mine.
I need not the vessel
with pride of its self;
Nor the one who is narrow
to sit on the shelf;
Nor the one who is bigmouthed
and shallow and loud;
Nor one who displays
his contents so proud;
Not the one who thinks
he can do all things just right;
But this plain earthy vessel
filled with My power and might.
Then gently He lifted
the vessel of clay.
Mended and cleansed it
and filled it that day.
Spoke to it kindly.
There's work you must do,
Just pour out to others
as I pour into you.
--Author Unknown--

Hello Debra,
I should have noted that, in the article I quoted from ³Arthritis Today²
magazine, I don¹t believe it is Dr. O¹Dell who said minocyline¹s effects are
not believed to be due to ³its ability to kill bacteria², etc. This
seemed, probably, to be the synopsis of the Arthritis Foundation. (?)
I did ask my doc (Dr. Trentham in Boston), and he said something like, ". .
.you've probably heard of mycoplasma. . .nobody knows for sure. . ." That
didn't really surprise me either, but it did kind of disappoint me. I guess
I just want everything to be ABSOLUTELY FIGURED OUT!!!
Having always been more of a philosopher than a scientist, it's pretty easy
to convince me of anything -- at least for awhile! I like the mycoplasma
theory, maybe because it makes me feel less defective, and it makes a lot of
sense to me. I do wonder, though, about the fact that rheumatic diseases
tend to run in families. I know that's addressed in THE BOOK, and I should
reread it. My simple-minded theory is that some of us are more genetically
susceptible to the effects of mycoplasma(s) than others. (There's another
question that burdens me: Is the plural of mycoplasma mycoplasma or
mycoplasmas?!!!) That's the only way I can fit the "family history" concept
with the infectious theory.
As you can see, I have absolutely NO IDEA what I'm talking about! (I've
only been at this for a few months, and I definitely suffer from the
"brain-fog" so many in the group describe; maybe things will eventually be
clearer to me!)
Bye,
Kari

Prolotherapy: Ligament Reconstructive Therapy
David J. Zeiger, DO
<<Thousands of years ago, Hippocrates and his surgeons used a procedure to
treat gladiators who injured themselves during competitions. To re-construct
damaged shoulders, they would insert a hot poker into the ligamentous capsules
of the shoulder to cauterize them. This process would stimulate new ligament
growth and the gladiators could go back to fighting several weeks afterwards.
Years later, French physicians discovered that ligament growth could be
stimulated by injecting mild irritant-type substances into damaged, torn or
weak ligaments. During the 1950's, Dr. George Hackett, an orthopedic surgeon
in Ohio, took this principle and conducted years of research on it. He tested
a variety of substances to try to stimulate cells to produce more ligament
fibers. What developed is Ligament Reconstructive Therapy: a very specific
technique for injecting solutions (made up of dextrose and a local anesthetic
like lidocaine) into a ligament that has been diagnosed as weak or lax to
stimulate it to re-grow. This therapy can be very effective for treating a
wide variety of things: whiplash, carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle sprains and
strains, injured ligaments/joints through sports or trauma, disc disease or
bulging discs, chronic low back pain, work-related injuries or over-use
injuries, arthritic joints, tennis elbow, and chronic headaches. The Procedure
We start with a thorough diagnosis of the patient's problem and an orthopedic,
neurological and Osteopathic musculoskeletal exam accompanied with appropriate
X-ray, MRI and laboratory studies. Then a series of injections are given
generally once a week for approximately 4 to 6 weeks. It takes about 6 weeks
before a new ligament grows although sometimes a new ligament will grow
earlier than that. The solution commonly used is a mixture of dextrose and
lidocaine. The patient will also be supplemented nutritionally with amino acid
mixtures, B-complex, and vitamins and minerals to help stimulate new ligament
growth. During this time, people are to refrain from caffeine, alcohol, and
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like Advil and Motrin). The ligament
injection is creating a controlled micro-inflammatory situation and whenever
there is inflammation in the body, pain may also occur. Non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs are going to stop the inflammation and inhibit the
formation of new ligaments. For the pain, which generally decreases after the
first 2-3 injections, patients can use Tylenol, Tylenol with codeine, or just
plain ice packs. Studies have shown that the ligament that regrows is 30-40%
stronger than the previous ligament and this is permanent. As with any
invasive procedure, there are risks associated with it. Even though the
percentage is small, there are risks of infection, bleeding or hemorrhage. The
American Association of Orthopedic Medicine and the American Osteopathic
Sclerotherapy Association are the two teaching bodies that teach physicians
and continue ongoing research in the development of the techniques for what is
called Ligament Reconstructive Therapy.
WEB SITES:

When I lost my hard drive a couple of weeks ago, I lost all my information.
Would those of you who know of good medical websites that can be used for
researching various conditions and medications please send them to me?
Thanks in advance.
Linda

Hi Group,
Just a note to let you know I'm taking a break - things are getting on top
of me and I need some time out. Need a holiday, a looooooong slooooooow
cruise to nowhere with my cat and my pills would just do me fine :)
Be back in a couple of weeks, anyone who would like to write personally,
please feel free to do so.
Take care, all of you,
Luv and hugs,
Jude.

