Auto-immune diseases

Hi Group and Dr. Chiu,
I know this is off subject but I don't know where else to ask and I'm too
tired and in too much pain to do much research.
Our daughter just had Rotator Cuff surgery and none of the Pain Killers
worked because she has overdosed so many times on pain killers throughout the
years because of such horrible horrible menstrual cramps. When 1 pill didn't
do it she would take another and so forth to rid the pain. Pretty soon
nothing worked so she would take more and more. She must be immune to all of
them. Now she has learned what real pain is.
Does anyone know if Chelation Therapy would help her? What would be the best
course of action? She may need a hysterectomy soon as she has a return of
cervical precancer.
Thanks, and hugs, Anita
RA 26 years, AP 15 months

Thank you to everyone who has answered me about the reflux and medications
and their interaction with the Minocin.
For those of you who are taking Prilosec and similar medications, I think it
might be advisable to speak with your doctors to make sure you are getting
the maximum effect from the AP.
In THE PILL BOOK, under Minocin it states:
"Cimetidine, Rantidine, and other H2 antagonists may reduce the amount of
Tetracycline antibiotic absorbed into the bloodstream, thereby decreasing its
effectiveness."
Prilosec is a stomach acid inhibitor and that, I believe, is what an H2
antagonist is.
(Though I may be wrong.....Please respond, anyone if you know for sure!)
Antacids can be taken if they are separated in time by at least 2 hours (as
people do for vitamins, minerals, calcium etc.)
Soooooo, that's all I know for now.
I will see my internist to see if an ulcer is causing my symptoms or just old
reflux (which I suspect). By the way, my symptoms are just a sore throat, at
times, and hoarseness (gets worse after food), so if any on you have these
you could have reflux too ( I have no stomach pain or hearburn).
I appreciate all your suggestions and help.
I have known about aloe vera, and should try it. I probably will.
Also, thanks for the food list I should avoid. It's so hard as I am a
chocaholic mexican food lover, but when I eat my chocolate, sugar free,
frozen soy dessert, it does act up more.
I am due to restart the Minocin Monday, having finished the sinus meds.
My ASO test was negative, but my doctor didn't do the mycoplasma test..he's
quite disdainful of the infectious theory but is very supportive of the drug
and using it long-term, and he's so nice, so we can't have everything.
Only two more days till blast off!
I will be more active here when I get my new computer. Mine is so old and
slow it takes forever.
Thank you all. Feel good.
Susan

Hi to all out there, my name is MARIE, I live in MAINE< is there anyone out
there , have a dease, call scleroderma, rum.aritist, raunads, I never new
,there were so many sick people out there, butgee I pray, for all of ya, well
it started four , years ago, my hands got so cold I scream, my husband, took
me to the hosp. and did nothing but the med put me to sleep. then Mon my hus.
took me to my DR
there no cure but I have heard their people came to a stand still, some didnt
make it, some are still here and he said , you have faith, and pray, well
work together, then he sent me to rumogist////he knew just what i had, so,
they put me on couple of pill for pain, oh gee it was a no no. then, he put
me on something, I said this is it Iam going down fast, 1995 my fingers are
half bent,first, year, was living /?????? I knew there was no hope for me
three people die, so I sat on the couch, had waker hurt to move, couldt even
cry, it hurt, breathing was bad, said it was thew smoking , ismoke three park
a day. I had my jobs , had to retired. so got depress, then didnt care, buti
quit smoking 1995 that day. then i read a magine, a lady had it so bad, she
had to eat through a straw. baby, her whole body was alsmost gone, she wrote
to me, she came out of it, now back to work, she had it when she was young,
she got me off diary prodcuts into hearbs water, yes iam doing better, but my
fingers are bad, can someone help on this I do like reading your letters,
thanks for you nice people out there please write thanks MARIE

Just read Jan's experiment with peroxide in the sauna. If you don't have a
sauna why not heat some moist towels in the microwave or the clothes dryer
if you have a "thing" about the mikie. Then apply the cloth saturated with
peroxide covered over with the hot steamy towel. Should accomplish the
same thing especially if the part that's ailing you is small and not your
whole body. Judy (deejay)

Hi Folks,
A week or so ago I asked ya'll if you thought my reasoning
was right to apply the hydrogen peroxide while in the sauna.
I finally got around to trying it last night. I wanted to do
it as scientifically as possible so I didn't do my whole
body. What I did was spend 10 minutes without anything on,
then poured the peroxide on a washcloth and wiped down my
legs, feet, arms and hands with it. I didn't go near my back
which hurts every bit as much, especially the sacroiliac
region. Anyhoo, you may also recall my mentioning that my
left knee has been in a flare ever since diving into the
pool about a month ago or more. It's been swollen and very
painful to walk on ever since. So, I laid the peroxide
soaked wash cloth on my left knee. I then stayed in the
sauna another 10 minutes.
Unbelievably, it has now been almost 24 hours and my left
knee has not hurt or been swollen since walking out of that
sauna. The places I just rubbed the peroxide and left in the
air didn't improve any noticable amount. The places I didn't
do at all didn't improve. But that knee with the direct wet
peroxide cloth in that hot sauna is pain free. My own plan
is to find some old clothes to dip in peroxide and put on
half way through the sauna. If it works as well as this
washcloth experiment did, this may be the best way yet to
use the peroxide. In baths and hot tubs it's diluted. After
a shower doesn't seem to be terribly effective. But steaming
it (3% undiluted) into your skin seems like a miracle pain
relief method if this very preliminary experiment holds up.
:-) If you have access to a sauna, you might want to
experiment with it yourself.
Best - Jan K

