Auto-immune diseases

Hello
My wife has RA/lupus. We are India. Are there any doctors in India who
offer anti-biotic treatment in India? If there are no such doctors in
India, how can use this treatment? Please give me some lead.Thank you.
Milton

This is only a test. If it was real, there might have been $$$$ in it
:-)

I have been talking to some people on the side about this, as there has been
some confusion arising about the article on cox2's and omega 6's----these omegas
represent classes of essential fatty acids, not all are good for us. According
to my doc, the Omega6 GLA (Gamma-linoleic acid) and the Omega 3 fish oils are
what we want--I'll explain all the where's and whyfore's as soon as I get to a
better understanding of it myself and work out all the details. LizG

Dear Dr Greenwald:
Your article attacking Dr Brown and "THE NEW ARTHRITIS BREAKTHROUGH"
is unacceptable.
There are many treatments available for arthritis; some work for a time, some
do not. Most are toxic over the long-term, and deal mainly with the symptoms
of the disease. The literature is full of marginal results with these various
treatments, and no one knows better than the patients that "many patients
still face a future of chronic pain, progressive disability, and limited
prospects." (WG Bensen, et al, J of Rheumatology, June 1997)

I read very interesting info. on celebrex. For one, the reason it
doesn't work well is you only absorb 50 percent of the drug . The rest
is passed when you go potty. Check out " celebrex.com" and read on
the drug. Hugs Yoly

JMHO but I think you will not get this guy to read your whole letters if you
start out attacking him, everybody's got to decide for themselves, of course,
but I am copying the letter I sent here so you can see it too. We want to
convince him he's wrong, not that we are all a bunch of hotheads! Just a
suggestion.......LizG

Hey Group,
I think this is going out. I haven't received any messages from this
group since Saturday. I'm getting messages from the APchat line. Don't
know what happen. Is there trouble on that end? Sure hope so cuz I don't
know how to fix things on this end :-)
cooky

I feel a need to respond to your article.
The reason there are so many alternative, and fringy treatments is that there
is no silver bullet. Your scathing attack on antibiotics is less than even
handed. Science is terribly slow moving. Until definitive studies result in a
cure patients must find something which intervenes, even a placebo.
But, as you found in your own study antibiotics are able to make a difference.
Your hypothesis of the reason is not necessarily the definitive answer. For Dr
Brown used the treatment with many diagnoses effectively. Just ask some of the
many people who feel that they are in remission.
The analysis of Dr. Brown's work which throws out the results of almost 80% is
good science and bad critical thinking. His theory suggests that all
autoimmune diseases are caused by a similar process. If he is right then there
is no reason to throw out the patients with more than on disease entity.
The research may not indicate that antibiotics are a cure, but it does not
indicate that it is not. As of yet there is no "critical test." And we do have
some results that suggest a trend. All this, when you analysis the data, means
that it should be explored further.
Meanwhile, those of us with the diseases need to try these treatments, not
wait. Of all the treatments antibiotics are some of the least toxic, and get
people off of predisone, a truely toxic medication.
Physician do no harm, do not publicly attack a treatment which shows promise
when there is no cure.
Linda Trepel-Cantor, M.A.

Greetings Doctor Green:
I was concerned about your attack on Dr. Brown and the Antibiotic
treatment some of us have chosen to take rather than conventional treatment.
Let me tell you why. Here are some stats.
# of people dead from conventional treatment this year 6,700 from ibuprofen
based drugs, 10,000 from the disease its self.
# of people dead who started AP therapy none.
Hope this clarifies why we chose to believe the clinical studies, the MIra and
the O'Dell. Perhaps you should stop killing people with your recommendations,
take a chill pill, and rethink your advise. Oh yes, when you do catch one of
the mycroplasmas from one of your patients, we will welcome you to the group,
and help you understand what went wrong and why.
Kelly Pritchard

Dr. Green, I would like to take the time to tell you that you are all wet. I
think before you jump to conclusions about the AP you should talk to some of the
success cases. Some of them were patients of Dr Browns and some of them are
current patients working with Dr. Franco in California and some with Dr. Mercola
in Chicago. If more Drs. would just listen to their patients as much as they
listen to the drug salesmen who come into their office. They would surely
understand a whole lot more of the real problems of RA and the conventional
drugs. At least the dose of Minocyclene that I am on is not doing the damage to
my body that the conventional so called good drugs of choice do. I've been
there and done that and believe me it is not a good feeling to know that you are
getting worse by the day where the RA is concerned and you have already been
through most of the drugs of choice and your Dr. does not know what to give you
next. It is not fun. Your life has changed, you can no longer go to work, your
income has been depleted, the drugs you have been on has slowed down your body
functions to where sometimes you find it hard to even urinate. Your blood
pressure has gone sky high and you have spent 10 or more years doing everything
your Drs. have suggested. I guess I am not going to die of RA just from kidney
failure, or liver failure or any of a number of other good things but at least
it will not be from RA. Well NO thank you, I have been on the AP for about 7
months and it is the first improvement I have seen in 10 years. My Dr. does not
want to go all the way with the AP so I guess I will just have to make an
appointment and see Dr. Franco. Because, I am going to get better, in spite of
the run of the mill medical profession. I at least have some days now where I
don't have to take the pain meds to get through the day and that is something I
did not have before the AP. I find my self saying it won't be long before I can
do this or that. I no longer feel like my life is ending right before my eyes.
When we are ready willing and able to be guinea pigs and try this way, with meds
that do not have the side effects of the conventional ones, why is it that you
people don't want to listen to us. There are a lot of good success stories out
there.
You should try the long term use of large doses of prednisone and after a year
or so tell me that you really appreciate what it is doing for you and to you.
The same goes for the methotrexate, or gold shots or plaquenil they all are
nasty drugs and they do not cure a thing, they just kind of mask them.
While at the same time destroying the parts of your body that were ok.
Sincerely, Jessie L. Perry
P.S. go to the rheumatic.org website and read the histories that are there. You
might even want to call some of those people and check it out. It really makes
more sense than just hoping it will go away.
APsupport@...

For those getting the digest, to have a link someone posts work, you need to
include the whole url including the http:// part.
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

Hi Gang, And D. King
I am new to this board. I am a 35 yr. old female with severe A.S.(
Ankylosing Spondylitis ).There are alot of women with A.S. My Rheumy
alone has 7. Mrs. D, Please tell your hubby to try the antibiotic
therapy. I have just started and feel great. It really dose work. What
dose he have to lose.He will be a true believer. Remember Doctors want
to keep you SICK if not how else will they pay thier house and car
note!!!!!!!!My Rheumy 's never told me about this. . I was in the
hospital for 6 days in Jan. 99 with a sever infection of the colon. The
drug they put me on was FLAGYL. In two days my Arthitis went away. When
I went to my follow up I told this to my G.I Dr.. I started searching
the web and found that a lot of R.A and A.S is from a Amoeba or candidas
infection. It all makes sence now. The drug of choice for the Amoeba is
FLAGYL. I faxed my G.I Dr. all of the info and protocol. He has agreed
with me and my findings. He is more than willing to help me in any way
he can. If a Rheumatoligst wont help ,go to an G.I or internist. Don't
stop looking just because someone tells you NO. IT'S YOUR BODY TAKE
MATTERS INTO YOUR OWN HANDS AND HEAL YOURSELF!!! Best of luck, Yoly

Dear Group:
Today I saw Dr Greenwald's article in which he attacks Dr Brown and the New
Arthritis Breakthrough. It is bad enough to
have rheumatologists promote toxic and
and dangerous drugs, but to openly attack
a safe and effective non-toxic treatment
like antibiotic protocol is going over the
line.
I encourage you to respond to Dr Greenwald, as we know better than anyone how
wrong he is.
HIS EMAIL ADDRESS IS: rgreen@...

My name is Angela Joannidou and I'm from Greece.I have scleroderma.
Some weeks ago I found about the antibiotics therapy that gave me so much
hope. I took the protocol to my doctors in Greece but they didn't accept to
give me the prescription. They think that there is not any official research
about this therapy. Please I need your advise. Is it possible to start this
therapy by my self? And if shall I do so, who will take care of me if I have
side effects, and who will give me the tests for checking my improvement or
not?
Thank you very much.

