Auto-immune diseases

I have read this link and wonder a lot about it as allmost all signpainters now
work with vinyl. I never have worked with it, but many say they notice the
smell. I guess the future will tell if they and their families (most sign shops
are individually run places where the kids ofton fo to) get it we will know
more. I certainly hope this isnt what happens
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

Mycoplasmas are now found to be in the majority of asthmatics lungs.
Many of us here had lung problems or increased asthma and pneumonia when
starting the antibiotics.
Raw, hoarse throat, itchy throat, coughing, irritability, cold sweats and other
things are all signs of asthma. Not everyone necessarily has all the signs. Also
you learn that if you pay attention you will find that you are breathing with
your chest muscles instead of the diaphram (spelling?) when having broncospasms.
I use a peak flo meter a lot because I cant always tell how bad it is getting.
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

Lorraine,
I'll forward your message to the group, too, so you can get more responses
to this and your other question. (listed below)
I went straight from 25 mg Mtx injections to Minocycline, and quit Mtx
cold turkey with no side effects. Can't say it happens to everyone, but it
happened to me!
One good tip I have for you pertaining to the diet is on water
consumption. Take 1/2 your weight in ounces of water. Split it up into six
"doses". Take one an hour before breakfast, and one two hours after. Same
with lunch and dinner, one an hour before, one two hours after. (Mercola
says it won't interfere with your digestion if you do it this way) You'll
find your trips to the bathroom are more "regulated" than if you try sipping
all day. You'll also find yourself drinking all your water, rather than not
remembering how much you drank, or having to drink GALLONS just before bed
because you didn't drink your quota during the day :-)
Maria
In a message dated 4/7/99 9:39:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time, lorvan@...
writes:
<< Although I am on Methotrexate (MT) - I am compiling a whole document on
antibiotic treatment to show my rheumy as I would like to go on this
treatment.
1. I am curious, however, how many other patients moved onto antibiotics
directly after MT; and
2. Are there any interesting recipes, hints & tips for people on Dr
Mercola's anti-toxin diet?

Kyla, the extraction itself didnt hurt me at all. As far as I know they only
give general anesthesia when cutting out a wisdom tooth and I suppose taking out
all ones teeth. local is much less dangerous. It takes a bit to heal but as long
as you dont get a dry socket its not real bad. I have never had one myself. The
weirdest thing is just knowing and feeling the tooth is gone until you get used
to it.
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

Has your doctor checked you havent gotton a bone infection in that ankle?
Throat area itching is ofton one of the symtoms of asthma. A raw feeling throat
ofton goes with it too. Have they checked your peak flo and stuff as well as
checked your lungs for pneumonia? The form of RA called Stills Disease can
effect the lungs so I read.
Its pretty common to develop ostoarthritis is injured joints but that wouldnt
cause it to swell and turn black.
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

Grp:
Had to tell everyone that I just phoned Kathryn this morning as she is
visiting Orlando during her vacation! She is doing well; even went to Disney
World yesterday via wheelchair! I will let her fill you in on all her good
times when she returns in a week!
I was thrilled to get to speak to her- and "meet" her over the phone!
Carol*

Sarah and Grp:
Is this drug 1200mg what you suggest for fibromyl. ? My son is taking this 2
times a day for cough/congestion but does this help muscles, also?
Thanks,
Carol*

Ethel, I am at a stage now, 18 months into the AP, where I am not sure how
to evaluate what's been happening and where to go from here. I really need
to get my thoughts and plans organized before I see my rheumatologist next
week, so I would appreciate it it you could give me your objective opinion.
I'll give you some information as briefly as I can...
BACKGROUND--RA 21+ years, 11 years on gold, 7 years on methotrexate which
stopped working; major damage to most of my joints (2 knee and 1 hip
replacement as well as one ankle fusion)
AP--started Nov. 97 when I was also starting to flare and lymphedema in
right forearm due to elbow damage became very noticeable and problematic
--very painful 5 month herx which centred in my shoulders and arms and
feelings of fatigue
--started to feel better and have more energy May/June 98
--1 week series Clindamycin IV's July 98--felt no pain that week and
hemoglobin jumped up 10 points; 5 weekly IV's followed; small herx where SED
rate jumped to 40 for about a month
--felt well again by October 98
Surgery (right knee replacement Oct. 21)--RA good and I felt well. My body
seemed to be focused on recovering from surgery and building my hemoglobin
again (it had dropped to 91)
JANUARY 99--shoulder and elbows getting more painful again (lymphedema in
right forearm very noticeable again) but there were contributing factors...
--exercising arms in pool therapy
--driving car again and after a few weeks a frozen steering joint
(definitely my car!)was discovered; difficulty in steering improved (I had
just assumed it was me)
--three week long bad cold, first in about 3 years; more pain
noticed during and after the cold
--by end of month spending longer hours at computer; not good for
arms
--developed "travelling" sore back muscles right from bottom of
ribs to upper shoulder on right side where my shoulder and elbow are worse
for pain
--SED rate up to 40
FEBRARY TO MARCH--shoulder and arm pain continuing to gradually worsen
--stress for 3 weeks dealing with
breast biopsy surgery (also, one hour in mammography preparing for surgery
where I was in painful positions for my right back, shoulder, arm and neck)
--end of March, SED rate 36
--300 mg Clindamycin IV for surgery,
March 3
--600 mg oral clindamycin for dental
cleaning on March 23
APRIL--I can tolerate a lot of pain, but I've reached the point of needing
to add something else, curcumin, to my supplements because the shoulder pain
continues to increase.
HOWEVER, during this whole time, my energy level is very good and continuing
to improve (except for overdoing it Easter weekend, my most physically
active weekend in years--I was exhausted but amazed at what I had done).
People keep telling me how well I look. My hemoglobin is 112, about what it
averages; in January I stopped taking ferrous gluconate for the first time
in 21 years and my hemoglobin has actually gone up from 108 in January. I
am eating really well, gaining weight ( need to) and building muscles in my
legs again with the help of therapy--the opposites of these happen when my
RA is bad.
SUMMARY-- I am confused because on the one hand, I feel better than I have
in years, especially in terms of energy; on the other hand, my shoulder and
arm pain is really increasing again and interfering with things like by
decision to drive each day. I have a few specific questions in addition to
any observations you might have:
Does this sound like a flare or a herx?
Could the two small doses of Clindamycin in March have caused a herx?
Where do I go from here? Would more Clindamycin help right now?
Does it seem as though the AP is working?
I am sorry this is long, but I value your opinion based on all your
experience, and I wanted you to have a good picture of where I am. Also,
neither of my doctors follows the AP as we do in this group; they see the
use of Minocin more as an anti-inflammatory.
Thank you for hour help.
Linda

Chris, YES! This is an excellent orthopedic physician/surgeon who believes in
the Antibiotic Protocol. His name is Dr. James Grimes, St. Augustine, Florida.
St. Augustine, Florida is near Jacksonville, Florida; about 38 miles
approximately. He is in the Flagler Hospital Doctor's Building on U.S. 1 South;
right now I do not have that phone number. I will get it. Martha

As opposed to a newbie, get it? Ha ha? My feeble attempt at humor at 6:15
in the morning... Sorry :-)
I sit here so many times with questions for you guys, and I keep forgetting
to ask them. And then, I forget them completely, until next time when I wish
I'd written them down. So, I'm just going to ask the ones I remember, and
ask the others later. Here it goes...
1) The discoloration on the legs caused by the Minocin -- is it like big,
light colored bruises? I don't know if I have discoloration, or if I have
big, light colored bruises.
2) I started taking my Acidophilous 1/2 hour before eating, and I am sick as
can be with bad stomach cramps. So, I'm going back to taking it on an empty
stomach. Anybody else have this reaction?
3) I'm having delayed reactions to Prednisone cut backs. It used to be that
I'd feel it if I missed a dose, and the day I cut back was always miserable.
Now, I don't feel it for a week. The second week I'm tired as can be, the
third week I'm sore, and the fourth week I start to recover. Any ideas why I
might be having this delayed reaction? It's happened the past 3 times I've
cut back.
4) How do I know if the rash on my hands is really a rash from
Dermatomyositis, or if I've developed Eczema or something? Any tell-tale
signs for either? All those doctors in Dermatology can't seem to give me any
definitive answers -- imagine that! We've all met doctors who won't commit,
huh?
That's all I can think of for now. Thank you all!
Maria
DM 2+ years, AP 5+ months

<A HREF="http://www.healthcentral.com/healthview/lifeexpectancy.cfm"
here: HealthCentral - HealthView
</A
http://www.healthcentral.com/healthview/lifeexpectancy.cfm