Hi Folks,
Last night I watched a show on The Learning Channel about
the medical research into the Gulf War Syndrome. One of the
things mentioned as a contender for the problems was the
major over-use of pesticides on the troops tents and
uniforms. It went on to discuss that these pesticides work
in the same way that the nerve gases do, only at different
dosages. The example was that if it only takes one drop of
Sarin (I believe that's right, a nerve gas in any event) to
kill you, the equivalent would be about the same as 1 cup
(250 ml) of malathion (extremely common pesticide). I happen
to live in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, which you may or
may not have seen in national news about the ariel spraying
of malathion last year for a recent medfly problem we've had
in our citrus groves. It got in our pools, lakes, lawns, and
needless to say, lungs and skin. And like the Gulf War,
there have been sporadic reports of health problems ever
since and the local med school is doing research on the
subject.
Enough background. I happen to be an avid gardener and have
used malathion spray in my own vegetable gardens in the
past. I haven't used it recently, but I still tend to use
dry fertilizers with systemic pesticides in them for my
flowers and plants because pesticidal soaps just don't cut
it with Florida's voracious oversized bugs. One whiff of the
systemic lets you know it's got some potent stuff in it. So
I guess my thoughts are, how much of an influence have my
garden chemicals had on my health? Among other things they
are finding with GWS folks is chromosomal damage and direct
nerve damage. One of the most relavent things they mentioned
talked about the chemicals mode of action being to put
muscles into permanent spasm. I'm sure some of you know a
lot more about this than I do and can elaborate.
So, does anyone have any commentary on this area?
Best - Jan K

You can download a free antivirus program at
http://www.cai.com/antivirus/personal/
I did it and it cleaned out Happy 99 virus and now keeps me from opening
any more infected messages. Judy (deejay)

Here's your chance to participate in some interesting on-line events. Maybe
even make an impact!
http://www.arthritis.org/arthritismonth/coalition/coalition_sites.asp
Mark
http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes
RA 4/98 AP 7/98
Minocycline (Lederle generic) 100mg 2x/day; Lodine 400mg 3x/day
RA Chat - http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes/RA/ra.html

I checked it out and it is part of the calling card that netscape
attaches.
It has been there for a while, since I set it up. It allows people who
cannot receive html in the email to view the card in the browser.
However, I understand the big virus freak-out right now, so I turned off
the card.
Not to get too far off topic here but I also wanted to say that I use an
anti-virus program to be safe, since I am on the net alot, but since I
have a Macintosh, most viruses are not contagious to me. I am immune!
Think about that next time you go to buy a new computer.
Valerie Tate
Macintosh advocate - "I just can't help myself."
Computer House Calls

OK So I just got an attachment with this mail from Valerie Tate I disabled
the attachment, however Valerie I would check to see if you have the virus if
you did not send an attachment on purpose. Kelly Pritchard
Subj: Re: [rheumatic] Arthritic Bill of Rights?
Date: 5/7/99 2:03:09 AM Pacific Daylight Time
From: valtate@... (Valerie Tate)
Reply-to: valtate@...
To: rheumatic@onelist.com (rheumatic@onelist.com)
File: valtate.vcf (314 bytes)
DL Time (49333 bps): < 1 minute
The right to participate in your own medical care to any degree with which
you, the patient, are comfortable; and even to direct it, to the degree
that it is safe.

<A
HREF="http://www8.zdnet.com/pcweek/stories/news/0,4153,1014547,00.html"
here: PC Week: 'Chernobyl' author questioned but not charged
</A

In article <000701be9747$bc026ba0$c8481bd1@...
If you had cysts before, they can come back, and sometimes you get a
toxic nodule.
-------
Regards, Dr Graham Chiu
Prospective Internet Observational Study in Arthritis
Home Page http://www.compkarori.com/arthritis/
Contribute at http://www.compkarori.com/arthritis/contrib.htm
Data Entry at http://www.compkarori.com/cgi-local/piosa.cgi

Anyone wanting to unsubscribe just has to go to our web page,
www.rheumatic.org/welcome.htm
and select 'unsubscribe'. You can also unsubscribe from www.onelist.com, the
server that the group is running on.
Chris.

Hello everyone,
I just spoke to Judy (Deejay) on the phone. She's working on getting
the virus out of her computer and that's why she's been quiet today.
This evening her daughter will help her remove it and she can update us
on the prayer list. She is very sorry for the inconvenience, but we
both agree that the virus probably came from our onelist.com. Thank you
to everyone who has posted on how to remove these critters.
Also, she and her husband will be driving through my part of the state
in a week or so and we all plan on having dinner together :-))
take care and better health to one and all,
Connie

A couple of people have written me since I made remarks about colon cleansing
and I want to tell a little more about my experiences with this sort of thing as
it caused me a lot of problems I'd like to see others avoid. I have had trouble
with RA-associated IBS in the past, at times very bad. During the course of
having GI tests done, x-rays and scopes, I had to use laxatives and enemas to
clean me out for the tests, also was given laxatives and stool softeners by
mistake postpartum when I had my first baby in the hospital. Both times I became
very ill and my IBS was aggravated to the extent that my weight went down to 90
pounds and I was so weak I couldn't get out of bed. You should be very careful
with laxatives of the stimulant kind and enemas of anything but water if you
have RA and have had any intestinal involvement at all. It may work for some
people without a problem but I just wanted to point out that it is not
necessarily safe and risk-free for all. I have also read that some people with
inflammation of the colon, especially if there is ulceration involved have had
perforations or intestinal bleeding due to improper colon treatment. Everyone
has to decide for themselves, just wanted you all to know to use caution.
Several doctors have told me that bulk-type laxatives like metamucil are ok and
may be of benefit to some with IBS as they maintain water content of the stool.
I'd advise you to try this first, also a good diet high in fibre (build up
slowly if you have irritation in the intestine) and use supplements with
antiinflammatory action as well for the best results and lots and lots of water,
especially if you are using bulk laxatives or they may cause blockage in some
cases. Always check with your doctor before using stimulant-type laxatives if
you have RA or IBS. JMHO. I hope this helps. Liz G

I AM TRYING TO UNSUBSCRIBE ALSO - NOTHING IS WORKING - PLEASE REMOVE ME FROM
LIST!!!!!! PHYLLIS STEELE PST1111@...