I hope someone can help me. I am taking 200mg daily of Minocycline and
200mg daily of Celebrex. I started the Celebrex 3/3/98, but so far I
am hurting worse. More random pain and more pain in my left hip and
back. So much so I can't sleep at night and I'm beginning to get that
tired all over feeling, (from not getting enough rest).
Can you take Celebrex with something like DayPro or Motrin? I have read
good reports about Celebrex, but so far no help for me.
Thanks
Judy in SC
RA 42 yrs, AP April 1997

Hello folks. I was wondering about something. My Scalp has gotten
progressively scabby and itchy and my hair seems to also be thinning. For
those who don't know I have AS. I am wondering if any of the autoimmune
diseases cause this or is it a diet thing or what. Any input is most welcome.
And Ethel* you will be pleased to learn I have been off of the cigarettes for
2 months now. Kelly **

Okay. One more quick question and it's off to bed for me. :)
I have alot of food sensitivities and environmental allergies,
which I am certain comes along with having a weak immune system.
I had psoriasis as a kid, that thankfully went away, but have
dealt with eczema off and on throughout the years. I seem to be
getting alot of hand eczema and my facial skin seems to be
reacting to many of the make-up and cleansing products that I
have used for months, leaving my face with rashy, itchy dry
spots. Whenever I find a face cleanser that works for me and
keeps the eczema from flaring, it never seems to stay around for
long! Just my luck.
I know that eczema is definately linked to allergies and I should
be treating the eczema from the inside with vitamins and
supplements and a good hypoallergenic diet, and I am working on
that. But I was wondering if any of you who may also experience
eczema have any suggestions regarding soaps, cleansers and creams
that you have had success with? Any vitamin and supplment
suggestions would be great too. :)
Thanks guys!
Kyla

Yosi,
Well, I can't tell you that my first symptoms came after dental
work, as I had juvenile arthritis when I was 9 years old. I
probably had my first mercury fillings put in at the age of six
(a total of 19 years now!)
, so it's hard to know if there was a link between the two. I
also had alot of tonsil infections, so it's hard to say what may
have triggered my arthritis.
I can tell you, though, that I saw a dentist a year and a half
ago who decided to replace my old fillings with brand spanking
new mercury ones, as they were beginning to crack. Well, thanks
to the assistant, I ended up swallowing many, many pieces of
mercury because she somehow forgot to do her job of suctioning my
mouth! I was literally gagging on them and felt sick to my
stomach afterwards. I freaked out because I was aware of the
possible risks associated with mercury fillings at the time. I
ended up seeing a wonderful dentist in downtown Toronto who
refuses to use mercury and has replaced many of them with white
resin ones.
I can tell you that I didn't have any joint pain after the
terrible ordeal, but I did begin to develop chronic fatigue and
depression many months later. I always worry that swallowing all
of that mercury could affect my health. My present dentist feels
that swallowing the chunks of mercury filling wouldn't do much
harm and that they would most likely have passed safely through
my body and out. She says that biggest worry is the vapours that
you breathe in during dental work or the vapours that are
swallowed whenever you eat with or brush your mercury filled
teeth. I certainly hope she is right!
I had a root canal done about five years ago, which was another
less than memorable experience. The doctor did the root canal in
two appointments, and after the first appointment I developed a
terribly painful infection in the tooth and the whole side of my
face swelled up. So what did he do? He had me go back so he could
drain the infection, and he tried to finish the root canal! I
knew that the freezing wouldn't take affect due to infection, and
I told him that, yet he stuck a needle in it anyway and proceeded
to try and work on it. I ended up crying and I nearly passed out
from the pain. So he stopped and sent me home with antibiotics.
Stupid me, I went back to have it finished once the infection was
gone. That was the last time I ever went. He had me terrified of
dentists for years.
I was supposed to have a crown put on the tooth years ago and my
present dentist wanted to do it many months ago. Unfortunately, I
had been experiencing pain and sensitivity in the tooth for some
time, which shouldn't be happening. The nerves should have been
destroyed with the root canal! So, she took an x-ray and said
there is still a live root and also thinks I have a bacterial
infection deep down inside it. She gave me antibiotics for the
infection months ago, but silly me, I didn't take them because
the pain went away a few days later. Now I am having some pain
again and think I should definately go back and get some
antibiotics for it.
I certainly hope that I didn't jeapordize my health by ignoring
the tooth infection!
Take care,
Kyla

Hi All,
Duckling is now grounded... 77 e mails in one day is very easy to take
from the group. Al..... yes, my nose is knee deep in every book I could get my
hands on. I quit Nap. as you did and getting along. Rheumy got a little upset
and put me on Celebrex 100X2-Day. Seems to increase my over all functioning 60%.
I wonder what to look for on the down side. I have been planning to AP and slide
off the Celebrex with or without the Rheumy . Did some one say the Beetles came
out with a song "hold my hand"? Well, the group is great. I am very much on
the side lines monitoring the latest. Oh one thing very interesting, I tried the
magnesium for the heart palpitations. It really works...... I have been elated.
I had been diagnosed with extreme anxiety from a combat stress disorder and put
on heavy dose's of Amitriptelene and buspar. All I ever felt was drowsy, So I
quit that and just put up with a heart that would just go off. Since taking the
daily dose mentioned on this site and being careful of what side effect might
show up..... hey I really am holding my own.... Cheers for Now.... Thanks.....
George AS 28years...

I was just curious about auto-immune disorders that run in
families. If the general belief is that most auto-immune
disorders have an underlying bacterial cause, then how does one
explain the hereditary factors? For example, does a person with
arthritis caused by infection/bacteria pass on the bacteria to
their child, or just a tendency for their body to react to
bacteria as the parent does, and thus be prone to developing
auto-immune disease?
My mother, who has the auto-immune eye disorder iritis, had a
couple of nasty bacterial infections many years before she
developed it. She had Scarlet fever as a child and a severe
streptococcol infection when she was in her 20's (before I was
born)that went undiagnosed for two months. She had terrible joint
pain during this time and the docs told her she had arthritis. It
continued to get worse, until her legs swelled up like balloons
and she could barely walk. She had terrible joint pains all over
her body. Living by the ocean, she decided to take a walk in the
salt water to relieve the pain within a few days she noticed two
large sores on her legs that began to ooze fluid and the swelling
went away. Anyhow, she ended up going back to the doctor a week
later and they tested the fluid and told her she had a severe
streptococcol infection that turned into pneumonia and could have
killed her. So they gave her a big shot in the butt of penicillin
and sent her on her way.
So anyhow, she wonders if this may have led to her development of
iritis 20 years later. I don't believe that they treated her
aggressively enough back then. What is one shot going to do? I
often wonder if the infection still lingered in her body for
years, as she was never truly healthy again. Nobody in her family
had auto-immune problems back then or now. My sister and brother
have never had a problem either. But I did, of course. And I had
many tonsilitis infections growing up, prior to my development of
juvenile arthritis at age 9. So that is why I wonder if there is
a link between the bacterial problems my mother had and the ones
I had also.
Does this sound completely ridiculous and impossible?
Thinking outloud again,
Kyla
"I will not eat anything that walks, runs, skips, hops or crawls.
God
knows that I've crawled on occasion, and I'm glad that no one ate
me."
- Alex Poulos

Lisbeth asked me to pass on this good news from one of our former members,
Suzz, about her daughter Jenna who is on the AP:
that's super!
janet in tulsa

I wrote to you privately to thank you but the email came back "user
unknown" This has happened before. :-(
Denise

Here are a few sites of many I got when plugging Progesterone+natural into
dogpile, there is much more available! I am posting this to the list as what I
have read so far hints that hormone metabolism plays a role in expression of the
autoimmune diseases, how I am not sure yet but will let you all know if I figure
it out!
www.w-i-n.com
www.sunrisewd.com
www.all-natural.com
www.progesteronecream.com
www.1kokoro.com
http://internet-magic.com
www.womantowoman.com/pms.htm
www.livinghealthier.com/naturalprogesterone1.html
www.natural-progesterone.com
Men might want to check some of this out too--not just a woman's concern if I am
on the right track, there are men's formulas available too. LizG

Anyone suffering associated depression might want to check out this article:
www.all-natural.com/prozac.html
Another thing fish oil might be good for! LizG

Hello Group,
Thanks to everyone who responded regarding my daughter. We will pursue
getting her started on AP ASAP!
Bye,
Kari

Dear Group,
I'm trying to straighten out the order in which I take my Minocin
and supplements. I know I shouldn't take the Minocin within two hours of calcium
supplements and dairy products. However, I have no idea whether or not my
supplements can be taken with other supplements.
For example, can I take my acidophilus at the same time I'm taking a
gingko biloba caplet or one of those huge flax oil capsules? Is there anything I
shouldn't be taking with Quercetin, with L-Glutamine, with Vitamin D, and with
Glucosamine Sulfate? My husband keeps telling me to be careful what I take in
conjunction with other meds, and I agree with him. However, I don't know which
supplements can be taken with others and which must be taken alone.
Any input will help, believe me! Thanks in advance.
Linda Mazumdar
MCTD 30 years, AP 10 months

Dear group. This is yosi
The subject of dentistry or amalgam keeps coming in our mails.
It might be a good idea to make some kind of small research among our self to
see the correlation between amalgam and auto- immune illness if any.
Dear ARJAY: did you have all of your fillings out after the one you have
mentioned to replace in 95? Did you feel better or worse before or after the
removals?
Dear KYLA: have you noticed if the first symptoms of your illness were shortly
after tooth treatment? Do you have problem in your tooth (pain or infection)
till now?
Mrs. KING: do you see any correlation between the time you had your first
amalgam filling and the first symptoms your illness? You mentioned 8 years of
remission, was it after you changed you're the fillings? Did you have any other
treatment?
During the time of the remission? If not - what do you think stopped your
remission?
I for one have a strong feeling about my amalgam fillings, which may be the
cause of the outburst of my disease. (Maybe I just want to believe so?) I have
10 fillings, which I had 14 years ago (in the same period of time more or less)
and the first symptoms of my illness started shortly after that.
I had no reason to visit a dentist since then, except once, no pain and no
inflammation. So I had no reason to suspect my tooth until recently.
If just any one in our group can contribute his/her experience on some
questions:
1 The length of time having amalgam (mercury) fillings.
2 some connection between amalgam placement (or removal)
And a change of symptoms (for better for worse).
3 test needed before amalgam removal.
4 what kind of replacement to use: gold, composites, glass ionomer cement,
ceramics? (The all has some kind of allergy to our body.
5 do we have any happy story among our group of a person that got " spontaneous
" recovery after amalgam removal ?
thanks all yosi