Tuesday April 6, 8:00 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
SOURCE: Immunex Corporation
ENBREL(R) (etanercept) Patient and Physician
Support Web Site Launched
Web Site Offers Important Information and Support Programs for People
with Rheumatoid Arthritis and for their Health Care Providers
SEATTLE, April 6 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to better educate patients
and health care providers about ENBREL®
(etanercept), a breakthrough treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA),
Immunex Corporation and Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals
have launched the ENBREL Web Site: http://www.enbrel.com. ENBREL is used
to treat moderately to severely active rheumatoid
arthritis in people who have not adequately responded to one or more
disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
The comprehensive internet site explains how ENBREL works in the body,
offers a question and answer section, provides an
interactive quiz to help RA sufferers and their doctors determine if
ENBREL may be right for them, and highlights several patients'
personal experiences with ENBREL. Color photography and animation add to
the graphic interest of the site.
Enbrel.com also offers two toll-free numbers to provide support to
patients who are considering or are currently taking ENBREL.
For questions about insurance coverage, patients can call the
Reimbursement Support Line (1-800-282-7704) where they will be
connected with an insurance specialist. To answer any noninsurance
questions about ENBREL and RA in general, trained
telephone counselors are available at 1-888-4ENBREL. A link to the
Arthritis Foundation Web Site is also provided.
Approximately 2.1 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, an
autoimmune disease that can strike at any age and affects
three times as many women as men. ENBREL is the first in a class of
rheumatoid arthritis drugs known as biologic response
modifiers (BRMs), a new approach to RA management and the first
breakthrough treatment in many years for people with
rheumatoid arthritis.
In medical studies, just over one third of people treated with ENBREL
reported redness, itching, pain, and/or swelling where the
injection was given. You should not take ENBREL if you have a serious
infection or are allergic to ENBREL or its ingredients. If
you develop a serious or unusual infection while on ENBREL, you should
tell your doctor right away. The long- term effects of
treatments like ENBREL on serious infection, malignancy, or autoimmune
disease are unknown. If you have questions about this or
any of the above, be sure to discuss them with your doctor. Important
Product Information can be obtained at
http://www.enbrel.com.
ENBREL is manufactured by Immunex Corporation, Seattle, Washington.
Immunex and Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals are
marketing ENBREL in North America. Other Wyeth-Ayerst affiliates are
marketing ENBREL outside of North America.
Immunex is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing immune
system science to protect human health. The company's
products offer hope to patients with cancer and inflammatory and
infectious diseases.
Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals, a division of American Home Products
Corporation (AHP), is a major research-oriented
pharmaceutical company with leading products in the areas of women's
health care, cardiovascular disease therapies, central
nervous system drugs, anti-inflammatory agents, vaccines, and generic
pharmaceuticals.
American Home Products owns a majority interest in Immunex. AHP is one
of the world's largest research-based pharmaceutical
and health care products companies. It is a leader in the discovery,
development, manufacturing, and marketing of prescription
drugs and over-the-counter medications. It is also a leader in vaccines,
biotechnology, agricultural products, and animal health care.
NOTE: The statements in this press release that are not historical facts
are forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties including, without limitation, risks associated with the
inherent uncertainty of pharmaceutical research, product
development and commercialization, the impact of competitive products,
and patent, and other risks and uncertainties, including
those detailed from time to time in AHP's periodic reports, including
quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and the annual report on
Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual
results may differ from the forward-looking statements.
SOURCE: Immunex Corporation

Dee Gogul wrote:
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One manwas
allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drainthe
fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window.
Theother man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked
for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes,
their jobs,their involvement in the military service, where they had
been on vacation. And every afternoon when the man in the bed by the
window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his
roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the
other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his would be
broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world
outside. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and
swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young
lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color of the rainbow.
Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city
skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window
described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the
room would close hiseyes and imagine the picturesque scene. One warm
afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although
the other man couldn't hear the band he could see it in his mind's eye
as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days and weeks passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water
for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window,
who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the
hospital attendants to take the body away. As soon as it seemed
appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the
window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he
was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first
look at the world outside. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it
for himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside
the bed. It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have
compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things
outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and
could not evensee the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to
encourage you."
Epilogue...There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite
our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when
shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all of the
things you have that money can't buy. The origin of this letter is
unknown, but it brings good luck to everyone who passes it on.
Do not keep this letter. Do not send money. Just forward it to five
ofyour friends to whom you wish good luck. You will see that something
goodhappens to you four days from now.

Mornin' all! I'm crawling out of lurk mode a bit here..
Mark - you asked for experiences with "this stuff" invading your chest - -
Several weeks ago I added 1200mg oral clindamycin to my AP regimen and have
experienced some "localized" herxes. Two weeks ago I herxed in my chest
muscles and sternum area - an area that's never flaired before even though
the tissue around my breastbone is very dense and tender to deep palpation.
The herx hurt worse when I lay down at night and I couldn't take a deep
breath for days. A few times I got a little scared because I felt so short
of breath. After several "bad" days the pain moved from the mid-section and
right chest area to the left area. That one didn't last as long. Now, I'm
fine. I see my massage therapist on Thursday and I'm curious if she can
detect any softening in the deep tissue layers - that's usually what happens
when I experience a herx/flare like that these days. OK - just sharing. I
have sclerodema (MCTD) instead of RA - but tend to take Dr. Brown's
"lumpers" viewpoint on this stuff. Those critters will bury themselves
anywhere on anybody. I think that our own personal genetic disposition must
somehow help determine exactly how the "mycoplasm overload" expresses itself
in our bodies.
Now - Janet in Tulsa - asked about ibuprofren. Since I've started the
clindamycin, Tylenol just doesn't ease the pain for me at times. I switched
to ibuprofren. I called my doctor to ask how much I could "safely" take -
he said up to 2400mg a day. It is usually taken in 600mg doses 4x daily or
800mg 3x daily. Take it with food because it can mess up your stomach and
give you diarrhea. I look for the coated tablets and they seem to give me
less reflux. This keeps me functioning during the really rough times.
I get the list on digest now - so hopefully these responses aren't too out
of date.
Blessings,
Linda C.
scleroderma (MCTD) 10 years, AP 10 months

Just a little thought..
I was reading about scleroderma and possible triggers of this
disease. Well, it mentioned that one should minimize polyvinyl
chloride and silica dust. Has anyone else read this?
All of my jackets and purses are made of polyvinyl chloride, also
nicknamed "pleather", as it looks much like the real thing. God,
isn't anything safe anymore?
I have no idea where one could be exposed to silica dust. The
only "silica" that I know of is those little packets of silica
gel that you find in new purses, shoes and some vitamin bottles
to absorb moisture.
Perhaps they are only harmful during the manufacturing process,
where fumes and dust become airborne and inhaled?
Kyla

Has anyone tried Norgest forte? I asked for Norflex because Katherine had
success with it but my doc said Norgest forte was not as strong as Norflex
and did not cause drowsiness. The pharmacist said the opposite was true and
that they both cause drowsiness. I tried Flexeril before bedtime and NOTHING
is helping me sleep thru the shoulder pain. It has been going on 7 weeks
now. I am a walking zombie. I started taking Xanax about a month ago at
bedtime. Is it possible for me to feel irritable from Xanax and depressed?
I take .05 at bedtime. Still up all night.
Thanks,
Carol*

I also know a dog call'd Twinkie other whise I have a 12 year shelf
life!
Do Twinkie's cup cakes still exist?
No you can not buy antibiotics without subscription,the same for
animals,I see the vet very often I breed horses,he would have a fit if I
askeld.
Horses sometimes go lame,thy also get Arthritis,they generaly are
given,injectons in the joint with something like Sinvisc,it seems to
work,for them and for mee.
I will have to figth but Antibiotics are going to win,I am ready to
change Dr.till I get one who is readdy to go along with you all.

I have some questions about oral steroids. I have always taken the injection
form-my son has a sinus infection that will not go away after 2 weeks of
antibiotic and allergies ; the doc said to start him on a prednilsone pak- 1
week. The brochure says this drug can cause an infection, etc. I thought
steroids helped infection? When we all take steroids are we setting
ourselves up for an infection? And if you have an existing infection when
you start a steroid what happens then? For those of you that take a daily
dose- do you consistently have a problem with infections?
I am totally confused. I don't want to make his sinus problem worse! Help!
Carol*

Our 21 yr. old daughter has a viral infection in the muscles of her chest
(yes, it hurts!). She has been X-rayed and they even did an EKG before
coming up with the diagnosis. They have told her to take 4 Ibuprophen
(sp???) three times per day for two weeks....I have never taken anything
but NSAIDS, so I don't know if this is a bit much....they did tell her to
take it with food. Comments?
Thanks,
janet in tulsa

Hello all,
Just wanted to thank you all for your responses to my questions
regarding root canal. I spoke to my dentist about it, and she is
going to put me on oral clindamycin for 10 days to get rid of any
infection, then remove the tooth. I'll definately ask her about
having a bridge put in. I have some minor tooth crowding from
when my wisdom teeth grew in five years ago(my mouth wasn't big
enough for them...my family would beg to differ..haha!), so my
dentist said removing the tooth may actually help to uncrowd them
a wee bit.
Now, the only thing I am *really* scared about is the actual
removal process! Never had an extraction before. I'm debating on
having local or general anesthetic. :)
Thanks again,
Kyla

Group,
I have two people who could use some information.
What is good for IBS? My neighbor's sister could use some help.
Another friend has diabetes and RA. Is it possible to go on the AP?
Thank you for any information.
Denise
NC
docsol@...