Testing

Please unsubscribe me for the time being, can't figure out how, although
I know Sarah has explained it before. Just moved and I'm feeling
overwhelmed. Thank you!
Theresa

Hi all, the virus (worm) happy99.exe CAN sneak thru as gibberish, which
actually is the virus program - it does NOT have to arrive as an
attachment. The reason is (according to the system admin. for another
list I'm on):
The text in your message which began as
"begin 644 Happy99.exe"
is a uuencoded binary file. It can be extracted
back to its original binary form either manually
using a uuencode/decode utility or automatically
by many email programs.
Email clients frequently allow users to select how they
want attachments sent. Uuencoding is one of these
selections. Attachments so sent will usually pass
attachment blocks unmolested.
Below are instructions on what to do.
Best to all, Starla
Happy99.Worm
VirusName: Happy99.Worm
Aliases: Trojan.Happy99, I-Worm.Happy
Likelihood: Common
Region Reported: World Wide
Characteristics: Trojan Horse, Worm
Description: This is a worm program, NOT a virus. This program
has reportedly been received through email spamming and USENET
newsgroup posting. The file is usually named HAPPY99.EXE in the
email or article attachment.
When being executed, the program also opens a window entitled
"Happy New Year 1999 !!" showing a firework display to disguise its
other actions. The program copies itself as SKA.EXE and extracts
a DLL that it carries as SKA.DLL into WINDOWS\SYSTEM directory.
It also modifies WSOCK32.DLL in WINDOWS\SYSTEM directory and
copies the original WSOCK32.DLL into WSOCK32.SKA.
WSOCK32.DLL handles internet-connectivity in Windows 95 and 98.
The modification to WSOCK32.DLL allows the worm routine to be
triggered when a connect or send activity is detected. When such
online activity occurs, the modified code loads the worm's SKA.DLL.
This SKA.DLL creates a new email or a new article with
UUENCODED HAPPY99.EXE inserted into the email or article. It
then sends this email or posts this article.
If WSOCK32.DLL is in use when the worm tries to modify it
(i.e. a user is online), the worm adds a registry entry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
CurrentVersion\RunOnce=SKA.EXE
The registry entry loads the worm the next time Windows start.
Removing the worm manually:
1. delete WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SKA.EXE
2. delete WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SKA.DLL
3. in WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ directory, rename
WSOCK32.DLL to WSOCK32.BAK
4. in WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ directory, rename
WSOCK32.SKA to WSOCK32.DLL
5. delete the downloaded file, usually named
HAPPY99.EXE
Windows prevents you to do step #3 and #4 above if the machine
is still connected to the Internet.
The file "windows\system\wsock32.dll" is used whenever the machine
is connected to Internet (i.e. through dial-up or LAN connection).
If you are using dial-up connection (i.e. America Online), you need to
do the following:
1. terminate internet connection
2. delete WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SKA.EXE
3. delete WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SKA.DLL
4. in WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ directory, rename
WSOCK32.DLL to WSOCK32.BAK
5. in WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ directory, rename
WSOCK32.SKA to WSOCK32.DLL
6. delete the downloaded file, usually named
HAPPY99.EXE
If you are connected to Internet through LAN (i.e. in the office or
cable modem), you need to do the following:
1. From the Start menu, select shutdown-restart in MS DOS mode
2. type CD \windows\system when DOS prompt (C:\)appears
3. type RENAME WSOCK32.DLL WSOCK32.BAK
4. type RENAME WSOCK32.SKA WSOCK32.DLL
5. type DEL SKA.EXE
6. type DEL SKA.DLL
Safe Computing:
This worm and other trojan-horse type programs demonstrate the
need to practice safe computing. One should not execute any
executable-file attachment (EXE, SHS, MS Word or MS Excel file)
that comes from an email or a newsgroup article from an untrusted
source.
Norton AntiVirus users can protect themselves from this virus by
downloading the current virus definitions either through LiveUpdate
or from the following webpage:
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/download.html
Write-up by: Raul K. Elnitiarta
March 2, 1999

I've been unsubscribed from the group for a long time but have returned.
The recent posts on the Constitution/Bill of Rights got me thinking:
I feel arthritics have long been abused/misunderstood by the medical
community. I was wondering what OUR Bill of Rights would be... :-)
Article I: ?

When I down loaded my e-mails this morning Nortons cought another Happy.99
virus. I don't know which post had it. I think it came not as an
attachment, because otherwise the post would be still there and the
attachment would show killed.
Ute

Please unsubscribe me for the time being...just moved and feeling
overwhelmed. Thank you.
Theresa

Unsubscibe, please

Good morning everyone!
It's been a while since I've been in touch with the group, so for those who
'know' me, I'll provide a quickie update. It's been almost two years that
I've been on the AP. I'm still on a low dose of methotrexate, but continue
to taper off. Things have not been dramatic for me, but the little changes
in joint pain (or lack of), energy level, mental clarity, mood, stamina,
etc., have me convinced I've done the right thing. If anyone has any
questions, I'd be happy to receive all e-mail. And thanks to the poppies
who have sent me all the good vibes - I'm now working with a terrific group
of people, designing and building some wonderful homes.
In the meantime...I wanted to share something I saw the other night on
television. I was watching a program on alternative medicine, and a woman
was talking about something she referred to as 'colon cleansing' (sounds
like a glorified enema to me - brrrr). Apparently after a few of these
treatments, a variety of gastro-intestinal and uterine problems
disappeared. The practitioner explained that two tubes were used - 1 to
provide water and the other to channel waste out. But according to the
homeopath, the waste, including heavy metals, could have been in there for
yeeears!
So I'm wondering if anyone has tried this???? Results???? It sounds like
something that could be beneficial if I can get past the part that makes me
shudder. I'm also wondering how true it is that something could be in the
colon for so long, and that flushing it out with water will work. I'm
looking forward to the responses.
Hope everyone is well!
Chrys

I have noticed a symptom which I can't explain and wonder if others have
experienced a similar feeling. Sometimes, I have noticed a sensation of
mild burning or tingling--I really don't know how to explain it--just a
little back from the tip of the tongue. I am trying to be aware of when I
feel it, but so far I can't seem to find a pattern. I have RA and wonder if
it's connected to that.
Linda

Deejay, your prayer list came as a Happy 99.exe attachment, so I didn't open
it. Would you please send the list again, but not in attachment form.
Linda

Here it is again.
Susan
Light is "Living in God's Holy Thoughts."