Email virus spreading rapidly
By Stephen Shankland
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
March 26, 1999, 5:20 p.m. PT
A new virus is actively spreading itself across the Internet, taking advantage
of users' email address books to replicate "extremely quickly," according to
one expert.
The virus, W97M_Melissa, uses a combination of Microsoft Word macros and
Microsoft Outlook to send a list of 80 pornographic Web sites. It works with
either Word 97 or Word 2000, according to antivirus companies TrendMicro,
McAfee, and Network Associates.
The program is somewhat devious in that it sends itself from the email
addresses of people who are likely to be familiar contacts, arriving as email
with the subject line "Important message from..." followed by the sender's
name. The body says "Here is that document you asked for ... don't show anyone
else ;-)." The email includes an attached Word file "list.doc," which includes
the porn sites' addresses.
The virus doesn't appear to cause any damage to infected computers except in
rare cases when the minutes of the current time match the date--for example at
4:26 p.m. on March 26. In this instance, the virus will insert the Bart
Simpson quotation, "Twenty-two points, plus triple-word-score, plus fifty
points for using all my letters. Game's over. I'm outta here," into a user's
active document.
Because the virus sends itself to potentially thousands of contacts contained
in a user's address distribution list, however, there's a possibility that the
virus could overwhelm mail servers.
"We've been swamped all day with customers calling in with this," said Dan
Schrader, director of product marketing at TrendMicro. "It's spreading
extremely quickly. Twenty major corporate sites have called us."
The virus first was spotted today, according to TrendMicro and others.
It is similar to an "autospam" virus called "Share Fun" that emerged in March
1997, Schrader said, but that virus was buggy and not as effective. There have
been viruses that spread through the address books in the past, "but never
this effectively," Schrader said.
Network Associates estimated the virus has already hit hundreds of thousands
of computers.
Twenty of the company's largest clients were infected; one firm alone said it
had reached 60,000 computers. "The propagation rate has been alarming," a
company spokesperson said.
Tom Moske, a network administrator at USWeb/CKS, ran into the virus this
afternoon when the virus spread itself from people in his company who had
opened the attachment.
And he had cause to appreciate the devious nature of the virus, since it
spread from employees in his company spread it to the business clients of
USWeb/CKS.
"It's the most intrusive I've ever seen," he said. "This is worldwide spam."
TrendMicro said the virus can be detected using its free Web-based "house
call" service.
Because the virus spreads itself automatically, it could be termed a "worm."
The author apparently appreciated this, remarking in the virus code: "Worm?
Macro Virus? Word 97 Virus? Word 2000 Virus? You Decide!"
Related News Stories on News.com
New antivirus software in the wings February 11, 1999
New Microsoft Word virus found February 5, 1999
CERT downplays virus attack December 23, 1998

Dear Group, I am forwarding a message I received - anyone know of a
doctor in Philadelphia - any help would me very much appreciated.

have printed out the whole website for her to read - the
doctor's protocol, but I would appreciate it if you could forward me any
info on doctors in the Philadelphia area so I can have her speak to
someone. She said she would have no problem putting me on antibiotics
for a couple of days, but would not want to delay the steroids for too
long. SHe says that if we catch it now before it gets too bad, steroids
are the best way to get it under control.

To see a comprehensive listing
of pain management links go to
the following URL and have a pain
free day:

Hello everyone:
Barbara and Linda and the ones who asked about the H.P. I told my story it`s
true (and my father is and MD and he gave me some advise about it) The HP is a
BACTERIA and it is transmited by saliva,mucose,body fluids,etc is not from the
medicines maybe you can get worse if you have it (the HP) but is not the real
cause...and you only know if you have HP by a simple blood test named Antibody
against HP.If you want to be totally sure you can do an endoscopy,in there they
take you a biopsy and make the test only to be sure of the blood test.
I can tell this because I already take an advise of a gastro and of my dad`s
opinion (he is a MD Pathology)and because I experience all this and still have
the HP. In fact, I already took athibiotic (a new one that is only for the HP)
but nothing happens, I still have the HP; another gastro told me that I have to
take both the anthibiotic and some other medicines in order to improve or even
heal.So maybe I`ll do it,but since he is in Mexico I have to visit him next
week.
Hope this answer some questions or doubts about it.
Have a nice night.Hugs from down here.Rocio

I just revisited a website of an excellent Dr. in Toronto, Dr. Zolton
Rona, who practices environmental medicine and was suprised to find a
new article about RA and in it he supports not only the use of
complimentary treatments but also the use of tetracycline drugs. Here
is the address of the article for anyone who's interested.
http://www.srvitamins.com/Articles/AnAlternativeApproachtoRheumatiodArthritis.ht\
m
Don't correct the spelling error....it's in the URL.
Jodi
mom of 5 year old Julie-linear scleroderma 1 1/2 years AP 4 months

Since pandora's box has already been opened on these subjects, maybe someone has
the info handy.
Regarding birth control pills. I am on them, and was contemplating going off as
I have been on them for many years...only taking breaks to have babies. The
case to go off was strengthened by the fact that my antibiotics have probably
rendered them useless for birth control (which is the only reason I take them).
But, I have read that they may play a role in preventing osteo. problems.
Anybody know anything about this? I take so many pills now, I guess that one
extra one doesn't make that much difference...if is still has some benefit. But
if it doesn't, I would love to stop taking them.
Also, I keep seeing alot about acidopholis (excuse my spelling), and other
"flora" related supplements. Did most of you start these things right away in
your treatment or only when you notice a change/problem in your body. I know
everyone is different, but what would the "RDA..aka...Rhematic.org Daily
Allowance" be for these types of things. There are so many different schools of
thoughts on vitamins as well...don't take them, only take these, blah, blah,
blah...
Anyone have a good basic regime that works for them. BTW, Ray, I did get your
recommendations and have adopted some of them...thanks!
Alana (PA 6 months, AP 1 month)

While on the subject of mercury fillings, is it the general
belief of many on this list that mercury fillings can cause or
aggravate auto-immune disorders? In the past few years, after
reading up on the whole issue, I have come to believe this to be
very true. I don't feel good at all about having them in my
mouth.
Has anyone on the list had all of their mercury fillings replaced
with composite (white) fillings? What about detoxification for
the mercury that is already in the body?
I've had many old fillings replaced with white fillings, thanks
to a dentisit who refuses to use mercury fillings, and I'm
considering having the remaining ones done also. It's certainly
not cheap, though!
Cheers,
Kyla MacKenzie

Health Library from InteliHealth
Sports Medicine from InteliHealth
Drug Database from USP
Nutrition Data- base from USDA
Doctor Finder from AMA
Medical Journals from Medline
Seafood Contaminant May Impair Immune Function
March 25, 1999
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) -- Butyltins, chemical contaminants found in
seafood, appear to inhibit human immune cell function, researchers report.
The findings point to the "immunotoxic potential of these compounds in
humans," conclude Dr. Bommanna Loganathan and colleagues at Murray State
University in Kentucky. The results of their study were presented at the
annual meeting of the American Chemical Society held in Anaheim, California,
this week.
Butyltins are used in the processing and manufacture of various foods and
products including wines, fruit juices, poultry, diaper covers, sanitary
napkins, shower curtains, and cellophane. One compound, tributyltin, is often
applied to boat hulls and fishing gear as a means of reducing the growth of
bacteria, algae, and barnacles. Tributyltin has been banned for use on small
boats for the past 10 years, but continues to be used on larger vessels.
In their study, the Kentucky researchers introduced tributyltin into human
natural killer (NK) lymphocytes in laboratory culture. Human NK lymphocytes
are immune agents that target and destroy cancer cells or cells invaded by
viruses.
The authors report that tributyltin, introduced at levels similar to those
found in the environment, "inhibited the tumor killing capacity of NK cells
(by)...40 to greater than 90%." Other butyltin compounds, including
monobutyltin and dibutyltin, produced milder but still toxic effects.
Loganathan's team also tested blood samples taken from a group of randomly
selected volunteers. Those tests revealed "detectable concentrations of
butyltin derivatives in all of the donors," according to the researchers.
The investigators were unable to determine the exact source of this butyltin
contamination. However, they believe their results point to the "possible
exposure" of most individuals to potentially harmful levels of these
compounds.
Copyright 1999 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or
redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is
expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters
shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any
actions taken in reliance thereon.
All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a
substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions.
You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult
your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.

Dear group,
Perhaps some of you would like to tell Jonny about your experiences with the
antibiotics?
Thanks :)
Chris.