On the Cutting Edge:
A look at the medical
advances of tomorrow
Eat up! Plants ward off cancer
By Charlene Laino
MSNBC
April 5 Scientists may be a step closer to understanding which
compounds in our diet protect against cancer. On Monday, researchers reported
that they had homed in on two compounds found in everything from fruits and
cereals to beer and wine that suppressed the growth of three kinds of tumor
cells.
THE COMPOUNDS, which deprive tumor cells of a key enzyme that they
need to multiply, appear to have synergetic effects once again pointing to
the importance of a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables and grains.
Weve known for a long time that certain foods probably offer
protection against cancer, says lead researcher Charles Elson, a nutritional
scientist at the at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, College of
Agricultural and Life Sciences. But whenever we try to pick out a single
one, we fall flat on our faces.
The reason, he now thinks, is because of the compounds additive
effects. To get maximum protection, in other words, you need to eat a diet
that offers a large array of the plant compounds.
While the so-called Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil and grains,
is often touted for its heart-healthy effects, the new research suggest that
is precisely the type of diet that protects against cancer, too, Elson says.
Even the glass or two of wine favored by the Mediterraneans will help, he
adds, as will beer. But distilled spirits dont help.
So what are these mystery compounds? Elson calls them isoprenoids, a
group of some 22,000 compounds, all derived from the same parent. Many
contribute to plants distinctive flavors and fragrances, while also
protecting the plants from insects and fungi.
Testing against cell lines developed from an aggressive form of mouse
melanoma showed that many have anti-tumor properties. The tricky part, he
says, was identifying ones that suppress cancer growth at the lower
concentrations that might occur in a typical diet.
POTENT ANTI-TUMOR EFFECTS
Which is just what his team did. Their new research points to two that
have potent anti-tumor effects even in the moderate amounts one would
expect to consume simply by eating a well-balanced diet. Their names:
gamma-tocotrienol and beta-ionone.
Found in cereal grains, olive oil and palm oil, gamma-tocotrienol has
a chemical structure related to vitamin E. But while Elson believes that
vitamin E by itself has no effect on cancer cells, substituting
gamma-tocotrienol for the vitamin cut by some 40 percent the growth of tumors
in mice, extending their lives. Gamma-tocotrienol also slowed the growth of
cell lines from human leukemia and breast cancer.
A close relative of beta carotene, the precursor of vitamin A,
beta-ionone is found in just about every fruit and vegetable. In the new
test-tube experiments, reported in the Journal of Nutrition, beta-ionone
halted the growth of human leukemia, breast cancer and colon cancer cells.
Food bytes: an interactive guide
Elsons team isnt the only one working with the isoprenoids. At the
University of Western Ontario in London, Dr. Kenneth Carroll is performing
experiments on the isoprenoids known as limonoids. The chemical that gives
citrus fruits their bitter taste, liminoid inhibited breast cancer cell
growth in the test tube, Carroll reports.
And while Elson always advises opting for the whole food instead of
a quick fix, at least one isoprenoid perillyl alcohol is being tested in
pill form. In preliminary trials, its already been proven safe in humans
and its effectiveness was promising enough to enroll more people for further
study.
One of the most startling aspects of Elsons work is that it appears
that the massive doses of antioxidants that some people take to prevent
cancer may actually be harming them. If you takes lots and lots of [the
antioxidant] vitamin E, you will rarely get gamma-tocotrienols beneficial
effects, Elson says. In massive amounts, antioxidants may detract from the
protective properties of the isoprenoids.
While no one really knows how the isoprenoids work, Elson has a strong
suspicion that they act differently than other agents that block or suppress
cancer cell growth.
LIKE VOODOO
Cancer is marked by uncontrollable cell division cells just continue
to divide indefinitely. The isoprenoids, Elson says, block an enzyme needed
for cell replication. Some tumor cells treated with isoprenoids simply
accumulate in a harmless, pre-division phase while others enter apoptosis, or
programmed cell death.
Moreover, the plant compounds do not prevent healthy cells from
dividing; its almost as if they know who the bad guys are. In fact, Elson
says, it would be unfeasible to consume enough isoprenoids to affect healthy
cell division.
It almost sounds like voodoo, he says. But even as he and other
scientists continue to grapple with all that remains to be learned from the
plant compounds, you cant go wrong bolstering your intake of fruits and
vegetables.
Sprouting 'smart' brain tissue
Oncology articles on Medscape (Free! Registration required)
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For those interested in learning about osteoporosis, here is a link I picked up
on a ng, an article by a Dr and a transcript of a chat with her:
http://arthritisnet.com/opchat.htm
http://arthritisnet.com/opchat2.htm
I thought the mention of protein in the diet and carbonated drinks in the diet
were interesting in light of recent discussions here. LizG

Hello all,
I just phoned my doctors office to see if my blood test results
were back. Again, my ANA was negative. I asked about rheumatoid
factor, and she said it read as LT 10, but had no idea of what
that meant. And either do I. Any idea?
I'm wondering if he did an ESR. He didn't have it written down
with the ANA anf RF, so perhaps it is already listed on the lab
requisition and he just checked it off. I'll find out next week.
Thanks,
Kyla
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Vegetarians save lives every day!
http://www.factoryfarming.com
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Dr. Chiu (hope it's spelled right),
I wonder if you could give me any information on the
connection between soft tissue damage, nerve damage and
spondyloarthritis (undifferentiated, as near as I can tell).
I was in an MVA 7 years ago with massive soft tissue damage
to my neck, right side of back, right shoulder, sacroiliac
region, buttocks, and right hip. Nerve damage to my arms in
the way of a traction injury was diagnosed about 8 months
after the accident, more to the right than the left.
Actually, I could not feel the needle anywhere in my arm or
the right side of my back below C4 and to the right of the
spine. This doctor told me I would always have spasms as a
result of the inconsistent electrical flow through the
nerves, even though their potentials were essentially normal
(though obviously way below their original values).
Following doctors, including Mayo, have dismissed this nerve
damage as a source of pain. Odd to me given that I could not
put pressure on anything with that hand without tingling
going up my arm. Also, a light bop on my head (done by
orthopedic) made both my arms tingle. To this day the tingle
comes and goes.
My major question is this. My arms seem to have been
deteriorating quite rapidly in the last year or so. There is
severe pain in my elbows, shoulders, and occasionally my
wrists. My hands are almost always swollen and hurt. My
right arm in particular gets to aching continuously from
neck to fingers. I get very sharp, shooting pains through my
elbows and shoulders on numerous every day tasks. Other
joints are causing problems as well, but the arms seem to be
the worse. Does the interruption in the electrical flow,
this "minor, mild", unacknowledged nerve damage promote
deterioration as the years go by? Is it strictly coincidence
that the most injured areas of my body is now the most
arthritic area?
Thanks - Jan K

My aunt has been suffering with rheumatoid arthritis for 5 years. She
is interested in the antibiotic treatment but needs to know of a doctor
in the New York City area. If you know of any please e-mail me as soon
as possible.
Thank you-
Linda Camaret

Please unsubscribe for the time being.

Kyla, I have had three molars pulled over the years because I couldnt afford the
cash up front for a cap. After many years my teeth have moved enough apart for
strands of chicken or other not real tender meat to get caught in. My teeth were
extremely close together in the first place and this isnt noticable to look at.
One of the teeth was capped and afterwards hurt so severly that no amount of
pain killer could stop it. The dentist insisted that it was the tooth next to it
needing root canal. I finally insisted he pull the tooth and he protested but
did. That was the end of the tooth pain. Had I listened to him I would have had
a needless root canal and still had the tooth pain. The last tooth I had capped
(different dentist) hurt badly for over three months after it was done and they
kept telling me that wasnt unusual.
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

Has anyone had RA start to mess with their chest or lungs? About a month ago, I
sort of strained my lungs/chest on a rapid climb up a steep hill in a blizzard.
My chest hurt for about 3 days and then got gradually better. But lately, I've
noticed that I seem to have some difficulty getting a full breath and that my
throat and chest sort of feels "itchy" and my chest will hurt sometimes. I've
also noticed that in the mornings when I wake up, my neck and glands will be
sore for a while. Of course, this had to be the same time the NIH research
folks called and wanted to know if I wanted to be in their pulmonary fibrosis
study! That spooked me a bit since my chest was hurting at the time - was
wondering if they knew something I didn't know!
Anyone have any thoughts on this or had similar experiences? Should I be going
to see the doc about this or just ride it out? (geez, lately I feel like I am
falling apart at the seams)
Mark
RA 4/98 A/P 7/98
Mino (100mg/2x/daily); Lodine 400mg 3x/day
http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes
RA Chat: http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes/RA/ra.html
mholmes@... ICQ # 18123139

Has anyone on the list who has had a broken limb found that the RA likes to
migrate to that area? I'm just wondering a bit. I broke my ankle in '95 and
had a plate and screws put in (since removed) and lately, this ankle has turned
sort of black and blue and has stayed that way for about 3 months and in the
last week or so has been swelling on me. I've noticed at the same time that my
other ankle is hurting some too, so I'm wondering if it is just the ol'
migratory effect and the stuff is now wandering around in my feet and ankles
(also suffering from plantar fasciitis as well). Or does it like to go to a
previously injured area and settle in?
Mark
RA 4/98 A/P 7/98
Mino (100mg/2x/daily); Lodine 400mg 3x/day
http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes
RA Chat: http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes/RA/ra.html
mholmes@... ICQ # 18123139

Yikes! I just read the article about roots canals. Thanks Chris.
:)
It's a little scary, as my dentist wants me to go to a doctor who
specializes in root canals. It seems I keep getting a constant
infection in one of the canals, and it is so deep down that she
thinks it needs to be cleaned out. Not an easy task, I am told.
Wow. Now I have no idea what to do. I mean, I could have the
tooth pulled and have been very tempted to, but because it is a
large molar, I fear it may cause my upper teeth to shift, not to
mention the huge gap may show when I smile. Okay, call me vain,
but my teeth and smile have always been one of my better traits.
:)
Has anyone experienced shifting of the teeth after having a molar
removed?
Thanks,
Kyla

After reading Dr. Mercola's article on root canals (which I found quite
interesting as did my wife Janet, who was a dental hygienist for 20 years),
I noticed that there wasn't any comment on what you did once you removed
this tooth? Bridge work? Is that better than this root canal? I'm
wondering as well, because I have a tooth that could need a root canal, but
the dentist isn't sure and I'm not sure either. So I have a temporary crown
and don't know what to do.
Mark
RA 4/98 A/P 7/98
Mino (100mg/2x/daily); Lodine 400mg 3x/day
http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes
RA Chat: http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes/RA/ra.html
mholmes@... ICQ # 18123139

help! I keep trying to sign up and then they give me a whole list of lists,
and all I want to do is sign up for AP Chat. Is that the correct group name
and spelling and capitallization? If I have to list all groups this poor old
computer will really blow up.
Thanks for your help...and thanks, too, Liz.
Susan

Hello all,
Just a few questions regarding dental work. I am well aware of
the risks associated with mercury-amalgam fillings, but am a
little unsure about root canals. What is it about root canals
that cause potential risks to health? Is it that the
mercury-amalgam is poured right down into the dead canals? What
is the solution to this?
I had a root canal done a couple of years ago, where they put in
some sort of *post* and filled the whole tooth with
mercury-amalgam filling. Had a severe infection in it between
appointments. Unfortunately, 80% of the tooth is filling and the
doctor wants to eventually pull it and put an implant in. But I
can't afford an implant right now, so I'm thinking I should just
have it refilled with composite resin until I can.
Sound like a good idea?
Also, had anyone heard anout the possibility of allergic
reactions to composite-resin fillings? I read about this once,
and although I don't seem to have any problems since having some
old fillings replaced with resin.
Thanks!
Kyla
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Vegetarians save lives every day!
http://www.factoryfarming.com
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I have been a lurker (for the most part) for 18 months. I'll try and keep
this short. My wife has psoriatic arthritis and has been on AP for 18
months. She had two root canals 17 years ago (now age 33) and four wisdom
teeth removed 14 years ago. Shortly after the removal of the wisdom teeth
her psoriasis began. Shortly after the birth of our first child, her
arthritis began. Six months into the AP she was doing quite well -- last
year she has deteriorated.
I've read:
Its all in your head by Huggins
Uninformed consent by Huggins
Root Canal Cover-Up by Meinig (also spoke with him)
Spoke with Dr. Hussar, expert in this area.
and I (WE) are convinced that her arthritis is caused by the cavitations
(toxic holes in the place where wisdom teeth were) and/or the root canals --
and that this is the source of the toxins and or mycoplasma causing psoriasis
and arthritis.
She will be having the root canals removed first and then have cavitation
surgery. Hopefully this will all be done by the end of June. I will let you
know the results. If it works I'll scream it from roof tops.
Anyone looking for a good book on the topic -- I recommend Uninformed consent
and of course Meinigs book.
HAS ANYONE in the group HAD SUCCESS with removal of root canals or cavitation
surgery???
I'll end with my favorite speech (yes speech!) by Winston Churchill:
Never! Never! Never! Never! Never Give Up!
Mark