Hi,
Today, since I received from this list the garbled encoded post that
started Happy 99 I believe. I have had several undeliverable posts. They
were posts to this list. I received them back to myself.
The last time just now I received this: Undeliverable to this address:
rgcomm@... This is an address that is not any where in my list
or on my computer that I am aware of, so how it was supposed to have been
sent to this may mean that I have been infected.
Great--Just what you wanted to hear. But if I am then you are if you opened
the post?????? no attachment, just the post.
I do not know what to do exactly about this or even if this is true. Anyone
have any ideas???
Any help would be apprectiated as I am a fairly new PC user being a Mac fan
for ages. I'm not so sure where to look or even how. I have looked in the
atachments and it is not there. I have emptied the trash where most things
go both times I got this. So-o-o-o-o- Any suggestions? Any one else with
this problem?
Susan
Light is "Living in God's Holy Thoughts."

Heres a url all about Happy (and other virus') and how to tell if you have it
and how to get rid of it. Its not real
dangerous and attaches to email you send without your knowing it.
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Heights/3652/span.html
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 all,
This is forwarded from another list. Mr Bradley has been doing some good
research on natural things. I think he was the one who said several years
ago: "Ever seen a casket with a money bag attached to it?" He has put his
retirement into worthwhile things like this that at the time no one else
was doing. He has done some other stuff too.
Susan
Susan
Light is "Living in God's Holy Thoughts."

I've appreciated all the answers I 've received from everyone. I had an
interesting conversation this evening with an ER doctor who was hiking the
Appalachian Trail and for whom I gave a shuttle to a nearby town. We were
discussing RA and he was surprised to hear about minocycline treatment for
RA. He seemed quite familiar with mycoplasmas, having grown up near
Norwalk, Ohio where apparently they did a lot of research on mycoplasmas.
He was a bit puzzled as to why the tetracyclines would be used. He thought
that drugs of the macrolide family such as Zithromax and Biaxin would be
used and suggested that I look into them. He was quite interested in the
minocycline approach. We also discussed IV clindamyacin and also the
problems of C-diff with this approach (one of the reasons that the NIH was
doing a study on IV doxycycline, which didn't have the bacterial overgrowth
problems that IV clindamyacin apparently does). If you want a lot of info
on Zithromax, check out http://www.pfizer.com/hml/pi%27s/zithromaxmacpi.html
Again thanks everyone - I'm reading all of your replies with great interest.
I'll keep you posted.
Mark
http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes
RA 4/98 AP 7/98
Minocycline (Lederle generic) 100mg 2x/day; Lodine 400mg 3x/day
RA Chat - http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes/RA/ra.html

Heres a few funnies to bring some cheer!!! hugs ,Yoly

http://www.hugnet.com/YourHealth/goldcrowns.html
Here is a page about gold crowns. It is linked to a page of all dental
materials. Briefly.
Susan
Light is "Living in God's Holy Thoughts."

Dr. Chiu and other group members: I am a little concerned about a thyroid test
I had done a little over a week ago. My physician is sending me NOW to an
endocrinologist. I had a partial thyroidectomy in 1972, benign tumors. I was
on .1mg of synthroid for 20 years. Then a physician in 1992 took me off of the
synthroid stated that my blood work was within the normal range; he felt like I
did not need it.
Well, now my TSH is very very low 0.02 and my T uptake is 30.9 normal' T4 is
7.3 normal and T7 is 2.3 So what is going on... Does predisone make a different.
I am taking 10 mg of pred. every day. I had hypothroidism in 1972; now this
looks like the hormone is putting out too much thyroxin or whatever you call it.
Any idea connected with RA? Thanks for your input. Martha Smith

Well, I apologized for sending this the other day and it didn't go
through (good for me). But then, with egg on my face many wrote and
asked that I send it anyway. Not being one to shrink from a fight I sit
here in my cozy place, bundled in the security befallen me as the
blessing of those who died to make it so and with that I don my Nomex
suite and yell, 'LOOSE THE FLAMES... '
The following was written by State Representative Mitchell Kaye from GA.
You may find it interesting:
"We, the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help
everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid any more
riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the
blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our
great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and
establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt
ridden, deluded, and other liberal Bed-wetters. We hold these truths to
be self-evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of
Rights and are so dim that they require a Bill of No Rights."
ARTICLE I:
You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV or any other form
of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one
is guaranteeing anything.
ARTICLE II:
You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on
freedom, and that means freedom for everyone - not just you! You may
leave the room, change the channel, express a different opinion, etc.,
but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.
ARTICLE III:
You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a
screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful. Do not expect the
tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently
wealthy.
ARTICLE IV:
You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the
most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need,
but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after
generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than
the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes.
ARTICLE V:
You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but
from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public
health care.
ARTICLE VI:
You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you
kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if
the rest of us want to see you rot in jail or fry in the electric chair.
ARTICLE VII:
You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob,
cheat or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be
surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place
where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life
of leisure.
ARTICLE VIII:
You don't have the right to demand that our children risk their lives in
foreign wars to soothe your aching conscience. We hate oppressive
governments and won't lift a finger to stop you from going to fight if
you'd like. However, we do not enjoy parenting the entire world and do
not want to spend so much of our time battling each and every little
tyrant with a military uniform and a funny hat.
ARTICLE IX:
You don't have the right to a job. All of us sure want all of you to
have one, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect
you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational
training laid before you to make yourself useful.
ARTICLE X:
You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that
you have the right to pursue happiness - which, by the way, is a lot
easier if you are unencumbered by an overabundance of idiotic laws
created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.
If you agree, we strongly urge you to forward this to as many people as
you can. No, you don't have to, and nothing tragic will befall you
should you not forward it. We just think it is about time common sense
is allowed to flourish - call it the age of reason revisited.
--
Regards,
Geoff Crenshaw, ACC