Hi group,
I went to the doctor today. I have been on erythromycin for nine
months and feel it is not helping. The doctor went through the drill on
taking higher doses of prednisone and using one or more DMARDS. I,
again, explained they did not help and/or caused adverse reactions that
I could not take them. Also, I heard the AP is not an accepted
treatment no matter what I read on the net. Doctors sure hate the
internet. Find it threatening, it seems.
After several barbed comments(started on my second visit to him), I
asked him about his attitude toward me. He told me he was normally
sarcastic(don't do well with that attitude) and he considered me
"challenging". He spoke about the advertisements for drugs on
television, how people mistreat their body, then complained how they
come in for the doctor to give them medicine to fix it. Then, he said
he was educated to treat people, as in he has the knowledge and power to
do this. On the other hand, I piss him off because I am an RN., I have
tried their medicine which doesn't work for me, I know my body and this
disease, and I am taking responsibility for my health. It sounds to me
that there is no pleasing this fellow.
As some of you know, I had great results with minocycline but had to
stop because of constant pressure in my head which might have been
benign intracranial hypertension. He gave me an RX for doxycline to try
that. I may not be able to go higher than 50mg because the headache
with minocycline started at 100-150mg. The only herx I had was with the
first 50mg. I am hoping that I can tolerate that dose and that it will
work for me. Otherwise, I don't know what I can do but sit here and get
worse.
As if that weren't bad enough, my BP was 155/100. I am going to try
the two cloves of garlic. He told me not take have more than three
quarts of fluid/day.
So, I am feeling discouraged, frustrated, scared, and sorry for
myself.
Denise
NC

I am not sure if I am testing or not.... I hope I am still at rheumatic @
onelist.com I hope the support group is still here. Liz, rocio, lisa, ute, al,
Is this where everyone ended up?? A little reply would be wonderful. Kind of
acting like a lost duckling...
George...

Hello all,
Just received this from a friend. I thought it was well worth
passing along to you all. As a newbie, I'm not sure if these
kinds of emails are looked down upon on this list, so please let
me know if it is inappropriate and it won't happen again. I just
found it shocking, just plain sick. You aren't safe anywhere
anymore..
Kyla
Subject: HIV Infected Needles Alert
This message was sent to me from Barbara Gaskins Wallace,
National Naval
Medical Center, Patient Administration. For your own safety,
PLEASE read this and pass it on to your friends and family. For
your information, a couple of weeks ago, in a Dallas movie
theater, a person sat on something sharp in one of the seats.
When she stood up to see what it was, a needle was found poking
through
the seat with an attached note saying, "you have been infected
with HIV." The Centers for DiseaseControl in Atlanta reports
similar events have taken place in several other cities recently.
All of the needles tested HAVE been positive for HIV. The CDC
also reports that needles have been found in the coin return
areas of pay phones and soda machines.Everyone is asked to use
extreme caution when confronted with these types of situations.
All public chairs should be thoroughly but safely inspected prior
to any use. A thorough visual inspection is considered the bare
minimum. Furthermore, they ask that everyone notify their family
members and friends of the potential dangers, as well. Thank You.
The previous information was sent from the Dallas Police
Department to all of the local governments in the Washington area
and was interdepartmentally dispersed. We were all asked to pass
this to as many people as possible.
Barbara Gaskins Wallace
National Naval Medical Center
Patient Administration

Hello all,
I was wondering if anyone out there with scleroderma and/or
lupus might be kind enough to explain to me exactly what the
facial rash looks and feels like on the face with lupus? Is it
flat, raised, pimply, crusty, itchy?
Also, I hear that scleroderma causes a hardening of the skin. Do
they mean roughness and dryness? Does it change colour?
Are there are good pictures on the Net that show these skin
changes?
Thanks a bunch!
Kyla MacKenzie
Toronto, Canada

Hi to all,
Well it's 2 weeks to the day post surgery--total knee replacement done and I'm
back!
Thanks to all that sent prayers and good wishes-I'm sure they helped.
I'm not kidding anyone-it is a gruesome surgery and the first couple of days I
questioned my
sanity as to why I did it in the first place........ but now!!!!
IT IS UNBELIEVABLE HOW FAST I'VE COME ALONG--WALKING 2 BLOCKS OR MORE A DAY AND
INCREASING
EACH DAY-- AND BEST OF ALL NO PAIN IN THE JOINT!
Now if I can stand the next 4 weeks on these @#$#@%** crutches, I'll be sailing.
Would recommend it in a heartbeat to anyone contemplating having it done. What a
treat to
have a stable, pain free knee.
Thanks again for the "good vibes"
Best of health
Gwen

Anyone who is interested in reading up on mycoplasmas, I signed up for Diana
Saba's FMS newsletter after Chris sent us her letter last week and there is a
wealth of info on mycoplasmas here, their world news page:
www.abcjb.com/news/index.htm .
Thanks, Chris, for posting her letter on to us! LizG

Hello:
A while back one of you sent me a very interesting and informative article
about msm. Telling all the things it's good for, etc. I can't find it
and I want to share it with my doctor. Please send it to me again.
Thanks, Sandy

What is a dog??
They follow you around with their tongues out.
They only respond to simple commands.
Their needs are basic and predictable.
They whine when their needs are not met.
They always need to have something in their mouth.
They scratch alot and sometimes drool.
They make loud noises and sometimes smell bad.
They need to be trained.
You can always tell when one has lived in a house for a long time.
They're rude and rowdy, especially when they're with others like them.
---Conclusion: They're little men in fuzzy boxes.

Hello Group,
I'm back on-line after a really wonderful vacation, and I wanted to update
you on my daughter and also on my own progress and seek advice and guidance
from all of you wise, experienced, terrific people!
MY DAUGHTER: As some of you know, my 13 year old daughter saw a
rheumatologist a few weeks ago for aches, red eyes, alternatingly sweating
than freezing hands, etc. As I mentioned at the time, he did find some
swelling in one ankle, and he was concerned enough to do some tests. I
spoke with his nurse yesterday and learned that my daughter's tests were all
normal, but the doc says she has primary Raynaud's and should be seen again
in one month. We are all relieved that her tests did not indicate RA, but
we are obviously concerned about Raynaud's and the fact that it sometimes
accompanies RA. She continues to have pain in her fingers, knees and one
ankle.
QUESTION: Since my daughter is having continued joint pain and there is
history of RA from three different family bloodlines, should we just wait
and see what happens or should we take some further action?
MYSELF: After 15 weeks on antibiotic, I am thrilled to be feeling better,
and I sure hope that the Minocin is stopping permanent damage and ending
this ridiculous illness. I still have a little discomfort in my hands, feet
and knees and some true pain in my left foot and occassionally in one
finger, but I was able to make some fairly intense rainforest hikes on our
trip. There is no way I could have done that a few months ago! Also, my
voice hasn't been hoarse for weeks, and that horrible morning stiffness
where fingers and feet just don't work for hours is GONE! (I do still have
to be somewhat protective of my feet, but they do work now!) My energy
level has increased incredibly. I went to the barn with my husband this
weekend for the first time in months, and riding didn't send me into a flare
and wear me out completely as it had been doing.
On Monday, I went back to Boston to see Dr. Trentham. My lab results aren't
in yet, but he was very encouraged by my improvement and said it looks like
I'm on the road toward remission. I am not 100% yet, but I am so much
better than I was even one month ago. (And one month ago, I was happy to be
feeling as good as I was compared to last Fall!) Dr. Trentham also says
that it is still pretty early in the minocycline treatement, and I can
expect to see continued improvement. I am anxious to see the results of my
bloodwork and whether the tests will show any changes yet. At this point,
Dr. Trentham wants me to see somebody locally (Minnesota) every three months
and wait for one year to return to Boston.
QUESTION: At what point does the "two steps forward" stop including the
"one step back"? Is there ever a time when the symptoms are "gone forever",
or should I just be greatful for the incredible improvement I've had and
accept that I will flare occassionally?
I have to be out-of-town on business from Sunday to Friday, so I'll probably
temporarily unsubscribe on Saturday night, but I am anxious for any input
from the group.
Thanks and my best to all of you,
Kari

A building contractor was being paid by the week for a job that was
likely to stretch over several months. He approached the owner of the
property and held up the check he'd been given. "This is two hundred
dollars less than we agreed on," he said.
"I know," the owner said, "But last week I overpaid you two hundred
dollars, and you never complained."
The contractor said, "Well, I don't mind an occasional mistake. But when
it gets to be a habit, I feel I have to call it to your attention."

I just got out of the hospital after one week of a very strong IV antibiotic
for a septic joint in my finger. I had been taking oral minocin (for
scleraderma) and had a few shots of antibiotic prior to going to the hospital
along with Cipro for the infection. Needless to say I started getting a yeast
infection after the second day. The doctor prescribed diflucan for the yeast.
I had read about this drug and also with all the other stuff I take I thought
I would save my liver that day so I had my husband bring up my Optiflora
prebiotic and probiotic and withing two days my yeast infection had cleared up
completely. This was unbelievable to me. Now I know the minocin had bothered
me in the past (yeast) but hadn't for quite some time. Now I know for sure
the reason why. AP 8months Scleraderma 9 years.