I am interested in signing up for the new "support" list that grew out of
this list, but my account was "bumped" by onelist.com for some failure reason
(probably AOL,which I hate) and when I rejoined this list,old mail was lost.
Could someone tell me the name of this list so I can join? I need some
support, especially now after spending one hour straightening out aol's mess
and then another amount of time getting it to work as e-mail! As soon as I
buy my new computer I am off AOLD!
It's the worst.
Thanks for letting me vent, and I look forward to chatting with all of you.
Susan

Dear Group, much appreciate your help in finding this person a doctor in
Florida. I am forwarding his message:
thanks, The Fairylady
Tim Hiteshew wrote:
My sister has been diagnosed with DM for three years. She is currently
on prednisone alone. All else, Methraxate, Imuran, plaquennil etc. has
caused worse problems and she has had to come off all of it. I noticed
your antibiotic story on Sharons webpage and was writing to inquire
about it further. Is it helping you? And do you know of any doctors or
supports in the state of florida? I would appreciate hearing from you
and have a good Easter.

Hi,you all
First excuse the spelling,english is my mother tongue but Iwent to scool
in french and never studied in english.If i have
to check every word in the dictonary I will nether write .
I was diagnosed with RA in 1975 and told I would be in a wheel chair by
the time Iwas 30
great four years to go ! At that time I had 3 girls under 5 to raise .
A friend sent me to Boston where they diagnosed Polymiositis ,I was
given motrin & elavil
&told to keep away from steroids and a lot of rest.
Whent back necst year for a check up and ended up in hospital for 3
weeks, I had walking pneumonia in both my lungs and terrible animia.
For a while I seemd to pick up eany bug that was going around.
Then had a remison for about 10 years.
It all started up again about 6 years ago,twice I ended up in the
emergeny room because of kidney stones,muscular and joint pain and they
could not find out what was causing the problem.
My skin started to go funny,dry,itchy,blotchy horrible.All my hair fel
out last september,not very funny,got a wig:red &long like you dream of as a
child to cheer myself up.
The priliminary auto immune blood test are negative so they wont look
thurther.
At last they did a biopsy in december,I could have SLE or
dermatomyositis but they did not do a immunofluorecence so back to square
one,another biopsy and 2 stitches.What a disorgenised lot!
It is programd for necst week.
Tried Celebrex for 45 days and felt a lot better,but I had to stop,my
liver seems to be playing up.Will know on thusday if that is causing the
problem.
I know they are going to give me steroids here in belgium and I do not
like the idea.
Send me good arguments to convince them to try antibiotics.
Reeding all your mail cheers me up no end,now I know I am not nuts or
then we all are.
And a very comftable easter to all
Twinkie
.

For info on hydrogenated oils see:
www.dldewey.com/hydroil.htm

Liz G. Thanks so much for your greeting and prayers and everyone as well as the
great message from Kellis and Denise. Everyone has been a great support to me.
Even in the hospital, I knew you were out there. It helped so much. Your input
concerning edema, predisone, and antibiotics, etc. is of great help. Kellis and
Denise. Your mentioning about being in St. Aug. that was interesting. I grew
up in the Atlanta, Ga. area.; went to high school in the N.E. section of
Atlanta. I did graduate from college and then did my graduate degree in Texas.
I have been in St. Augustine since 1993. Our daughter lives here with her
husband and our grandkids-wow, what a boost to see them and hear them call me,
"Nana". The humidity here is pretty awful for me personally and the heat. But
otherwise it is nice. Keep me informed about your life, your expertise, and your
greetings also. All of you have been so helpful to me. The kids that I work
with also have been a great help. They have gone through a lot: abuse,
post-traumatic stress, separation, foster care, behavior/problems, and
suicidal/depression, etc. they cheer me up, can you imagine. Some of the little
ones I had to talk to on the phone, they thought maybe I had died; even though
in the last year I have not been sick except when I started going to the
rheumatologist and getting on all of the meds, interesting, uh, I think that is
why I am pretty sure that AP is the right way for me. Oh, sorry I went on and
on... George sends his greetings to Liz G. He stated that he could not type very
fast, but wanted to write you and others about my hospitalization. That was
great. I told him, "hey, they do not know how fast or slow you type! Love,
Martha

Sarah, I saw this on a newsgroup, is this what you were talking about in re
Vit E? LizG

First a question about the vitamin E. Why do they now say the synthetic is bad
for you? I like Adelle Davis books too.
Ever since taking the Levaquin for Bronchitis a month ago I have been feeling
awful. With the bronchitis I felt fine except for the coughing and sinus
infection. As soon as taking the Levaquin I got super sick for four days. Then
it let up some. Ever since I have progressed back to sweating and chilling.
Running a low grade fever alternating with temperature several degrees below
normal. Much stiffer and achy especially in arms and hands and just dragging
around. Feel really lousy at night with the sweats and chills and insomnia. I
dont know whats going on or if I could even have walking pneumonia again. My
doctor is impossible to talk to on phone and hard to catch in the clinic and so
far to go to get there. Im also feeling like everytime I see him I end up worse
than I was before I went in and besides he doesnt know as much about the AP as
you guys do. I dont know if this medicine caused a herx or a drug reaction or
the RA to flare up again. I do know my neighbor took it and got extremely sick
too but she stopped it after the one day.
Ive read that Levaquin has caused permanent sensory neuritis in a number of
people as well as ruptured tendons. What is sensory neuritis?
--
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 group,
Well I am off tomorrow for Las Vegas and then to Riverside to see Dr.
Franco for my first visit with him . Wish me luck!
On the subject of hyperpigmentation ,the dark grey marks that I had all
over both legs are almost gone! They are just faint shadows now and one of
the large ones has almost completely disappeared. It took nine months to
get to this stage but I am marveling at how good they now look. So those of
you that have them, they can fade! For once I didn't jump the gun and I put
off having lazer surgery done on them. Patience paid off.
See you in a week!
Leslie

Carol. Glad you let me know that we are neighbors. Yes, I am beginning to think
that a good ortho is better than my rheumy. I go to Dr. Olazar in Ponte Vedra.
She does not seem to be open to antibiotic therapy. However, since she has tried
a lot of things already with me, she might change her mind. I doubt it though.
Dr. James Grimes in St. Aug. is very good. He is nice, talks to you and not
down to you, treats with you respect, and is very well-informed. He is not
surgery happy. Every nine months or so I get the hyalgen injections into both
knee area to help put back the "natural" fluid to hold off on knee replacements
for awhile. There is a series of five injections (each knee). As far as the AP
therapy he suggested doxycyline 100 mg 2 x a day. I am glad to know that you
are near. Have a good week-end. I am still recovering from pneumonia, been hit
hard; my immunity is down so low. Martha, St. Aug.

Dr Chiu
Sorry for spelling your name wrong!

It is interesting that this topic has come up right now. My husband has
been told that he needs a root canal. Before I lost my hard drive to a
virus, I know I had saved some good articles on root canals. If you have
any articles, would you please send them to me? I want to make sure he is
fully informed before making a decision. Thanks for yourr help.
Linda

Hi Dr Chui
Some time ago you mentioned "fosomax" and didn't consider it a "good drug"
Here in Canada, I have been put on Didrocal (bone metabolism regulator) Is this
the same
thing.?
It is 14 white etidronate disodium tablets (400 mgm)
76 blue calcium carbonate tablets (500 mgm)
I am really concerned about this particular drug and would appreciate your
input.
Thanks
Gwen
RA 8 yrs
AP 14 months (with terrific results)

Name: Yoly
DOB:10-12-63
Ankylosing Spondylitis, 2-96 Treated with Indocine, ultram, flexerel
AP-3-20-99 on Cipro 500mg twice a day for now
I was diagnosed by the Professor of Rheumatology at one of the
largest medical schools in the country.Then went to the Mayo clinic saw
the top Rheumy there.Now have on of the top rheumys in the city that I
live in. NONE of these so called brains ever mentioned this type of
therapy to me.If they would have I think I wouldn't be disabled since
age 33. Hugs Yoly

yoland (Yoly) in Jacksonville. Thanks for getting back with me. It was great to
hear from you. I have been told my some of the group that I might try Mayo
Clinic
In Jax. there is now a satellite clinic of Mayo in St. Aug. I have not as of
this date. I go to a Dr. in Ponde Vedra Beach. I strated out there because she
was on my insurance group. She, however, is not the one that put me on AP
(antibiotic therapy) it was my orthopedic doctor who has given me hyalgen
injections for osteo-arthritis in knees. I get the impression from all of the
other drugs that this (rheumatologist) has given me, she might not be so
favorable for AP. I go back to her in a week or so. I have to get over this
pneumonia set-back now, however. Are you pleased with your M.D.? Thanks for
listening. Have a great and blessed week-end to you and yours. Martha Smith
from St. Augustine.

oops, forgot to relate that I am 50 years olds (6-7-48) and live in Florida;
diagnosed with RA since 12-98 and I just sent a recent update on what I am now
taking, etc. medications. I am in transition right now, but am on doxycline 100
mg 2 x day; 10 mg of predisone am going to try to get off this (taper, etc.)
soon. I have been on azsulfidine (could not take it, side effects such as
labored breathing, bronchitis) and then i was on a short time plaguenil (side
effects, play havoc with my hearing and made me dizzy) My susceptibility to
disease is increased a great deal; recovering from pneumonia right now. see my
last message sent as well. Thanks for your input; great group of people. Martha
Smith St.Augustine,Fla.