I didnt open these except that the rheumatic digest had all the gibberish in it.
I also found a couple more in my
newsgroups. I did the disinfect and it couldnt do a couple and then I did the
delete to them all. This caused me to have
problems with the FAT and scandisk restored the backup. I also ended up having
my browser lock up on java loading. I
uninstalled and reinstalled browser and ran virus scan again. Now it listed all
the virus's that it was supposed to get
rid of the first time and said it couldnt disinfect any of them. Was this
because the virus was attached to certain
files even tho not opened or what. This time I deleted manually the files too
and so far it says there are no virus's.
However my browser still locks up when it says loading java. I turned the java
off in preferences and it works ok
including the javascript.
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

Vitiligo is the same thing that turned Michael Jackson "white". It is
more prevalent in blacks than other races, but is not limited in that
manner and can strike even those with very light pigmentation to start
with. It usually limits to patches and can be quite embarrassing, though
not painful in and of itself. (Can't speak to increased sun sensitivity
though.)
The reason I mention this is that you seem to have some extensive
experience with it through your son, poor lad. I had a run of it several
years ago preceding the dx'd onset of my RA. It seemed to follow after
lesions of Tinnea Versicolor, a particularly nasty fungal infection. To
my amazement after extensive work with supplements, homeopathy, IV's of
DMSO, etc., the pigmentation RETURNED TO NORMAL! My ego especially
appreciates that to this day.
My son, however, was born with a spot of it on him but thankfully it
doesn't show. Interesting how it effected him in utero.
Perhaps there is hope for your young son through supplements, etc., at
least for the vitiligo.
HTH
--
Regards,
Geoff Crenshaw, ACC

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/9905/05/medication.gender/index.html
http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes
RA 4/98 AP 7/98
Minocycline (Lederle generic) 100mg 2x/day; Lodine 400mg 3x/day
RA Chat - http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes/RA/ra.html

I need some advice. I've been on the AP (minocycline 100mg/2x/day/daily and
Lodine 400mg 3x/day) for about 10 months now. I'm also taking circumin and
feverfew as well and glucosamine. And occasionally bromelain and MSM (which
I backed off from when I read a few rather scary posts here). At the 6 month
point, I thought I was really doing well - my energy was up, my soreness was
way down and I was out taking 5 miles walks. After the start of the New
Year though, I started to trend downwards and in the last few months I have
gotten progressively worse. Right now, I am hurting pretty bad. My hands
are particulary sore and stiff. I am unable to bend the middle finger of my
right hand more than about a 1/3 of the way towards my palm. It's even
worse in the early morning, gets a tad bit better by late afternoon, but
lasts all day. My shoulders are hurting badly at night, and my neck as well
at times. Even my chest hurts a little occasionally. My hip flexors are
hurting quite a bit (something new for me) and my right knee has swelling in
it and feels like something is moving around in it. My left knee is
starting to feel it lately as well because I have been favoring my right
knee. My feet are sore, my ankles hurt. When I've been sitting a while
(like in a car) and get out, I have to straighten my legs slowly and stand
there a second before moving. Then I move very slowly for a few minutes
till everything begins to loosen up. Once I get it all moving, I'm not too
bad. Lately too, I've even had these little nerves jumping in my temples -
they don't hurt, but they occur off and on during the day and feel really
weird.
I'm going to try the hydrogen peroxide baths and the epsom salts as
prescribed on the web page. I could improve my diet. But I am concerned
that more damage is done while this flare sweeps my body - how long is a
flare supposed to last? I am thinking about asking Dr. Kempf about
micro-dosing Prednisone for about a week. I'm kind of puzzled why I have
suddenly gotten so much worse. In February my sed rate was down to 14 and
my RA factor had dropped to 128 from 305, so I thought I was doing better,
yet I just kept feeling gradually worse. Do you think I should be asking
for IV Clindamyacin? Should I get new labs done?
I thought I would ask here first before approaching Dr. Kempf - I suspect he
will want to pull out the methotrexate. I am concerned about my fingers
though - I don't want them to end up in a state that I am not able to bend
them at all. I tried applying an ice bag to them (one of the cloth ones) -
funny thing is that it just felt like it was burning my hands when I did
that.
Any thoughts from anyone would be appreciated. Dr.Chiu, Chris,Ethel?
Thanks,
Mark
http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes
RA 4/98 AP 7/98
Minocycline (Lederle generic) 100mg 2x/day; Lodine 400mg 3x/day
RA Chat - http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes/RA/ra.html

Hi group, I've found a doctor who prescribed me minocycline. I'm grateful to
every person
who gave me good advice to find AP doctor .This doctor have some experience in
treating RA
patients with minocycline and seems not to believe in AP. Anyway I could start
AP with
minocycline 100mg M/W/F this week. I'm so excited now. Thanks again for your
support.
I will keep you posted.
Regards,
Norio
--
Norio Ohki Nagoya Japan
http://www.okmicro.co.jp/norio/

I get the digest and it just came thru as printed gibberish. Hope that doesnt do
anything. I went to onelist to add this
guy to the APchat banlist and get message he isnt a registered onlist member. So
how can he send messages to the group?
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

Hello,

OK, just in case someone else here doesn't recognize it, the attachment on ALI
IMRAM HAMDANI's Unsubscribe post is a virus .exe file Please do NOT open this
attachment.
The only way to be unsubscribed from the list is to go to www.onelist.com and
unsubscribe yourself. If you cannot figure out how to do it, write to
admin@onelist.com and they will help you. I will e-mail you some sites with
info on the Happy 99 virus shortly. Liz G

I just received an e-mail from this list with the Happy99 virus attached
My Norton's anti virus cought it. For you guys without virus protection, do
not run the attachment!
ALI IMRAN HAMDANI <mani@...
Organization: SHAH HAMDAN GROUP

Please un subscribe me from your facility.
thanks.