For all those who have to tend the humiliation at the OB_GYN office...
In Melbourne, FL. one of the radio stations paid money ($100-$500) for
people to tell their most embarrassing stories.
This one netted the winner $300....
She said: I was due later that week for an appointment with the
gynecologist when early one morning I received a call from his office:
I had been rescheduled for early that morning at 9:30am. I had just
packed everyone off to work and school and it was around 8:45 already.
The trip to his office usually took about 35 minutes so I didn't have
any time to spare. As most women do, I'm sure, I like to take a little
extra effort over hygiene when making such visits, but this time I
wasn't going to be able to make the full effort. So I rushed upstairs,
threw off my dressing gown, wet the washcloth and gave myself a wash in
"that area" in front of the sink, taking extra care to make sure that I
was presentable. I threw the washcloth in the clothes basket, donned
some clothes, hopped in the car and raced to my appointment. I was in
the waiting room only a few minutes when he called me in. Knowing the
procedure, as I am sure you all do, I hopped up on the table, looked
over at the other side of the room and pretended I was in Hawaii or some
other place a million miles away from here. I was a little surprised
when he said: "My.... we have taken a little extra effort this morning,
haven't we?", but I didn't respond. The appointment over, I heaved a
sigh of relief and went home. The rest of the day went normal, some
shopping, cleaning and the evening meal, etc. At 8:30 that evening my
14 year old daughter was fixing to go to a school dance, when she called
down from the bathroom, "Mom - where's my washcloth?" I called back for
her to get another from the cabinet. She called back, "No I need the
one that was here by the sink. It had all my glitter and sparkles in
it."

Has anyone ever had a problem with having there teeth clean and ending up with
a septic joint a few weeks later. This is the third time this has happened to
me. I never put it together until a doctor mentioned the infection comes from
the blood stream not from a wound. I had no opening or sore. I got to
thinking about it and every infection I've had has been shortly after having
my teeth cleaned. I have scleraderma and my fingers have been affected the
worst. Has anyones doctor or dentist ever recommended antibiotics before
having their teeth cleaned. I wish someone would have told me. Ofcourse, I'm
sure there are other ways for bacteria to be floating around, I'm sure you get
a good dose from the scrapping. I would suggest to anyone with bad joints
affected by slceraderma or other rheumatic disease to protect themselves.
Diane

Dear group,
Cathie just updated her story for our web page at
www.rheumatic.org/cathie.htm. Cathie is usually known to us by the name of
"The Fairlady". For new people in the group, I'll post Cathie's whole story
here, including the update.
Thanks, Fairylady and good luck with your new support group :)
Chris.

I would appreciate hearing from anyone who is using Enbrel. Does it help? Is
the cost worth it? I'm working on getting it at a reduced rate, but it will
still be really expensive for me. DR Chui do you have a comment on the use of
Enbrel by any of your patients? Thanks to all.
Hugs, Jani

NEW YORK<<Orthopaedic researchers have discovered that exercise "lubricates"
spinal disks and helps patients overcome low back pain. "Each spinal disk
contains fluid, and when there is not enough fluid in the disk to keep it
hydrated, it can cause pain in the lower back," Vert Mooney, MD, professor of
orthopaedic surgery, University of California at San Diego, said here today.
Physical activity helps pump fluid back into the disk, and restores it to a
normal, pain-free state, said Dr. Mooney, in a report at Orthopaedics Update
'96, the sixth annual science writers seminar of the American Academy of
Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dr. Mooney suggests that patients complaining of low
back pain limit their bed rest to one day and start an exercise program
immediately. The program should include exercises that increase flexibility
and tone and strengthen muscles in the back, he said. According to Dr.
Mooney, excessive strain to back muscles and ligaments from improper lifting
still is considered to be a major cause of back pain. "But this finding helps
shed light into why prescribing physical activity helps, and why inactivity
like too much bed rest can slow down a patient's recovery process. "It is
important to keep the patient moving, so that the disk remains fully
hydrated," he continued. After a few weeks on a proper exercise program, most
patients with low back pain usually are symptom-free, Dr. Mooney said.
"However, if pain does not diminish, surgery may be warranted for some
patients." Patients with severe back pain usually experience continued pain or
numbness in their legs. Some examples of exercises that help minimize
problems with back pain are: Wall slides (Strengthens back, hip and leg
muscles): Stand with your back against a wall and feet shoulder-width apart.
Slide down into a crouch with knees bent to about 90 degrees. Count to five
and slide back up the wall. Repeat five times. Leg raises (Strengthens
stomach and hip muscles): Lie on your back with your arms at your sides. Lift
one leg off the floor. Hold your leg up for a count of 10 and return it to the
floor. Do the same with the other leg. Repeat five times with each leg. If it
is too difficult, keep one knee bent and the foot flat on the ground while
raising the other leg. Back leg swing (strengthens hip and back muscles):
Stand behind a chair with your hands on the back of the chair. Lift one leg
back and up while keeping the knee straight. Return slowly. Raise other leg
and return. Repeat five times with each leg. Partial sit-up (strengthens
stomach muscles): Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on floor.
Slowly raise your head and shoulders off the floor and reach with both hands
toward your knees. Count to 10. Repeat five times. More people see physicians
for back pain than for any other medical ailment except colds and upper
respiratory complaints. Six million persons a year see a physician because of
back pain.

Dear group,
Here is another great recovery story from Brian which I've just put up on
our web page. Thankyou Brian for writing out your medical history for us
and offering to help others :)
Chris.
Brian, Rheumatoid Arthritis
It was the fall of 1995 when I began to have some severe pains in my right
knee. It only happened very occasionally and only when I was bending my
knee. I saw my family doctor and since it was the knee that I had a
cartilage operation on in 1978, he told me that it was a sign of getting
older and he called it migratory bursitis. The pain always seemed to go
away after a day or so. It was very sporadic and not a very big problem.
Beginning in the summer of 1996, the pain became more noticeable and more
difficult to manage. It regularly affected my hands, shoulders and feet.
By August 1996, I was in pain every day. I went to see a rheumatologist
and he did all of the standard tests. He gave me the feeling that I was
going to have to learn to live with this disease and that the best he could
do was to give me more NSAIDS. He put me on chloroquine, but never really
explained how it would help. He also prescribed huge doses of Motrin.
Fortunately, I never got to the point where I needed the drugs like
methotrexate or prednisone. He put me on chloroquine and as many Motrin as
I wanted. I would often take 4 x 400-mg pills per day, but they never
seemed very effective. I would see him every three months and was making
very little progress.
This went on for about one year until I heard Dr. Mirkin on the radio. He
was talking about mycoplasma and he said that a 9-day course of Zithromax
would do the trick. He meant it for some other problem, but since I had
heard him talk about antibiotics for arthritis, I tried it for my
rheumatoid arthritis. Like a miracle, I began to feel better in five days
and by the end of the 9-day course, I felt 100% cured. It was like I never
had this disease. But by Christmas 1997, I could feel a tingle in my
fingers and if I had never had RA before, it would not have bothered me.
But I knew that my RA was returning, worse than ever. Within one month I
was back in horrible pain.
I searched the web and found the rheumatic.org website and a mention of a
seminar Dr. Franco was having on the use of antibiotics to treat rheumatic
diseases. The price seemed very reasonable and a few days in California
after a Canadian winter was a nice bonus. When I phoned to register I
spoke to his office manager, Doree Rizzo. She asked me if I would like to
schedule an appointment with Dr. Franco. Her genuine concern for my well
being and knowledge of the protocol convinced me to see Dr. Franco. He did
numerous tests and suggested that since Zithromax worked during the summer
I should go on a long-term course of Zithromax and supplements.
I started with Zithromax 250 mg by 2 times per week. Within two weeks I
was in a full herxheimer reaction. This lasted about two to three months
where normal daily functions, such as brushing my teeth, became extremely
difficult. My wife had to help me get dressed and in and out of the bath,
etc, etc. Her love and support during this time was vital to survive the
herxheimer reaction.
Dr. Franco had explained in detail about a herx and that it was a positive
sign and meant that the AP was working. I trusted him completely and
within three months I was beginning to see small improvements. My blood
tests started to turn lower.
After about six month on only Zithromax, I added Minocin to my weekly
regimen of antibiotics. At this point I was taking 500 mg of Zithromax
once per day on Monday and Thursday and 100 mg of Minocin twice per day on
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
I continue to take Collagenics, essential fatty acids and acidophilus as
additional part of the antibiotic protocol.
About eight months after starting the AP I began to wake in the morning
with very little stiffness in my hands and feet. I began to reduce my
anti-inflammatories to one 75 mg Voltaren every day to once every two days.
By ten months, I was able to take an anti-inflammatory pill only when
needed and they are now very effective, often giving relief within two
hours. As I write this I have not had any NSAID's in almost a week and am
feeling great.
I did a follow up with Dr. Franco in March 1999, ten months after I started
on the AP and most of my blood tests came back normal. I am not 100%
better, but I am a solid 80% improved. He has suggested that I remain on
the antibiotics for at least another nine months and we will reevaluate my
progress.
I am a huge believer in the Antibiotic Protocol and will share my story and
results with anyone interested. In Canada, the story of the AP is not
widely followed or even believed, but it is way too valuable not to be
considered as a first line of defense against this hideous disease.
Please feel free to contact me by phone (905)-607-3035 or e-mail at
bhow4322@... and I will do whatever I can to help you through. I have
been given my life back and want to live and share it to the fullest.Brian
Howlett, Mississauga, Ontario