Liz Gardner (LizG)
4-19-56
RA, diagnosed 15 months (misdiagnosed many
years prior to this!)
Meds: tetracycline 12 months, many various nsaids, supplements
No. California

as many of you know I was in the hospital with severe asthma (so we thought).(I
was in the hospital from March 14-21st. Now I know according to a lung
specialist that I had double pneumonia (mycoplasma a typical pneumonia)! I had
the same pneumonia in 1994 and when I was thirteen years olds. My rheumatoid
arthritis was diagnosed in Dec. of 1998. (although I probably had it much
longer). I had my tonsils removed as a child of four and then they "grew-back"
when I was eleven years old; removed again! I almost (my Mother said) had
rheumatic heart disease from the infections. So here I am again. I am on
doxycycline (2 x day 100 mg each dose) and for the lung infection I am on
levaquin 500 mg 1x a day. I am shocked that I still am coughing, have oxygen
prn. I went back to work, but am limited. I am a children's therapist so
therefore it is not physically exhausting. I am unhappy that I am still on 10
mg of predisone a day. I had so much fluid in my body (22lbs more than usual)
the night I went to E.R. I am shocked. I have been on the predisone since dec.
1998. Well, enough for now.I think the fluid is worsened by predisone. Continue
your good thoughts, prayers, and info for me. I return to get results of more
x-rays and blood work the 14th of April. So therefore, this link between
mycoplasm and pneumonia is there in my estimation. Martha Smith from St.
Augustine, Florida

Hi,
Maybe someone can help me with this. I need to format my hard drive and
at present I have 655 messages in my inbox that I don't want to
delete-see how much I love this group-they are all from you-all and of
course Dr. Mercola's newsletter. How can I save them and all my
addresses when I reformat? As you can see, I am not real up on computer
stuff.
Helen

Hi Maria, i've been the group since Oct and I didn't know anything about
this. Why is the list so short? I thought there were about 300 members.
Anyway her is my info.
Helen Basler
54 2/24/45
RA 12/79
Marion, Il.
basler@...
Past: gold shots, penicillamine, numerous Nsaids, very little oral
prednisone, lots of cortisone joint injections, various surgeries,
methotrexate for 16 yrs.-stopped it last Oct. and tried Arava
Present: Minocycline 100mg. 3x week-Nov.98 I.V. clinicin for three days
in Nov.98. Naprosyn, methrotrexate 15mg. week and Vicoden at times.
Lots of vitamins, herbs, enzymes, oils, Flora Source etc.
Had pneumonia at one week old and have had Bronchiactises for 18 years.
Am having a hard time keeping on Minocycline regularly because I have
to constantly take other anti-biotics for my lungs.
I am so thankful for this group[found you in Oct. 98] and have absolute
faith in the AP. I know I will start on the road back once I get over
recent surgeries and upcoming neck surgery.

Geoff, What is RA SPES? I am looking for a better natural alternative to
NSAIDS, the Tolectin I recently returned to is beginning to give me bad rebound
effect again. Am getting by on a little Motrin now, but not happy about it. I
know you have probably posted on this before but could you go over it once again
for the newbies? What is in it, how does it work and where would one find it?
Thanks, LizG

Sugg:
Stay w/ sulphasalazine for the time being, try to eliminate mtx &
arthrotec, go on natural anti-inflam if needed such as RA SPES, or if
not that big a punch needed, boswellia or curcumin if can tolerate;
add-in antibiotic mino/doxy/clindy depending on tolerance.
If cost is more or equally as important as health or comfort - Pierre
has previously advised Canadian med system will Rx antibiotics in
accordance w/ Kloppenberg-O'Dell study - up to patient whether or not
she complies with their methodology in dosing (i.e., daily vs pulsed)
Depression is normal during the onset of flares and of the disease
proper - it needs to be kept in that perspective.
Rheumy's gollowing standard accepted protocols often prescribe mino in
conjunction w/ MTX, sulphasalazine, NSAID's, etc. - they seem to have an
affinity for for the "stew-pot" approach. ;)
These are all accepted recognized protocols. Sometimes requesting Mino
under the guise of it's anti-inflamm properties is a more effective
method of acquiring "permission to purchase" the drug (Rx) than asking
for it along the guise of the AP
Obviously she still needs anti-inflamm's - move off the pred (wean) and
try to RAS or others as noted above
This is the normal and usual approach for these physicians - it is
extremely unfriendly to the "host". The faster you can move her away
from these hit and miss items to something less insulting to her
constitution, the better - hence the advice to go to natural
anti-inflamms and *a* single antibiotic if possible. Then appropriate
testing for the various exact problems and treatment as dictated by the
test results - not as by guessed at without empirical data.
DON'T DO THAT!!!!!
Some of these drugs are EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO STOP COLD - MUST BE
WEANED OFF!!! Example, under certain circumstances stopping Prednisone
cold turkey can kill the host. You must use caution coming off these
drugs - go to the local library - research EACH DRUG in the PDR then
formulate a plan of reduction to zero.
If she was off the pred - on arthrotec / off arthrotec - on pred but
just for a short while and low doses (like 10mg or less) coming back off
will be much easier and the natural anti-inflamm's will help much more
quickly than otherwise.
This won't last forever - the sooner you get the meds straightened out
and get her back on her feet, the less problematic this will be.
However, the spectre of this should not leave your concience, i.e., what
are you, her children, planning to do if and/or when by age or infirmity
she can no longer care for herself regardless of RA being involved or
not? This is the normal course of the human condition:
dependence / independence / dependence
How are you going to handle it... and how will *your* children handle it
when it comes *your* turn back into the cycle?
That is not an RA question.
Is that where you want your kids to put you? Tough choices - I do not
envy you.
She doesn't need to - AP can be started by a conventional Rheumy in
conjunction w/ other treatment as above - not best but...
No doubt about that - the disease is insidious
--
Regards,
Geoff Crenshaw, ACC

Dear Group, I was off line for several weeks and missed the discussion
of root canals. I must consult a dentist about an abcess, which could
lead to the choice between a root canal or an extraction. I have
rheumatoid arthritis. What do I most need to know in making this
decision? Thank you. Peggy

A note for Pierre: Excuse me, but I think I read somewhere in one of your posts
that the life expectancy of an RA patient was 10 years - where did you get that
info? I've seen nothing of the sort. I've seen some information where life
expectancy could be shortened by 7 years, but nothing like what you are saying.
Also - whereas I appreciate all the information you are unloading on us, what
are your medical qualifications? I am concerned that newbies might conclude
that you have the answers to RA and I would suggest that no one has the answers
yet, despite the success with the AP enjoyed by many here, including myself.
Something in the back of my mind recalls that you were a student and avid
researcher which is fine, but in my scanning of your posts, I get the impression
that you are suggesting it must be done your way for results and I can't buy
into that. I think the disease varies tremendously between individuals and what
works for one may not work so well for another - sadly, a tremendous frustration
for us all as we try to determine what is working for each of us.
Mark
RA 4/98 A/P 7/98
Mino (100mg/2x/daily); Lodine 400mg 3x/day
http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes
RA Chat: http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes/RA/ra.html
mholmes@... ICQ # 18123139

Hi Group,
If any of you can help with these I'd appreciate it. I'm not sure if these
people are in the group right now or not. Thanks!
Hi there!
The following are addresses that I have listed in the database, and they are
wrong because the mail I sent to you was undeliverable. Could you please
give me your new address so I can update the database? Thanks!
Maria
Barb Burke <bburke@seidata
Carmen Gordon <micar@...
Deanna Dickson <Dicksons@...
Grayston <gdde@...
Greg Welch <gwelch@...

The current issue of the journal Circulation reports the results of a double
blind study in which the antibiotic azithromycin was successfully used to
treat people with coronary heart disease. The findings come from a study at
Utah Medical Centre, USA, of more than 300 people with heart disease who had
previously been infected with the germ chlamydia pnuemoniae. The germ is
regarded as one of those that may be responsible for aggravating heart
disease. Proof that antibiotics can treat heart disease would be an
astonishing medical breakthrough. Researcher Dr Jeffrey Anderson said: "We
once thought peptic ulcers were unrelated to bacterial infection but we know
today they can effectively be treated with antibiotics. "We need to find out
if the same could prove true of heart disease. "Antibiotic therapy could
become a major breakthrough treatment against a disease that kills more
Americans each year than any other disease."