There is a books page 4 now. Ive added the MSM books and moved some of the books
on the first page to here, to make the
first page load faster. There is now a banner on the supportbooks main page to
free Amazon electronic greeting cards.
They are pretty nice. Also a link to them on the links page in the downloads and
stuff. Also a links to the watercolor
screensaver and, last but not least, a new link to lots of Lupus info in the
Lupus section. Thanks to Mark for that
link.
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

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Has anyone had success with biofeedback? I keep seeing sites on the
Internet that say its great for Lupus, etc.. Please share any experience
with this.
Thanks,
Bryan & Julia

Hi group!
Anyone know of Lorraine Brisson's new email address? I know that she moved
recently, and I tried to send her an email this morning, and it has come back
to me.
Thanks...hope everyone's doing well.
OXOXO
Colleen

I agree with you guys. They dont understand it so they name it something that
blames our own body for the problem.
Typical!!
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

Its not unusual for OA to be one sided and especially if you had past injuries
in those joints. According to the books,
usually the end joints of the fingers are effected in OA and the middle ones in
RA. I have mostly the middle ones on
both hands and was diagnosed as OA. I rarely had any swelling altho occasionally
a finger swelled for a while. My hands
were very painful. Since starting the AP the pain in my hands is very minor
compared to before. So maybe it really was
RA or maybe some of both. My hands still are stiff a lot and very clumsy. Some
of us here have never shown much
swelling. My toes are deformed and sorta clawlike which was never diagnosed as
RA until after positive tests showed. I
had neuroma operations on my feet which relieved the pain some but then it
turned out that a lot of what was thought to
be neuroma pain was RA.
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

Here is an article on Medscape that discusses the use of androgens in autoimmune
diseases:
www.medscape.com/Medscape/WomensHealth/journal/1996/v01.n11/w207.merrill/w207.me\
rrill.html
and an article on hypothyroid and fibromyalgia:
http://thyroid.miningco.com/library/weekly/aa042799.htm

Some forms of 'occupational asthma' have been found to be infection
based.
Yes, I dont doubt it. Mycoplasmas are found in most asthmatics now and maybe the
industrial exposure weakens the immune
system and lets the infection get a hold. A lot to be learned in all this stuff.
I have chronic bronchitis too. Is the
theory the same for that?
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

I opted not to take hormones. I figured I would be, after menopause, at the same
risk level as a man and with my
hypercholesteroemia, I decided to just control the cholesterol by cutting out
saturated fats and taking niacin as diet
doesnt help my cholesterol much. Anyhow figure a lot of times Id rather drop
over from a heart attack as live with this
arthritis.
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 - there are herbals that will get rid of yeast and are gentler than
drugs like Diflucan. You can use Candida Plus in the US (from Metagenics I
think), olive leaf extract, grapefruit seed extract or oil of oregano.
If you take in a lot of sugar, you're just feeding the yeast all it wants
and at the same time, taking a drug to get rid of, which won't do much for
you at all.
Chris.
ago
Does

Cornel's email is cbaer@...
Hello,
Just visited your web page. I don't know if this is a place to leave a
bulletin board type of message or not.
I have had a medical problem for about a year that physicians can't find
a cause or cure. It is not orthepedic, but I have paid in my knees and
elbows. It seems to be a muscle problem. I feel good in the morning,
then if I take a walk my knees start hurting. If I lift something I
feel the pain in my elbows. This pain will last for hours until I stop
using my knees. Then I am ok in the evenings.
I have been tested for arthritis with blood tests and x-rays and nothing
indicates arthritis, yet this problem is now assumed to be in the
rheumatology area of medicine.
The only help has been a very low dose every other day of prednisone
(5mg). Nothing else helps at all. Not even Motrin or Advil.
Does anyone have a similar problem? Where could I get more information?
Thank You,
Cornel

Dr. Chiu,
Is it true that people with immune problems can suffer from
recurrent boils? My brother has suffered with chronic boils since
the age of 16..he is 28 now. He always seems to be ill and has
has frequent pneumonia and bronchial infections. In the past few
years, he has also developed joint pain in his knees and carpal
tunnel in his wrists. I should also mention that he has a history
of alcoholism and pancreatitis, although he was getting the boils
for a few years before these problems. I know that boils are
caused by staph bacteria, and perhaps the bacteria has invaded
his bloodstream, making him very ill. I'm wondering if he would
be a good candidate for AP.
Dr. Chiu, I am sorry you keep getting my emails in attachment
form. How about this time? I played around with my font steeings,
so hopefully that was it. :-)
Thanks,
Kyla MacKenzie

Hi all,
My mother (72) is seeing a DO next week (I'm going with her). She has
a clear hx of OA - partial knee replacement about 3 yrs back. She also
has NIDDM. With the exception of her feet and ankles (swelling,
general numbness but pain in her toes), ALL of her joint problems are
on her right side. Her left side is fine. Is that "unusual"?
I read somewhere ??? a while back that depending on which finger joints
were affected a person could tell whether it was OA or RA. True or
false? Didn't make sense to me, but? Basically, her fingers are bent
at the joint nearest the nail but on one finger it's the joint nearest
the knuckle. There's no swelling or redness and they're not hot or
sore. Does that guarantee OA vs RA?
Right now her biggest worry (reason she's seeing a DO) is because her
ring finger is bending inwards towards her palm (it catches there). Her
palm hurts also, and she can't close her right hand.
Guess what I'm asking is does anyone here have a similar hand
problem and does AP help? I've got this sneaky suspicion the DO is
going to want to do surgery to "relax" her finger.
She has a new PCP, whom I have not met yet, and he ran some tests but
she doesn't know "what for." I'm getting a copy of her lab
tests/results and can talk more about that when I know what he tested
her for.
I'm all ears and would appreciate any and all comments.
Thanks, Starla