Hello everyone
I had a bad experience about it and I would like to share it...My gastro told me
to make the H.P ,ultrasound and endoscopy test because he was having some doubts
about my syntoms but really I never have any mayor problems with my stomach but
I made all the things he told me and by the first place I have H.P.positive
about 30 IU (and the normal is 0) I have stone mineral in my vesicle and I have
esophagitis but the thing was that I didn`t have any syntoms (stomach ones) no
reflux,no gastritis, no acid problems but the only basic problem was the vesicle
so I put more attention in that...anyway talking about the HP,I took
anthibiotics for 20 days(a new one named Heliton)at the middle they took me the
test again and I was getting better (30 IU) and when I finished 5 days after
they took me again blood test and I was worse 70IU I called the Gastro
inmediately and he told me that it was o.k. because sometimes in blood test
doesn`t tell the correct average but honestly I`m not sure of that.I`m not
feeling o.k. right know because since I took the anthibiotics I started to feel
quite bad about my stomach,inclusively I was feeling better before I took the
anthibiotics.So I`m gonna wait and then I will take again the blood test and
maybe an endoscopy to see if I`m o.k.thats my experience so hope it helps.
HP is a bacteria disease and is contagious,(the contagious means:saliva,or any
secretion,such as mucose,saliva etc,) so I think it couldn`t contract HP with
any medication.
Thanks for listening.Rocio

Hi Folks,
I wonder if the pre- or peri-menopausal women in the group can tell me
if they've noticed that their symptoms fluctuate with the monthly
menstrual cycle. I ask because mine seem to be fluctuating with my
period, being worse approaching and during my period. I think it is
simply a matter of being someone who retains water with my hormone
fluctuations and so am more swollen during those periods. If someone has
any insight beyond this "obvious" connection I'd appreciate it.
Thanks - Jan K

Hello, I have UCTD and want to try antibiotic therapy. Does anyone have this
experience?
Did antibiotics work for your UCTD symptoms?
Heather

Does the statement in paragraph 6 of the article (i.e. "h.p.
infection...leads to expression of cox-2..") suggest that Celebrex and other
cox-2 inhibitors might be recommended if one tests positive for H.P.? Please
answer if you can. Thanks!
Pat k.

In a message dated 3/15/99 8:07:41 PM Pacific Standard Time, Lexecon writes:

Hello:
I have crest scleroderma, early stages, and would like to start minocycline
therapy. I have read the web page and see different information as to the
proper oral dosage. My dr. said 50MG once a day. Is that correct?
Also before I start to I need to get a mycoplasma test or any other tests
done?
Thank you. I see the rhuemy on tuesday and I want to go with some facts.
Lisa

This article is from the Great Smokies Diagnostic Lab newsletter.
Linda
- H. PYLORI: LIVING UP TO A BAD REPUTATION?
==============
- THE GROWING BODY OF EVIDENCE AGAINST A PERVASIVE GUT PATHOGEN
Since its discovery just 15 years ago, mounting scientific evidence has
uncovered a powerful role for this gastrointestinal pathogen in a host
of GI disorders, as well as in other disease processes involving the
cardiovascular system and inflammation.
H. pylori is a primary cause of peptic ulcers. In the most recent issue
of Gastroenterology, scientists suggested that H pylori also underlies
gastric injury associated with long-term NSAIDS use. NSAID-induced
ulcers arise with increased neutrophil activity in the gastric mucosa -
particularly the leukocytes that mediate gastrointestinal injury. H.
pylori, it appears, acts as a crucial trigger, encouraging the
infiltration, adhesion and migration of neutrophils in patients
undergoing long-term NSAID therapy. "The strong association between
neutrophils and H. pylori explains...the need to eradicate this
infection to minimize the occurrence of ulcers in long-term users of
NSAIDS," the study concluded.
H. pylori's causative role in gastritis has also been borne out through
a plethora of studies. Most recently, Japanese researchers conducted a
serioepidemiologic nested case-control study on over 1300 adults, the
most statistically rigorous method yet used, and discovered HP infection
associated with a nearly four-fold risk in atrophic gastritis. "The most
important feature of the current study is that HP infection was
established prior to the diagnosis of atrophic gastritis," the authors
observed, supporting a clear causal relationship.
Acting in response to burgeoning evidence linking H. pylori infections
with pre-cancerous lesions and an escalating risk of gastric cancer - an
increase reaching as high as six-fold - the World Health Organization's
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) designated H. pylori
a Class I carcinogen in 1994. While epidemiologists are now carefully
examining the strength of this association, calling for careful
attendance to other environmental and physiological factors involved, a
new study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology reports that
in-vivo inoculation with H. pylori activates telomerase, the enzyme
strongly tied to uncontrolled cancer cell growth and intestinal
metaplasia - an early event in the development of gastric cancer.
The Consortium for Health Outcomes, Innovation, and Cost-Effective
Studies (CHOICE) recently evaluated the cost effectiveness of H. pylori
testing to reduce the incidence of gastric cancer. H. pylori testing,
they concluded, "has the potential to produce important health benefits
at a reasonable cost," particularly for individuals in high risk groups,
such as Japanese men.
Increasingly, investigators are evaluating the possible role of H.
pylori in the etiology of other health conditions, such as
cardiovascular disease. Early this year, the National Public Health
Institute in Finland reported a statistically significant association
between H. pylori infection and elevated serum lipid profiles in men. A
team of Japanese scientists found that H. pylori infection "leads to
the gastric mucosal expression of COX-2," the enzyme that can set off
the destructive inflammatory cascade underlying many chronic and
degenerative disorders.
NOTE: Great Smokies was one the first laboratories in the world to offer
H. pylori testing. The Helicobacter Pylori Test
(http://www.gsdl.com/services/heliobacter.html) examines serum for IgG
antibodies to Helicobacter pylori, the leading cause of peptic ulcers,
chronic gastritis, and increased risk of gastric cancer. Recent studies
in JAMA and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy laud IgG serum antibody testing
for its heightened sensitivity and specificity for detecting H. pylori
infection and evaluating treatment efficacy. Call 800-522-4762 for more
information or send your request for test kits and educational materials
to cs@....
Great Smokies does not endorse commercial products, but several
reputable supplement manufacturers now offer probiotics and combinations
as alternatives to synthetic antimicrobials. The preparations include
such anti-microbial agents as bismuth, citrus seed extract, goldenseal
root, and glycerrhiza, among others. Many suppliers will only offer
these preparations to medical professionals.
Sources:
Aiba Y, Suzuki N, Kabir A, Takagi A, Koga Y. Lactic acid-mediated
suppression of Helicobacter pylori by the oral administration of
Lactobacillus salivarius as a probiotic in a gnotobiotic murine model.
Am J Gastroentol 1998;93(11):2097-2101.
Fendrick AM, Chernew ME, Hirth RA, Bloom BS, Bandekar RR, Scheiman JM.
Clinical and Economic Effects of Population-Based Helicobacter pylori
screening to prevent gastric cancer. Arch Intern Med 1999;159:142-148.
Kameshima H, Yagihashi A, Yajima T, Watanabe N. Helicobacter pylori
infection induces telomerase activity in pre-malignant lesions. Am J
Gastro 1999;4(2):547-548.
Laurila A, Bloigu A, Nayha S, Hassi J, Leinonen M, Saikku P. Association
of Helicobacter pylori infection with elevated serum lipids.
Atherosclerosis 1999;142(1):207-10.
Sawaoka H, Kawano S, Tsuji S, Tsuji M, Sun W, Gunawan ES, Hori M.
Helicobacter pylori infection induces cyclooxygenase-2 expression in
human gastric mucosa. Prostaglandins Leuko Essent Fatty Acids
1998;59(5):313-6.
Taha AS, Dahill S, Morran C, Hudson N, Hawkey CJ, Lee FD, et al.
Neutrophils, Helicobacter pylori and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
uses. Gastroentrol 1999;116:254-258.
Tien-Chien Tu, Chia-Long Lee, Chi-Hwa Wu, Tzen-Kwan Chen, Chung-Chuan
Chan, Shih-Hung Huang, Shui-Cheng Lee. Comparison of invasive and
noninvasive tests for detecting Helicobacter pylori infection in
bleeding ulcers. Gastrointestinal Endoscop 1999;49(3 Pt 1):302-306.
Ozasa K, Kurata JH, Higashi A, Hayashi K, Inokuchi H, Miki K, et al.
Helicobacter pylori infection and atrophic gastritis: A nested
case-control study. Digestive Diseases and Sciences 1999;44(2):253-56.
Feldman M, Cryer B, Lee E, Peterson WL. Role of seroconversion in
confirming cure of Helicobacter pylori infection. JAMA 1998;280(4):
363-365.