Seems like "science" with all its scientific trials and tests is on the side of
companies trying
to make money?? Studies now show that vitamin E is bad for people unless it is
natural vitamin E.
And, how about that tryptophan (Spelling?) scare when people became permanently
disabled? Seems
like the company in Japan that manufactured the amino acid had altered the
bacterial soup without
testing the final product. THAT company name was covered up very well, and
instead a lot of hype
about licensing health food products has proliferated.
Adelle Davis and other old time authors who suggested that we go with natural
sources of these
vitamins and compounds were right.
Heather

If anyone knows that one of these ladies has left, please let me know and
I'll remove them from the list. Thank you!
Hi Carol and Sandy,
Your AOL address has changed from what I have listed on the database, so I
could not send you a message about the database listing. If you are still in
the group, please reply to my E-mail and let me know.
Maria

Hi All! It's time to update the database again. There are some new people,
and some old ones are gone. I could use everyone's help in letting me know
of people on this list that should probably come off of it. To update, find
your info (listed in alphabetical order by FIRST name) and let me know of
updates! If you want your name added on, please provide the following:
First Name:
Last Name:
Age and/or B-Day:
Disease (how long):
Meds (how long):
Location:
E-Mail:
Notes (if you want):
I will be accepting updates for about 2 weeks, and will update and
re-distribute the list by April 20 or so :-)
Thanks,
Maria
And the nominees are............
Anita
Hansen
64 -- 01/06/35
RA since 1973
Prednisone 4mg, 4 Aleve daily, Minocin since Jan 1998
Orlando Fl
Anihan@...
Going to lick this thing
Barb
Burke
52 -- 01/17/47
RA 4 years
Noni Juice (have given up all other meds)
Sunman, Indiana
bburke@seidata
Previous medications were: Prednisone, Gold shots, Plaquenil, Methotrexate,
3200 mg Ibuprofen, Sulfasalazine, Enteric coated aspirin. I am doing very
well now with only the Noni Juice. Praise God.
Bob
Andrews
74
RA (10 years plus)
Plaquenil since Nov of 89 started Minocycline July, 97, 100 mg MWF
Sarasota, Fl
boband@...
On a scale of 1-10 with ten great, I'm holding at about 7, up from a three
when starting Minocycline. Quality of life acceptable.
Bud
White
62 -- 11/07/36
RA
Minocine 200mg MWF
Saipan, Mariana Islands (Western Pacific Ocean)
bud.white@...
Diagnosed with sero-positive RA in 1984. Told I had RA or Palindromic
Rheumatism. Took Aspirin for a few years then moved to NSAID's. Started
200mg per day of Spironolactone in 1986. Relatively pain free until 1992.
Stopped doing nightshades in 1994. Pain level dropped an order of magnitude.
Pain started up again in 1995. Started Prednisone along with NSAID's in
1996. Started Doxycycline in Feb. 1997. Switched to Minocine in Aug. 1997.
Pain level has been dropping very very slowly for the past 8 months. As of
today 5/28/98 have been off Prednisone for one month. (Spent 6 months getting
off) Have not had an aspirin on NSAID for over 2 weeks. Still have pain and
swelling in ankles. All other joints are OK. In this for the long haul. If
I don't get the pain and swelling out of the ankles in another couple of
years I'll try something else
Cari
ô¿ô
42 -- 10/56
AS 10/83
Minocycline by Lederle (April '97)
Owens valley in CA
tcdenio@...
I'm not sure what I'm supposed to put here?!?!
Carmen
Gordon
32 -- 12/14/66
RA 10 months
Doxycycline 100 mg twice a day; Flagyl 1250 mg daily; Acidophilus 4 capsules
daily; Zinc Picolinate 4 tablets daily; BetaCarotene 25,000 iu daily; Tagamet
4 tablets daily.
Wilmore, KY
micar@...
Looking forward to seeing the list! God bless!
Carol
Esposito
41 -- 11/13/57
Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease and secondary Sjogrens Syndrome
Doxycycline, Prednisone, Cardizem, Zantac, Motilium, Claritin, Humabid,
Beconase A/Q, Vanceril, Ambien, Pamelor, Didrionel, (Ventolin, Atarax, and
Mycelex Troches as needed)
Larchmont, NY
Pencaresp@...
Like mysteries, computers, and the NY Mets :)
Carol
Garman
42 -- 08/10/57
Fibromialgia, Hypothyroid
Minocin, 100mg MWF, Elavil 10mg, levoxil 100 mcg
Chino, South CA
langmaster@...
I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in July, 1998 by Dr. Franco of Riverside,
CA. I have been hypothyroid for almost two years, that condition being
diagnosed first. I currently am on the AP treatment, started in October,
1998.
Carol
Zarn
54 -- 09/15/45
Dermatomyositis
Prednisone 20mg, Minocycline 100mg MWF, Naprosyn SA 750mg at Bedtime. Lots
of vitamins, minerals and herbs.
Piney, Manitoba Canada
bzarn@...
Tried to put me on Imuran, Plaquenil, cyclophosmahide-adverse reaction to
all. Started AP on June 20/98. Very early stages-up until this past June have
had no pain whatsoever, just lots of itching. Our last episode of high
humidity and up and down movement of the barometer brought out my first flare
in 4 yrs. The AP will win.
Cherryn
Ross
38 -- 01/27/61
Psoriatic Arthritis 14 years
Minocin 02/98
Erie, PA
rossi@...
ô¿ô
Cindi
Meyers
42 -- 12/22/56
RA
Relafen
Sioux City, Iowa
SsinD@...
I've had RA all of my life...being diagnosed when I was @ 4 years old
(doctors feel I was born with it or developed shortly after birth). Because
all my tests always come back negative for RA the diagnosis was slow in
coming. Cortisone given from 4 years old until @ 12.. Many other
"procedures done from 12-16 years old and then went into a slight remission
until after the birth of my first child in 1976. All the "normal" NSAIDS
given until I found the AP in Dec. 1996.
Colleen
Miller
55 -- 08/22/44
RA 12/82
Minocin 3X week, Zithromax 2X week 02/97
Southern California, Granada Hills
Billnconi@...
History of strep, started AP on EryTabs 5X week for 7 mo. Actually started
Minocin in Sept. of 97, and Zithromax in January of 98.After 9 or 10 months
in treatment, felt fatigue lifting...will report progress as time goes on.
Connie
Hache
44
Dermatomyositis (08/96)
Minocin 100mg MWF (02/98)
Richland, WA
jhache@...
ô¿ô
Dave
Brantl
44 -- 10/02/54
RA 10 Years
Prednisone, Dapro, Plaquenil, Doxycycline
Burlington, CO
jraeb@...
have been on AP for 3 months. have already dropped sulfa-salazine and
Methotrexate. and have reduced Plaquenil by 1/2.
Deanna
Dickson
35
CREST Scleroderma, Fibromyalgia, Raynauds
Meds-Retinal for swollen hands
Huntington Beach, Calif.
Dicksons@...
ô¿ô
Debbie
Hill39 -- 05/23/59
RA 8 yrs
5mg Prednisone (5 yrs) and 150mg Minocycline MWF (6 weeks)
Australia
dhill@...
ô¿ô
Deborah
Chandler
38 -- 10/04/60
RA
Minocycline since 04/98, Plaquenil, Lodine XL
Piedmont, AL
DECMBC@...
ô¿ô
Deby
O'Gorman
37 -- 04/21/61
RA, AS and Fibromyalgia 12 years
None right now - off AP when pregnant
Southern California
deby@...
As one of the original members of this group, I am so glad you guys started
it and found me and I love being a part of the best group of people God put
on the face of this earth and I wish the whole wide world knew about us. I am
now on the AP due to no longer being in remission after I stopped
breastfeeding Shelby. His is now 15 months old. I started on the AP in June
of '98.
Diane
Chamberlain
48
Sero-Negative RA and fibromyalgia (01/94)
Past-- Mtx, Plaquenil, azulf, Nsaids, Prednisone current-Minocycline,
supplements
Northern Virginia
chmbrln@...
ô¿ô
Dianna
MacLaren
45 -- 06/14/53
RA (3 years)
Was Plaquenil and Relafen, now only Relafen and Minocin (04/98)
Orlando, Florida, USA
Dianna@...
Kowabunga! I'm taking tons of supplements, and starting kombucha tea next week
Dottie
Kahhan
ô¿ô
RA Dx'd Aug 97 R.F. positive Mycoplasma fermantans positive
Plaquenil (anti-viral), Prednisone 4 mg (weaning off), Minocin , Naprosyn ,
Supplements (such as), , Curcurmin, Ginger, Bromelin, Amino Acids,
Glucosamine, Co Q Enzyme, Omega 3-6-9 oils, Multi vitas, Calcium
Danville Ca (East Bay area of San Francisco)
dckahhan@...
ô¿ô
Dottie
Kahhan
ô¿ô
R.A. officially Dx'd Aug 97
R.F. + Mycoplasma Fermantans + Originally on Plaquenil, Prednisone, Naprosyn
Now only Minocin and Clindamycin- as of Sept 98 Supplements: Multi-vits,
Calcium, Wheat grass, Aminoacids, CoQ enzyme, Immune complex, Omega oils,
grapefruit extract, cat's claw, and garlic.
Danville Ca (east bay of San Francisco)
Dckahhan@...
ô¿ô
Douglas
Freake
36 -- 03/24/63
JRA 28 years
Stopped metro on 26 June 98, planning to go on Mino this week. Other meds:
rhovail, Tylenol, folic acid
St. John's, NF, Canada
Zaro@...
ô¿ô
Emily
Rizun
61
Diagnosed with diffuse scleroderma and raynauds Nov/95.
On pencillamine.
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
ô¿ô
Started AP Nov/98, Minocin, Clindamycin (iv and oral) and herb supplements.
Started AP after reading all the wonderful info supplied by this wonderful
group of people. Thanks to you, and my prayers, I am improving my life.
Estelle
Nell
34
Scleroderma
Minomycin 100 mg daily
Johannesburg (RSA)
nell@...
ô¿ô
Ethel
Snooks
71
RA (1972) PM (1979) Sjogrens Syndrome (70s-?)
4 days of intravenous clindamycin (starting with 300 mg. And building up to
1200 mg.) and oral Minocin - 100 mg. M-W-F
Plano Texas
snooks@... or esnooks@...
At 22 months all symptoms left. Lab figures returned to normal in 4-1/2
years.
Gail
Hilbourne
41 -- 11/24/57
RA and fibromyalgia
Prednisone, naprelan, Minocycline 100mg 2x m-w-f
York, Maine
Hilbourne@...
I have 2 boys and a wonderful husband of 23 years (Jason 22...Adam 19) I was
diagnosed when I was 20 but brushed it off for 20 years with little or few
symptoms until my knee acted up in July of 1996. I was diagnosed again in
Oct. of 1997 with full flare up.
Grayston
ô¿ô
41 -- 06/07/57
RA
Minocin 50 mg MWF, Clindamycin 1200mg Th, Panadeine Forte
Albany, Western Australia
gdde@...
ô¿ô
Greg
Welch
41
Raynauds, limited, diffuse Scleroderma (so they say... who are "they"
anyway...)
Prilosec, aspirin
Annapolis, Maryland
gwelch@...
Glad to be part of the list. Finding out some interesting Information.
Should be starting the AP program next month (mid June), provided my doctor
hasn't had a change of mind...
Gwen
Armstrong
56
RA and fibromyalgia
Minocycline, Plaquenil. Prednisone (tapering off), Premarin and Losec
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
armstrog@...
ô¿ô
Jamie
McGrane
48
RA 23 Years
Minocin, fosamax, Relafen, supplements;
Philadelphia, PA
Jamie167@...
ô¿ô
Jan
Perdue
55
RA
Doxycycline, aspirin, supplements
Erie, PA
janper@...
ô¿ô
Janet
Moss
64 -- 05/27/34
RA 11 Years
AP 5 weeks
Montana
enterprz@...
ô¿ô
Janet
Sellers
39 -- 07/31/59
RA for 16 years,
Minocycline, Glucosamine, and supplements
south of Ft. Worth, Texas
bryan@...
Talking, live, e-mail;
Janet
Waddell
51 -- 03/10/48
Psoriatic Arthritis (4 years)
Minocin (since Jan. 28, 1998), Erythromiacin substituted 6 months, Lodine
(approx. 3 yrs. - dose went up before AP and has been decreased (yes!) since
then!! Lodine eliminated with the usage of RA Spes Vitamins, Acidophilus.
Collinsville, Oklahoma (suburb of Tulsa)
bwaddell@...
Married, two daughters (25 and 21), Youth secretary at United Methodist
Church, love to read, paint, crafts, flowers, nature "stuff" also known as
"Janet in Tulsa"
Janine
Osberg
ô¿ô
RA, PM, Osteoarthritis, 09/83
Gold (7 yrs), NSAIDS, Imuran, MTX, Plaquenil, Cyclosporine, Prednisone
Minocin 200MWF 02/97
Regina, Sask, Canada
ô¿ô
ô¿ô
Jean
Hullinger
60 -- 12/17/38
Sjogrens RA 9 yrs
Minocin (2 ½ yrs), Prednisone; Athrotec, lots of vitamins ,water and
acidophilus pregrenolene
Anchorage Alaska
bnjents@...
ô¿ô
Jeannie
Cassilagio
71
Fibromyalgia and Systemic Lupus
Dapro
San Mateo, California
TJMAXC@...
ô¿ô
Joyce
Hiatt
47
RA since 1990
5mg Prednisone daily since 1991, 600 mg daily Dapro since 1995, Minocin 200
mg MWF
NC USA
hiattruc@...
ô¿ô
Judy
Knee
54 -- 08/22/44
RA, Pernicious Anemia, Oesophagitis Medications: Minocycline
MWF: Ranitidine 300mg daily: Prednisone 5mg and 500mg Naprosyn when flaring.
Kelmscott, Perth, Western Australia
judy@...
Member of Piosa
Judy (deejay)
Wiebe
56
Scleroderma
doxycycline, Naproxen
Stevenson, Washington
deejay@...
Was diagnosed 6 years ago. 18 months on AP and doing very well. Have
basically gotten my life back!!!
Lanie
Dolliff
41 -- 03/09/58
RA 5/97 (symptoms really started 2 years prior)
AP since 5/1/97 Plaquenil 200 mg. & Prednisone 20 mg.
Bloomington, Minnesota
DOLLIFFDL@...
ô¿ô
Laura
Brown
35
Scleroderma, Bronchiectasis, Clinical depression (6-12 years)
23 pills per day...too many to type right now
L.A., D.C., So. Cal, TX, No. Cal and TX and holding
La26517@...
I feel very fortunate to find a place where I belong. I talk to my friends
about the people I've met here and how y'all are a constant source of
compassion, knowledge , support and laughter. It brightens my day.
Leslie
Carroll
40 -- 09/13/57
RA ( was seropositive, now after Minocin sero-negative)
200mg Plaquenil, 200 Minocin every other day , aspirin
Rock Hill, SC
LCarroll@...
ô¿ô
Linda
Greason
47
RA (diagnosed 20 years ago, but symptoms on and off for another 10 years
before that).
Previously: assorted NSAID's, gold, Methotrexate currently: Minocin,
Relafen, calcium, vitamin and mineral supplements, iron, vitamin C, Floradix,
ginger, Glucosamine sulfate, evening primrose oil, Tylenol as needed. Use of
Acuhealth unit on accupressure points for pain relief.
Ontario, Canada
kglg@...
I am very thankful to be a part of this group. The information and support
are very helpful.
Linda
Mazumdar
58 -- 08/13/40
MCTD, Raynauds, Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, GERD
Minocin, Coumadin, Prilosec
Goldsboro, NC
lcmedit@...
doing well
Linda
Trepel-Cantor
51
Common Variable Immune Deficiency/ Scleroderma: CREST Dx'd 93 symptoms
started "84
Doxy/ Clindamycin/ Gamma Globulin AB 14 months/ GG 20 months
Westchester, NY
LindaRTC@...
Seeing Dr. Whitman
Lisbeth
ô¿ô
51
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Osteoarthritis, Raynauds Phenomenon, Sjogrens
Syndrome, General Yukitis :-)) 37 years
Doxy since June 97, Oruvail: long time, Prednisone: forever, VERY bad news!
New Zealand
lisbeth@...
Lots of other 'nasty' drugs but am taking lots of supplements now instead
:-))) Numerous surgeries.
Lorraine
Brisson
52
Reactive as well as RA
500mg Relafen/ twice a day, 100mg Minocin/MWF
Simi Valley, California
cmelb@...
I was diagnosed in August of 1996 and met this wonderful group in August of
1997. Started seeing Dr. Franco in Jan. 1998 and started the AP mid February
along with all his recommended supplements. I have herxed a couple of times,
and seem to be improving daily. I have much more energy and am able to sleep
much better, therefore not requiring nearly as much as I used to. On the
mend, or on the road back as we say.
Lou
Strout
50 -- 07/17/47
RA
I take Naperoxen and Minocycline. 3 X a week and that is all.
Ardmore Alabama
rstrout@...
85% better after 7mo. AP
Marc
Holland
46
SD 3 years, AP 2 years
Minocycline daily 200mg, clindamycin oral weekly and cipro
Texas, USA
Marcorlisa@...
Wife Lisa answers for husband (Improved so much you can write directly to him
at Marcorlisa@...)
Maria
Walker
34 -- 05/11/64
DM since 02/97
Minocycline 200 MWF 100 STTS since 04/98 Prednisone 25mg daily
Lake Orion, MI
DMBGone@...
ô¿ô
Mark
Holmes
48 -- 08/15/50
RA
Lodine 300mg 3x/day
Troutdale, VA
mholmes@...
new to RA - came on over night 4/98. Since then have been on varying
anti-inflammatories, but nothing else. Very sore shoulders, neck, hands -no
involvement yet in ankles or hips. Feet are sore in the mornings. Have an
appt on 7/6/98 to see Dr. Kempf to see if he will put me on AP. Last test
dates - 5/1/98 - ESR-17; RA Factor 180; ANA 640:1
Rebecca
Fritzson
41 -- 02/10/58
RA and lupus (1985)
Erythromycin & MagSal (09/94)
Georgetown, TX
rebeccaf@...
also known as "Rebecca in TX"
Rebecca
Mason
57 -- 01/12/42
PM/ DM/ Raynauds/ Sjogrens Since 1994
Minocin 200mg M-W-F. Clindamycin 1200mg orally each Tuesday. Multi Vita.
Vita E 400 mg. Calcium 1000 mg. Rocatro 0.25mg Neoanabolene 5 mg. daily
Spiraldactone 100mg twice each day. Lasix 40 mg. 3-4 times a week Trazadone
50mg each night. Ibuprofen as needed Tylenol as needed Prepulsid 20 mg.
three times a day. Have previously taken Mtx, Imuran, Prednisone, Volteran
US citizen living and working in Indonesia on the Island of Java.
pakbimo@...
Sure wish I'd found the AP a few years earlier. I began the treatment Feb 6,
98 and know it will work for me. I really do appreciate this group it's
become my lifeline.
Sandy
Murphy
50 -- 12/23/48
RA for 10 years, on Ap about 4 years
Prednisone 5 mg, Doxycycline 200 mg MWF, Lots of herbs, supplement, vitamins.
Corvallis, Oregon
ladybug@...
Thank God for the AP. It's given me such hope for my future.
Sandy
Olson
41 -- 10/19/57
RA 07/97
Plaquenil 600mg daily, Minocycline 100mg m-w-f, Motrin and Vicodin as needed.
Take LOTS of supplements.
Lansing, MI
Rbosmo@...
ô¿ô
Sarah
Clark
56 -- 06/02/42
OA, RA, FMS and asthma
doxycycline for RA, some Naproxen, Albuterol nebulizers and inhalers for
asthma
Arkansas
sasc@...
Contacted RA after pneumonia in August 1997. Started AP in Jan 98. RA factor
down to negative in May 98
Shaun
Firth
33 -- 02/09/66
Ankylosing Spondylitis, Crohn's Disease, Psoriasis
Nabumetone (Relafen), Cytotec, Losec, Tylenol 3,4, Apo-Trazadone
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
shaun@...
ô¿ô
Stan
Williamson
49 -- 02/05/50
RA
Minocin, clindamycin, Prednisone, Lodine, cozaar, hytrin
West Monroe, Louisiana
mmwilliamson@...
RA diagnosed Nov. 1996; on AP since July 1997
Ute
Reeves
48 -- 07/09/50
RA since March 1998
Minocin 100mg MWF
Nooksack, Washington (near Bellingham)
nowyoga@...
ô¿ô
Yvonne
Testerman
63 -- 12/08/35
Scleroderma (morphea and linear) for 52 1/2 years
200 mg. doxycycline MWF since 06/11/97
Salem, Oregon
yvonnet@...
Took 51 years to find this treatment and talk my doctor into it.