Dear group,
Marie would like to talk to some of you. She is very new to email and is
having a lot of trouble typing because of her finger problems. I wonder if
any of you are close to her in Maine?
Marie is now in our group and her private email address is Mlf82938@...
Thanks, Chris.
Hi thank god for people like you. Yes I would love to get on email. I live
-
Marie Forbus po box 313 FREEPORT MAINE 04032. Yes I would love
to get a Doctor for this, I am going to my DR. MARC MILLER 51 SEWALL ST.
PORTLAND MAINE, 04102. HE IS MY RHEUMATOLOGY ASSOCIATE - they are good drs,
but would like to hear anything you can help , plus they have two tvs,
tapes,
people can watch while in the waiting room, neat, but they can use some
more
advice. My family dr, he is sweet talks to ya, never hurry you, he is a
lesson to ya, he's so good, please send him some information to The greater
portland medical group, 5 Bucknam Rd., Suite 2B, Falmouth Maine 04105.His
name is Dr. Steven T. Dobieski, M.D. He knew the min I walk in his office
that I
had 3 diseases, he made sure I didnt smoke any more its been four years now
so
I have to take Zoloft - it works. I also take vitamins, ALERT,vitalizing
formula - wow do i go like a yo yo. I also take life guard
dietary supplement. Then someone told me about VITAL LINK CALL COLOSTRUM
for
hands dont know these vit. cost me 30 to 50 dollars each, wish I
could find cheaper it would help. I cant wait to get this ANTIBIOTIC.
PLEASE SENT HIM OR ME INFORMATION. I THANK YOU SO SO MUCH.
Thanks marie

Hello Chris, you wrote in part (different subject)
The immune system going haywire has NEVER made sense to me. Oh, I
understand the theory but that's all it's ever been -- a *theory*. It
has always struck me that the tactics being used by the immune system
are identical to fighting an infection -- be it bacterial or viral,
regardless of the "organ" under attack -- and that goes for ALL of the
autoimmune (AI) diseases, barr none!
One of my sons has AI areata universalis. What's strange about that is
our next-door neighbor's son (they grew up together from the age of 2)
got areata totalis the same year. The statistics on the probability of
that happening are pretty remote, not to mention that they both "got"
two of the more severe forms. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to
reconcile it with any particular pathogen they might have shared.
Maybe someday one will be recognized - maybe!
Another "clue" for me is that sometimes more aggressive
immunosuppressant therapies (oral or IM cortisone/prednisone/etc) leads
to a "rebound effect" where, at least in areata, the disease activity
can be worse after treatment than it was before! I always wondered if
the treatment didn't permit "whatever" free reign to spread. Or,
steroids may have no effect whatsoever, which of course they should do
if it's only "autoimmunity."
Well, just wanted to say "hi." I've enjoyed your posts. And to make
it clear that I am a believer or I wouldn't be here. :o)
Starla

I accidentally swapped a dot for a dash! Correct URL is:
http://www.ama-assn.org/sci-pubs/pubsrch.htm#fullsite
So there's no confusion, the HERS study only concluded that starting
HRT for prior *established* coronary disease was no longer being
recommended as a *secondary* preventive measure. No where does it say
or imply that HRT as a *primary* preventive therapy is not recommended
for women who do not have coronary disease. Those are two different
scenarios.
Tis all from me on this off-topic.
Starla

hi group -
i lost my email address book due to computer changes and crashes -
how about a short message so i can rebuild the book?
thanx much
bill

hi to all
ive been out of the group for several months
my cousin Marie in Arkansas has asked for help. she has had RA for many
years. she has now developed a lung problem - doctor has put her on oxygen
she emailed me and is anxious to get in the group
could some of you kind people please email her some support?
she needs to know the implications of her situation
Email: mking@...
thank you
bill
RA 9 yrs, AP 13 mo (thankfully)

Yes, I do agree that Diflucan is probably the one-time pill given for yeast
infection. However, evidently
Diflucan can be given for many days when the yeast is not just vaginally, but
systemic. When I was in the hospital for pneumonia (atypical penumonia, I guess
from mycoplasms!) I had thrush in the mouth. It was very painful. The physician
gave me Diflucan to take after I came home for 10 more days. Well, it might
have helped with the candida but I felt very toxic; swelling of the extremities
and very uptight, nervous. I do not know if any of you have been on Diflucan
for many days. Someone wrote in to the group several months ago now that they
believed Diflucan was very toxic, and in fact, never really left your system.
Any comments? I too have a great deal of trouble with yeast and take in too
much sugar. Which is such a no-no with my RA. Does it make your skin "crawl",
the candida? Feel that you want to jump out of your skin, kind of like
caffeine. Well, that my experience. Thanks for listening. Martha P/S/
bottom line, DR. CHIU: IS it OK to take(Diflucan) as a help in treating,
CANDIDA.? THANKS

I just found this great cookbook at my library this week, "The Candida Control
Cookbook" by Gail Burton, intro by Michael Rosenbaum MD. Lots of great looking
recipes! Was republished in 1993 by Asian Publishing, PO Box 108 Lower Lake, Ca
95457, free catalog of their books: 1-800-275-1861 Wasn't someone looking for
bread recipes awhile ago? Write me if you still are and I'll type in a couple.
Liz G

Hi scott do I know you, someone wrote meagain, says are youhogging all the
fun http://www.ONElist.com friends tell friends about NElist what it
mean, iam new at this. pleae write

can you help , i have lots lots of people writingg to me i am getting your
email why, so sorry, please write back

http://www2.rpa.net/~lrandall/see1.html
--
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

http://my.webmd.com/topic_summary_article/DMK_ARTICLE_3961452
--
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

I know with asthma (which is considered auto-immune disease) you can get
"occupational asthma from exposure to various
industrial dusts and toxic fumes. Once you get it you then usually become
reactive to all the pollens and molds and
other allergic things.
And of course if all these disease are found to be caused by bacteria or virus,
they can hardly be called auto-immune
anymore.
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