To see the University of Alberta mycoplasma web page go to the following URL:

Group,
Yoga International (magazine) gave a very good review for the following book:
RECOVERY YOGA a practical guide for chronically ill, injured, and post
operative people by Sam Dworkis. Three Rivers Press 1997
(212-751-2600) Softcover USA $ 19.00 Canada $ 25.00
I'm getting my bookstore to order it for me tomorrow. The author has MS
himself.
Ute Reeves
RA 3/98 AP 5/98

I get all sorts of stuff off e-mail-----love it

Hi All just a followup on what I told you yesterday :-) this is on the opening
page of AOL today.
Sent on: AOL 4.0 for Windows 95 sub 9
Keyword: Hyperlink Safety
Often, you'll find hyperlinks (blue, underlined words or phrases that link to
AOL or Internet sites) in your e-mail messages. Hyperlinks can be used as
handy shortcuts to AOL areas and Web sites. However, beware of hyperlinks in
e-mails from people you do not know! Scammers often use hyperlinks to direct
you to Web sites that look like official AOL or AOL.COM pages, but are not.
The e-mails and Web pages may claim that you've won a prize or encourage you
to sign up for testing of a new product or service. NEVER click on hyperlinks
in e-mail sent to you by strangers.
To participate, these scammers ask you to enter your AOL screen name and
password. AOL staff will NEVER ask you for your password or credit card
information. Some Web pages may automatically download computer viruses or
Trojan Horse programs to your computer. These programs can damage your
computer files or send your password back to the scammer. With your screen
name and password, the scammer can sign on to your AOL account, read your e-
mail, send e-mail in your name, and even violate AOL's Terms of Service, which
may result in the termination of your account.
To keep your computer and your AOL account safe, NEVER click on hyperlinks in
e-mail sent to you by strangers. And NEVER enter your screen name and password
into a Web page unless it is an official AOL Web page. Official AOL Web pages
can be found at AOL.COM at http://www.aol.com.
Below is a list of recent scams being sent to AOL members. If you receive e-
mails with these subject lines, be sure to forward the e-mail to screen name
TOSEmail1.
* <A HREF="aol://4344:2452.safe35.26154293.604962198"
* <A HREF="aol://4344:2452.scam3.26155454.606180034"
Faster!/Lightening Speeds For AOL Members/ Service Update</A
* <A HREF="aol://4344:2452.scam2.26155453.606180033"
* <A HREF="aol://4344:2452.scam1.26155446.606180033"
* <A HREF="aol://4344:2452.scam5.26155456.606180034"
</A
* <A HREF="aol://4344:2452.scam6.26155757.606528834"
Tip: To play it safe, you can display the destination of the hyperlinks before
you click on them. Simply position the cursor over the hyperlink. AOL will
display its destination. Links to Web pages will show the Web address or URL.
Links to areas on AOL will say "On AOL only." Displaying the destination,
before clicking on a hyperlink, is helpful if you're not sure if you should
follow the link.
For more information on online safety go to Keyword:
<A HREF="aol://1722:neighborhoodwatch"

Hi Group! Geoff Crenshaw here.
Does anyone with long-standing edema in the lower legs, ankles and feet
have any luck with walking as exercise? How about those with wrist
involvement and rowing, free weights, machines, etc.?
I have been at a loss for years trying to find an exercise regimen.
Swimming is too hard on the joints, walking makes me look like the
Pillsbury Dough Boy from the knees down and the wrists are shot. I've
found this 'air walker' thing but was wondering if any of you have had
any luck with something else.
--
Regards,
Geoff Crenshaw, ACC

Hi all,
When we signed on to this (rheumatic@onelist.com) list, we were given a
password. I think it all happened behind the scenes. For those who want to
sign on to the AP chat support group mailing list, you can go through the sign
on process and have them E-mail you your password. It happens almost
instantly, and you can put this odd string of letters that you receive as your
password into the subscription screen, and it'll work!
Maria
<A HREF="http://www.onelist.com/viewarchive.cgi?listname=APchat"
mail Communities</A
http://www.onelist.com/subscribe.cgi/APchat.

I was talking to my doc yesterday about that article last week on cox2's and
omega 6's. He found it a confusing outline as well and declined to comment on
the arachidonic acid interaction, not having seen the research. He did however
reassure me that LA and GLA omega6's are right to take for inflammation. On the
way home I stopped at the health food store for Evening Primrose Oil as I have
been out for awhile and it is high in GLA. Took two capsules and this morning my
NSAID is working for the first time in a long time! I think I might have been
deficient in the IL2 precursors so it couldn't do its work. If your NSAID is
not working, you might want to discuss this supplementation with your doc or try
it and see if it helps. LizG

That's interesting cause there was a report about SAM-e this morning on
Good Morning America. From what I heard it's very safe and natural and
they've been using it in Europe for alot of years.
jan perdue

Hello everyone,
To those of you who live in Calgary,Alberta or the surrounding area or know
someone who does ,we are having another Antibiotic Interest Group Meeting on
Mon,Mar 29 at 7pm in the Green Room at the Colonel Belcher Hospital.A
Pharmacist will be our guest speaker-discussing the Antibiotics used in this
protocol.We started our meetings April of last year-so are celebrating our

http://lef.org/magazine/mag97/sept97-report.html
click on the link for an article on an interesting treatment for arthritis
and fibromyalgia.
also:
http://www.oup.co.uk/jnls/list/brheum/hdb/Volume_36/Issue_01/360027.sgm.abs.
html

This list is a nice feel-good list which is also informative.
The emphasis is on "nice". Information is secondary.
Those who are being nasty to other list members will be removed, no matter
the justification. This includes nastiness expressed via private email.
People should feel safe to post messages to this list, even if their
opinions may be disagreeable. Remember, the antibiotic protocol is a
disagreeable topic in many other areas.
Not reading a message is easier than writing an offensive reply. Add this
bit of advice to Dr Mercola's diet and follow it. :)
--
spwhite@...

BLOOD
A young vampire bat came flapping in from the night, covered in fresh
blood and perched himself on the roof of the cave to get some sleep.
Before long, all the other bats smelled the blood and began hassling him
about where he got it. He was tired and needing a rest, so he told them
to please leave him alone. However, it was clear that he wasn't going
to get any sleep until he satisfied their curiosity.
"OK!" he said with exasperation, "follow me," and he flew out of the
cave iwth hundreds of bats following cclose behind him.
Down through the valley they went, across the river and into the deep
forest. Finally he slowed down and all the other bats excitedly gathered
around him.
"Do you see that tree over there?" he asked.
"Yes, yes, yes!" the bats all screamed in a frenzy.
"Good," said the first bat, "Because I DIDN'T!"

It bears repeating that some things should not be down loaded. This one is
real, folks. Kelly PS this was released by msnbc.
By Bob Sullivan
MSNBC
March 23 A freeware e-mail program named ProMail, which has been distributed
by software Web sites such as shareware.com, is really a Trojan horse. It
sends user names and passwords in encrypted form to an account on free e-mail
provider NetAddress. But aside from that, ProMail is a fully functional e-mail
client, and a robust one at that, say the security experts who discovered its
secret.
CREATING A LEGITIMATE, FULLY functional Internet e-mail utility as a
rogue for a password stealer is a fresh twist on an Internet Trojan horse.
Apparently, it was good enough to fool major software sites such as CNets
shareware.com and Simtel.Net, and as of Monday evening, filelibrary.com was
still offering it for download. But if you install and run the program, it
will gather your full name, organization, e-mail address, user name, password,
SMTP and POP3 servers, and more then package them up and e-mail them to an
account at NetAddress.
Aeon Labs, which calls itself an online technology research company,
posted a warning to its Web site earlier this month. A representative of Aeon
Labs wrote in a note posted to a security newsgroup that the lab cracked into
the destination accounts for the e-mail and found about 80 victims, and the
company nows says there are hundreds of victims.
MSNBC downloaded the e-mail client from freeware.com on Friday. The
programs readme notes say it was created by Smartware Inc., but Hemal C.
Mehtalia, Smartware Inc.s president, said his company doesnt write software.
Security Firm Data Fellows said ProMails About box indicates the program is
based on an open source code written by Michael Haller, but Haller has nothing
to do with the Trojan. He developed a free program, Phoenix Mail, and has made
the full source code available. Phoenix Mail and its source code are available
for download from this site.