Alright guys,
Here is a challenge for you...The following is a 72 year old lady, raised
10 children, lost her husband 2 years ago, and since then has come down
with RA...these are the most recent e-mails...any input is gratefully
accepted...Please forward your advice to Donna Starkey
starkey.donna@... or myself with your return button.(Thanks
gang,hug) Her mom lives in Oshawa Ontario, so Canadians, we must make an
impact.....
Hi Janine:
Received your messages just fine. They took mom completely off the
prednisone
yesterday. She has blown up like a balloon since using this drug. For the
moment they
have her on sulphasalazine, methotrexate and arthrotec. (These may not be
spelled right,
but I'm sure you know what they are.) I'm forwarding all your information
to one of my
sisters in Oshawa. She is making an appointment to see mom's GP and also
her specialist.
Whether or not she can convince them to try the antibiotic program remains
to be seen.
Thanks for all your support so far !!
Hi Janine:
Well mom doesn't seem to be getting any better. Sent her to a new doctor
who asked for
new tests to be done. They all came out negative. She is still trying to
convince them to
put her on the tetracycline program.
My questions for you are:
when you started taking the minocycline, what other drugs were you on
as well
what are currently taking and how much of each
how long did this take to get into your system before you started to
feel some relief
what specific tests were done to determine that this program would
work for you
how far advanced was your RA before you started taking the minocycline
If you could at least answer these questions, they may give the doctor here
a better
diagnosis for mom as to whether this may or may not work for her. He says
there is no
hope that she is far too advanced and this should be done at the first sign
of RA.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Donna Starkey
Thank you for your concern for mom's condition. We (my husband and I)
drove
to Oshawa this past weekend to see her and unfortunately her condition is
not
good. While still in the hospital she has become totally depressed and
said she
would just like to go to sleep permanently. She was having severe stomach
problems, throwing up constantly, so they took her off the arthrotec but
put her
back on the prednisone. A stomach specialist is coming in this week to see
her.
We are all at a loss. These doctors keep telling her the antibiotic
treatments
probably won't work for her. In the meantime they keep switching her
medications all around and drastically upsetting her system. We don't know
what to do anymore. We kind of wonder whether she should stop taking all
this
garbage, against the doctors orders and get it out of her system once and
for all
and start over. However, she is afraid of what might happen if she does.
She
has had nothing but problems since all these drugs were prescribed for her.
The
other problem is they will not keep her in the hospital many more weeks and
since she is not capable anymore of fending for herself we again are stuck
as to
what to do. No one can look after her 24 hours a day as each has their own
families to care for. Mom would not even consider moving in with anyone
either.
Unless something drastically changes in the next very short time, it looks
like
possibly a nursing home (what a horrible thought) !! That still won't
solve her
problem of agonizing discomfort.
Will keep in touch, thanks for your caring and support.
Hi, so glad to hear from you. Mom is not doing any better. The stomach
specialist will be
in today. They now have her on morphine so ease the pain. Am forwarding
your recent
letter to my sister in Oshawa. Hopefully she will take this to mom's RA
specialist and
sooner than later give mom a chance to try it.
A few quick questions:
1.How long would mom have to go without any kind of drugs in order to
start the
antibiotic program ? In other words clean out her system.
2.Would she be completely without any assistance during this period of
time?
They are afraid she may become worse without the aid of some drugs.
Please let me know. Thanks !!!!!!!!!!
Donna