from cassandres@...
hi, how are you? I'm writing you because I need help. I'm still a newbie
and as confused as ever with "everything" ok here is the story. I went on
a vacation to Mexico City for about two weeks and when I was gone I ran out
of medicine (i'm on Plaquinel) well I felt so good that when I came back I
told my dr (who's next step was mtx) that I thought everything was over and
had no argument from her so she stopped all my meds. Now looking back in
hindsight I realize that maybe I was wishing to much --and that maybe the dr
should have said something rather than let me walk out with out anything.
So now, day by day, I am growing weaker and in so much pain in my back and
neck (I have PA) that sometimes I can't even move my head. I really want to
find a dr that will give me the AP treatment, but thats like finding the
needle in the haystack.. Maybe I should bite the bullet and take the
medicine again--since I guess it was what was working in the first place.
Or wait for the Ap--please help my questions may seem very naive but I don't
care I'm in such pain!!!!!!
thank you so much for any help you can give
lots of love
cassi-----ps. sorry so long-ha
--
Clark Signs:
http://members.xoom.com/sclark/
AP Support Group:
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Gallery/6412/
Lots of arthritis and health links:
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Gallery/6412/supportlinks.htm

Has anyone tried The Arthritis Relief Diet by Dr. Scala. I am trying it and
see if I can get rid of the stiffness in my wrists and knees. They are worse
since I stopped taking the Metho so it was doing something. I have no regrets
for quitting it. The diet is mostly vegetables, grains, fat free, low fat dairy
and supplements. You are allowed chicken and lots of fish.
Bev

Gee, I've missed you guys! Had to take a very ill computer in for over a
week!! Hope I didn't miss any messages to me as I went VERY quickly
through my 684 messages!!!!!!
Good to be back,
janet in tulsa

I recently had an ASO titer test taken. It came back elevated. Normal range
(from this particular testing lab) is anything under 240....my test reading was
a 338.
My doctor prescribed one shot (IM) a month of penicillian INSTEAD of the oral
route of 3 x's a week-he feels this will be more effective.
Has anyone "out there" had an elevated ASO? Have you ever taken the shot? What
did your doctor prescribe? Are you doing better now? Colleen and I have
discussed this via e-mail-would just like to hear from others, too.
Big Hugs!
Sue :-)
--
Susan S Estridge
E-Mail : sestridg@madison
Internet: Sue_Estridge@...
Phone : (704) 649-2411
FAX: (704) 649-2020

The other night there was an add on tv sponsored by Psizer with Bob Dole talking
about Erectal
Disfunction. I couldnt believe it, guess he needs the money. LOL
Sarah
--
Clark Signs:
http://members.xoom.com/sclark/
AP Support Group:
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Gallery/6412/
Lots of arthritis and health links:
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Gallery/6412/supportlinks.htm

For those of you who ordered your Boswellia from the Vitamin Shoppe, what brand
are you using? I checked out the Vitamin Shoppe on the web
(www.vitaminshoppe.com) and they list several brand names - Nature's Herb,
Doctors Best, Solarary, Nutritional Dynamics, etc. -
Many thanks!!
Sue :-)
--
Susan S Estridge
E-Mail : sestridg@madison
Internet: Sue_Estridge@...
Phone : (704) 649-2411
FAX: (704) 649-2020

FDA Approves New Test For Lyme Disease
February 17, 1999
(NYT Syndicate) --<< In a move that may speed up the diagnosis of Lyme
disease, the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Tuesday the
approval of a new test for the tick-borne illness. Currently, doctors have to
send blood samples to a laboratory to test for Lyme disease. But the new test,
which is manufactured by Chembio Diagnostic Systems in Medford, N.Y., can be
performed in a doctor's office. If a person tests positive, a doctor can begin
treatment with antibiotics immediately. However, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention in Atlanta recommends that a positive result be
confirmed with laboratory tests. In North America, Lyme disease is the most
common infectious disease spread from insects to humans. In most cases, a tick
bite is to blame for transmission. Diagnosing the disease can be tricky,
since its symptoms, which include fatigue and joint pain, are similar to those
produced by other conditions. If left untreated, however, Lyme disease can
affect the heart and the nervous system. In one study conducted by the test's
maker, the screen correctly diagnosed Lyme disease in 72 percent of 120 blood
samples taken from people with the disease. In another group, the test had a
95-percent success rate. When the test was performed on 100 samples of blood
that was not infected with Lyme disease, the test was positive in three cases.
According to the FDA, this rate of false positive results is comparable to
existing lab tests.

Dare to Dream
Life! What a precious gift from God. What a blessing to be alive in
a wonderful, vibrant world of unlimited possibilities. Then, adversity
strikes, and this "gift" feels more like a curse. "Why? Why me?" we ask.
Yet we never get an answer, or do we? After contracting Hodgkin's
disease at age seven and being given six months to live, I
triumphed over the odds. Call it luck, hope, faith or courage,
there are thousands of survivors! Winners like us know the answer -
"Why not us? We can handle it!" I'm not dying of cancer. I'm living with
cancer. God doesn't make junk, regardless of what comes our way, and I
don't have to be afraid anymore.
In my sophomore year of high school, the class was scheduled to run
the mile. I will always remember that day
because due to the swelling and scars from surgery on my leg, for
two solid years I had not worn shorts. I was afraid of the teasing. So,
for two years I lived in fear. Yet that day, it didn't matter. I was
ready - shorts, heart and mind. I no sooner got to the starting line
before I heard the loud whispers. "Gross!" "How fat!" "How ugly!" I
blocked it out.
Then the coach yelled, "Ready. Set. Go!" I jetted out of there like
an airplane, faster than anyone for the first 20 feet. I didn't know
much about pacing then, but it was okay because I was determined to
finish first. As we came around the first of four laps, there were
students all over the track. By the end of the second lap, many of the
students had already quit. They had given up and were on the ground
gasping for air. As I started the third lap, only a few of my
classmates were left on the track, and I began limping. By the time I
hit the fourth lap, I was alone.
Then it hit me. I realized that nobody had given up. Instead,
everyone had already finished. As I ran that last lap, I cried. I
realized that every boy and girl in my class ha