Hello everyone,
Well, I am back from the docs after two hours with him. I was wheezing went
into the office , so he listened to my lungs, they were crappy of course. I
had some lung pain and he thought maybe I had pneumonia, so I ended up going
for an x-ray. I had just a spot so, he thought pleuritis was the reason for
the lung pain. I seem to do that alot. He definitely wants me on prednisone,
this is when my face cringed since he knows I DON'T like that. He said I
didn't have much of a choice, my lungs are pathetic since I had my last
anaphylactic shock and they just aren't getting any better. So, we made a
deal and that I can pretty well decide my dose and drop it when I felt
better. Great doc huh? My doc in Ottawa wants me to have oxygen at home,
sound familiar to a few of you? i can picture Sarah right about now.
Then came the complicated part about me having to be tested for allergies to
any anesthesia gases for my surgery. I laughed because I said, suuuuure,
either nothing happens or I choke to death!
Oh well, like it or not I still have to go to the ICU after surgery. You
guys can keep your fingers crossed that they don't find any more diseases.
I told my doc I was a little anxious about going for my plane ride since I
was told from the neuro that I may have a trigeminal crises on the plane.
Greeeat, excruciating pain at 37,000 feet. So, my good doc said, you want
some Ativan for the nerves and morphine for a potential crises? I said uh,
huh. How many docs do you know who are like that? I love my doc, he knows me
well enough that he knows I hate narcotics and that I am some junkie which
alot of docs in the ER think everyone wants drugs. I hear this so often from
people. You have a proven condition and all they think is your some drugee.
So, thats my update. Hope everyone is doing well, you know where to find me
if you need help.
Kathryn

Help I thought I had subscribed, but my message come back and said I
hadn't and when I was subscribing it asked for my password said what I
gave them was wrong then e-mailed me a wierd list of letters I know I
didn't use as a password.
Julie

Dear group,
I have some interesting articles here.
TGC Murrell, BJ Matters, Family Practice Unit, Dept. of Community Medicine,
University of Adelaide, South Australia -
Multiple Sclerosis - one manifestation of neurobrucellosis: a
hypothesis.
Abstract reads: There is good geographic evidence that an environmental
(exogenous) factor, in the presence of a suspect gene, is responsible for
the aetiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Controversy surrounds the
interpretation of many studies supporting notions on whether the disease
has greater prevalence in urban or rural communities. Rather than focus on
residence at birth, in teenage years or at the time of study, analyses of
MS mortality by occupation and a case control study to define exposure to
animal farm products is thought to shed light on this controversy. The
conclusion reached from the results of these studies are that exposure to
farm animals or raw products is a common denominator in the aetiology of
MS.
A literature search for references of zoonotic disease with neurological
symptoms produced a range of papers on brucellosis. A study of the
literature on neurobrucellosis supports the hypothesis on clinical grounds.
Finally, a study of agglutinins to Brucella abortus in a series of MS
subjects and controls is described. These epidemiological studies support
the hypothesis presented, that the Brucella organism, when invading the
nervous system, could present with the features of multiple sclerosis.
I can type in the rest of the paper if anyone needs it. There have been
several enquiries within this group re MS and an infectious trigger.
The UK magazine, "General Practitioner" also has an article on MS and
infection written by Professor Murrell, also from South Australia. He
discusses the relationship between geographic factors, diet, parasites,
infection etc.
Chris.

To see a web site on lab tests for arthritis, go to the following URL:

I got Levaquin last Tuesday for the bad bronchitis. Its a quinalone drug. Within
a couple of hours of the first one I was feeling as sick as at my worst with the
RA. Flu and feverish feeling and bad muscle aches especially in the neck area.
This lasted for four days. I looked up the side effects and found it has caused
neuropathy and tendon pain and rupture within a few days as well as other side
effects including myalgia and arthralgias. I called and talked to nurses and a
doctor, (not my own) and they just poo-pooed me, saying it didnt have side
effects. Anyway it let up the fifth day and then came back but not quite as bad
the next day. Am still sweating and feeling lousy particullarly at night and
stiff and achey when getting up in the morning.
What I am wondering is this a drug that could have caused a herx or have I been
having bad reaction to it? With all the aching my joints didnt hurt tho, just
muscles and no fever altho I felt like I had one. I also was taking some nsaids
for the pain and read that you shouldnt take them with it. The doctor I talked
to said that was baloney, obviously never reading the info on the drug. I
stopped the doxycycline while taking it. And I still have the bronchitis
although its better.
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

Dear Jeff
Last year I upgraded from girlfriend 7.0 to wife 1.0 and noticed that the
new program began unexpected child processing that took up a lot of space
and valuable resources. No mention of this phenomenon was included in the
product brochure.
In addition, wife 1. 0 installs itself into all other programs and launches
during system initialization where it monitors all other system activity.
Applications such as poker night 10.3, W. W. F. 2.5, and three stooges 5.0
no longer run, crashing the system whenever elected. I cannot seem to keep
wife 1.0 in the background while attempting to run some of my other favorite
applications.
I am thinking about going back to girlfriend 7.0 but uninstall does not work
on this program. Can you help me?
.......
Dear Sir
This is a very common problem men complain about but is mostly due to a
primary misconception. Many people upgrade from girlfriend 7.0 to wife 1.0
with the idea that wife 1.0 is merely a UTILITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT program.
Wife 1.0 is an OPERATING SYSTEM and designed by its creator to run everything.
It is unlikely you would be able to purge wife 1.0 and still convert back to
girlfriend 7.0. Hidden operating files within your system would cause
girlfriend 7.0 to emulate wife 1.0 so nothing is gained. It is impossible
to uninstall, delete, or purge the program files from the system once
installed. You cannot go back to girlfriend 7.0 because wife 1.0 is not
designed to do this.
Some have tried to install girlfriend 8.0 or wife 2.0 but end up with more
problems than the original system. Look in your manual under "warnings --
alimony/child support". I recommend you keep wife 1.0 and just deal with a
situation.
Having wife 1.0 installed myself, I might also suggest you read the entire
section regarding general protection faults. You must assume all
responsibility for faults and problems that might occur, regardless of their
cause. The best course of action will be enter the command " APOLOGIZE".
In any case, avoid excessive use of the "escape" key because ultimately you
will have to give the " APOLOGIZE" command before the operating system will
return to normal. The system will run smoothly as long as you take the
blame for all general protection faults.
Wife 1.0 is a great program, but very high maintenance
Regards
Jeff

Dear Group, While I have been off line I have been busy. I have
successfully gained approval to start an Antibiotic Support Group here in
Winnipeg, Canada, at one of our large teaching hospitals. I'm so
thrilled that I have been given the opportunity to reach many, many
people. My objective to to provide them with hope and give them
information on the antibiotic treatment. Hey group - we are making
progress....slow but sure. I would appreciate your support in this
venture and would love your input on how I can best relay the
information - tips, suggestions, ideas - are welcome.
I humbly ask permission of all group members interested in sharing their
great online success stories with the new group to email me privately.
Another bright note is that I feel just fantastic - full of energy and in
good spirits. Three weeks ago I went off of my antidepressant medication
- guess what - I found out that they were actually making me feel worse
and that I'm no longer depressed - can you believe it!!!! It puzzled me
when I pondered the theory that - if depression and the disease are
linked why wasn't I feeling emotionally better when I was definately
getting physically better. Well one of my theories is that I went into
seretonin syndrome (too much seretonin) which produces the opposite
desired affect - depression. I believe that although for a few years I
benefited greatly from antidepressants - I outgrew the need - my brain
chemicals balanced out. I believe that the critters in my brain that
were causing the depression have surrendered to the antibiotics. My
other theory is that a MIRACLE happened. Whatever the reason for my
success I am really enjoying the good life once more - I feel like I've
been let out of prison. for those of you that suffer from the depression
I hope this brings you hope.
I've updated my story and will send it to Chris to put online for those
of you who don't know "the Fairylady's" story.
Remember - miracles do happen - I'm living, breathing proof!
The Fairylady DM 4 1/2 years AP 22 months

Hello everyone!
This is my first message to the group. I live in
Madrid (Spain), and write to you all asking for
advice and information.
I found the web site of the Road Back Foundation
almost by chance some days ago, and since then I
have continued getting more and more information
about the antibiobic therapy for rheumatoid
arthritis (but of course, I'm still a novice).
My girlfriend suffers from a inflammatory disease.
At this moment only the left foot and ankle is
affected, but at the beginning it was only one
toe of that foot. The inflammation started 18
months ago, and since then it has been getting
worse and worse, slowly but steadily. The doctor
(a rheumatologist) doesn't have a clear diagnostic,
but has pointed out that it could be a kind of
rheumatoid arthritis.He has prescribed some
NSAIs that seem to control the inflammation but
don't eliminate it completely, and even worse,
don't seem to slow down the course of the disease.
During these months the inflammation of the foot
has not been the only symptom. Sometimes, she has
feel really tired without apparent reason, and
also has feel pain in other joints. However these
symptoms had gone in several days. Lately she also
complain of itching eyes.
Well, that is our history!. Now it is time for
asking for advice.
We have been thinking about the possibility of
starting with antibiotics, but we are not very
sure of that yet (we think we have to know more
about the subject before we decide to go on
antibiotics). Moreover, in case we decide to
start this therapy, we will probably find
difficulties in finding a doctor in Spain
willing to try this therapy.
I will be very grateful for your advice and for
your information about open-minded doctors in
Spain that will (at least) consider the
possibility of applying the antibiotic therapy.
Thanks a lot to everyone of you.

PLEASE we would be very grateful if anyone can help!!!!!!!!!!
Sincerely, Jean jmb

Check out this article on Evening primrose Oil and this great site to read up on
supplements:
www.mothernature.com/ency/supp/Evening_Primrose_Oil.asp

Jus