NATUAL PROGESTERONE
By Dr Valentine DO
<<More evidence is out on natural progesterone as a safer alternative to
synthetic progesterone, more commonly referred to as a progestin. The most
widely prescribed progestin for women is Provera®. For hormone replacement
therapy (HRT), Provera has been the standard prescription along with its
estrogen counterpart, Premarin®. Premarin is a conjugated estrogen derived from
horse urine. Neither of these hormones are "natural" to the body, meaning they
have similar, but not identical, molecular makeup compared with their
corresponding human hormones. Natural progesterone, however, is identical to the
human progesterone molecule produced by the body. In a recent report in the
Annals of Internal Medicinefrom the ongoing Postmenopausal Estrogen/Progestin
Interventions (PEPI) Trial, researchers found that HRT, and particularly those
using equine (horse) estrogen and progestin regimens, significantly increased
mammographic density in the first year of use.1 The concern, according to the
investigators, is increased breast density that can elevate the risk for breast
cancer. Following more than 300 women enrolled in the PEPI Trial over a
three-year period, Dr Elizabeth Barrett-Connor, of the University of California
San Diego, and a multi-center team examined the effects of different hormone
replacement therapy regimens on changes in mammographic density of the breasts.
Over the course of three years, the women followed one of four hormone
replacement regimens or placebo: 1. Estrogen: conjugated equine estrogens
(CEE), used alone. This would be essentially equivalent to taking Premarin
alone, a synthetic estrogen. [Note: It is well established that women taking
estrogen alone, without progesterone (natural or synthetic), are at higher risk
for uterine cancer.2] 2. Estrogen plus progestin: CEE and synthetic cyclic
medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), used cyclically. This would be essentially
equivalent to taking Premarin plus Provera, whereby Provera is taken on a cyclic
basis. Most physicians recommend cycling three weeks on and one week off. The
study cycled this progestin by having the women use it for 12 days per month.
3. Estrogen plus progestin: CEE and MPA, used daily. This would be
essentially equivalent to taking Premarin and Provera daily. 4. Estrogen
plus natural progesterone: CEE and micronized progesterone (MP), used
cyclically. This would be the essential equivalent of taking Premarin and
natural progesterone, whereby natural progesterone was taken on a cyclic basis,
not daily. Natural progesterone is also referred to as micronized progesterone.
All the women had no history of taking estrogen for at least five years prior to
the study. Initially, all were given a baseline mammogram and at least one
12-month follow-up mammogram, according to a report in a recent issue of Annals
of Internal Medicine. Breast Density Increases When the results were analyzed,
women on an HRT program using estrogen exclusively had a mammographic density
increase of approximately 8% compared to their initial baseline mammographies.
Those who used an HRT program with combined estrogen-progestin had a 19-24%
increase in mammographic density, most often within the first year. More
specifically, those taking a progestin on a daily basis had the 19% increase,
and those taking the progestin cyclically (12 days during the month) had the
increases of 24%. Women who were taking the estrogen-natural progesterone
regimen (on a cyclic basis) resulted with increased densities of 16%. No studies
were performed for daily estrogen-natural progesterone usage. By contrast,
increases in mammographic density were "rare" among women in the placebo group.
Progestin: Higher Risk for Breast Cancer The findings indicated that
estrogen-progestin regimens were 7 to 13 times more likely than estrogen alone
to cause increases in mammographic density. What is clear is that
estrogen-natural progesterone users had less breast density increases than
estrogen-progestin users regardless of whether the progestin intake was daily or
cyclic. It is probable, since daily progestin usage resulted in less density
than for cyclic progestin users, that the same would hold true for natural
progesterone use too. Meaning, if the researchers would have tested for a
regimen of daily estrogen-natural progesterone intake (not just a cyclic
regimen), then in all probability, breast density results would be much lower
than 16%, and even perhaps approach the values of using estrogen alone. Bottom
line: natural progesterone is a better option. And progestins appear to offer no
advantage, but in fact, may offer a higher risk for breast cancer. At the end
of the first year, the probabilities of continued increases in breast density
were calculated. The results paralleled those of the preceding study. In
declining order, the results were: estrogen plus cycled progestin at 13.1%;
estrogen plus daily progestin at 9.0%; and estrogen plus cycled natural
progesterone at 7.2% -- compared to estrogen alone. Cyclic progestin was
associated with a bigger increase in breast density than daily progestin.
Natural progesterone was less yet. In fact, estrogen with natural progesterone
was nearly 31% less than cyclic progestin and 45% less than daily progestin.
The investigators were concerned because of the consistent link between greater
mammographic density and an increased risk of breast cancer. While the
underlying mechanisms of this association are not clear, the relationship is
worrisome and "strong." This is not so surprising for those schooled in natural
HRT. Progestin-Induced Heart Attack Less than two years ago, another study was
done using estrogen, either along with progestin or natural progesterone, in
menopausally-induced rhesus monkeys.3 The progestin used was medroxyprogesterone
acetate (MPA, the same drug as Provera, the most widely prescribed synthetic
progesterone in the U.S.). In the short period of four weeks, progestin caused
severe coronary artery deterioration, leaving the monkeys susceptible to heart
attack and death. When platelet-forming drugs induced heart attack in the
monkeys, they had to be treated with emergency rescue medication. Otherwise they
would have died. However, those monkeys receiving natural progesterone plus
estrogen, or estrogen alone, were found to recover rapidly without the use of
emergency drugs. In the judgement of the researchers, MPA or Provera (but not
natural progesterone) increases the risk of coronary vasospasm. Progestin, a
synthetic that is similar to human progesterone, appears to be inferior to
natural progesterone, which is identical to the hormone naturally produced in
the human body. In the words of researcher Kent Hermsmeyer, PhD, "The big
surprise is that [Provera] poses such a huge risk. This is really a dangerous
drug."4 Progestin: Worse Than No Treatment At All Another scientist doing work
with monkeys at Wake Forrest University is not surprised.5 In an editorial
comment in the same issue of Nature Medicine,Dr J. Koudy Williams stated that
based on his own research, Provera (synthetic progesterone) can counteract the
beneficial effects that estrogen therapy has on heart disease. On the same side
are other scientists, who have long suspected the destructive influence of
Provera on coronary function.6 At London's National Heart and Lung Institute, a
group of scientists have concluded that natural progesterone can actually reduce
platelet aggregation (clumping of blood cells which can form harmful clots).7
About Provera, Dr Williams warns, "It's worse than no treatment at all."
Natural Progesterone is Safer When you take the statements above into
consideration, and then review the comments made by Dr Barrett-Conner and her
colleagues about their own findings, it is puzzling that the PEPI group does not
appear very alarmed about their own results. They themselves indict progestins,
and support that natural progesterone is safer. Dr Barrett-Conner and her
colleagues were cited as saying " . . . increases in density found in the PEPI
Trial may confer some as yet unquantifiable increase in risk. Further study of
this potentially important risk stratifier is warranted." The glacial pace of
discoveries generated by the PEPI Trial is creating a growing number of more
aware and knowledgeable scientists, physicians, and other health care providers.
These professionals have studied natural hormone replacement and understand that
natural progesterone is far superior to any synthetic progestin regimen. They
understand that natural progesterone can lend increased protection against heart
disease, osteoporosis, and probably breast cancer.

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