Here is a link to a fibromyalgia site which has a good outline about leaky gut,
candida, and hormones: www.geocities.com/HotSprings/6028/leakygut.htm

Dr Chiu,
Having been recently dignosed with late onset congenital adrenal
hyperplasia (CAH), I am concerned as to whether it could have
alot to do with my frequent ilnesses as a child and possibly even
childhood arthritis.
My body doesn't make enough cortisol, and I read that one of the
functions of cortisol is to supress the immune response or
activity. Which got me to thinking that perhaps that is why I
have always had terrible allergies, and frequent bouts of
tonsilitis most of my life. I was always the one to catch every
virus and infection going around!
So, if a cortisol deficiency can make one suseptable to
illnesses, do you think it's possible for it to make one
suseptable to auto-immune disorders?
Maybe I am hoping that once I start on cortisol replacement, my
immune system will strengthen and perhaps even help with my
allergies and possible return of my arthritis.
Do you know if any studies have been done linking a lack of
cortisol to immune disorders?
Sorry for all of the questions. I know it's impossible to know
all the answers to such questions, but being a doctor, I figured
you might know a little more about all of this than I do. :)
Thanks,
Kyla MacKenzie

Someone was asking about chest pain and arthritis awhile ago, here is a link to
a short description of costochondritis I just found, apparently this can be
caused by arthritis affecting cartilege in the rib cage.
http://drfoxhealth.com/chestwal.htm

Hello all,
I was at the library today reading up on various auto immune
disorders and how many people believe that exposure to toxic
chemicals and materials triggered their disease.
If auto-immune disease can be triggered by such things, then what
where does bacteria fit in here? Is it that bacteria in ones body
weakens the immune system, which makes them more susceptable to
to developing auto-immune disorders when exposed to certain
toxins and chemicals, that a healthy person's body wouldn't react
to?
Is that what the bacterial theory is all about..that the bacteria
that most of us have in our systems weakens our bodies defences
to otherwise harmless things?
Cheers,
Kyla

From the New Arthritis Breakthrough, page 203
"By isolating a strain of the L-form organism from a
Bartholin cyst, which occurs on female labia, Dienes became
the first researcher to observe it in humans. I was the
first one to find an L-form strain in joints and to connect
it to arthritis."
Am I to infer from this statement, that if a female has one
of these cysts, it is a definitive indication that L form
bacteria (in other words mycoplasma if I understand
correctly) are present in the body? Is this something that
should be treated?

Group,
My underarm irritation is shingles:-(( This morning I discovered a
line of patchy red, rough, raised and very sore blotches. I called the
pharmacist who immediatedly said shingles. So, I spoke to the physician
on call who said the same thing.
Since this started Tues. or Wed., medication is a little late but he
thinks I should take an antiviral for 7 days $155!!! He told me that
the pain in my back is part of it.
Anybody know if any supplements help? Didn't someone else recently
develop shingles, too?
Denise

Hi Dr. Chiu,
The anaemia of chronic disease only really responds to getting the
OK, so how do you get the disease under control? If taking iron pills wont
work, is it all in the diet??? And on my lab results, I dont ever see where
the ferritin has been checked. Is that what its called when they check your
iron level? I too am having a problem with chronic anemia that is beginning
to get worse, so any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Carol Scott**
HUGS:)
Carol^^

Hi group...
got another question for you. I know the subject of yeast in the mouth has
been discussed...but myself not having any problems with it I didn't pay
close attention. My Mom recently had a mouth sore...the Doc (dentist) gave
her a mouthwash (I think Witch's Claw...something like that)...she threw the
bottle away (after using it all)but she thought it had tetracycline (sp?) in
it. At the same time her family doc gave her an antibotic for her sinus.(that
perscription is also finished) Her mouth now is so sore with white spots...I
think it could be yeast...am I right or wrong??? Both Doctors knew of each
others meds and didn't seem to see a problem. I think she has an overgrowth
of yeast in her mouth...sound logical? I'm having her take acidophis (I gave
her some of mine)...rinse with Aloe Vera juice...stay away from sugar....does
this sound right? and what else can she do? Also can she get rid of this
without going back to doctor for another perscription (she doesn't have too
much faith in either one of them at this point). thanks all in advance
Cindi/Iowa RA 42 yr. AP 29 months

This is on the BB

Group,
One underarm has two tiny red spots, rough skin, and hurts like the
devil. A little bunch but not a lump. My husband says it feels like
veins and the pain follows a few inches down my arm. Not itchy. The
skin feels rough. I don't use deodorant. I think it is from rubbing
the skin together and against dress material, especially when
crocheting.
Anybody have this? What should I use?
Reading about physicians and the difficulty people have getting an
Rx. My physician doesn't believe in the AP and wants me to take large
doses of prednisone. However, the Rx for ery tabs, and doxy are prn
which means I can get 99 refills in one year!!!
Speaking of AP, I am having such pain all around my shoulder blades,
keeps shifting. It seems to be muscles. I don't even want to move:-(
Denise

HI Group
Bit off the topic --but has anyone heard of or used Evista (hormone replacement
therapy)
If you can help [please reply to me personally and not take up the groups time}
Thanks
Gwen

Hello All,
Today I had my first follow-up three week consultation with Dr. Franco.
We are so excited...even after 1 and 1/2 years on antibioitics...I TESTED
POSITIVE FOR MYCOPLASMA! YEEHAAA...looks like we are on the right path.
As you can see I had another super day today. Even people I have talked
to on the phone lately tell me there is such a change in my entire tone.
( I threatedned to cut cartwheels in the Mexican Resturaunt tonight and
hubby said to go for it...but I resisted).
My SED had returned back to normal, and the RFactor was down from 66 to
61. He said the immune system was functioning wonderfully ( which was good
news) My white blood cells and Creact was still positive but he felt it was
due to the sinus infection that I had.
GEEEEEEZ
our talk tonight. He really knows how to treat his patients.
Thank you guys for leading me to him.
I have a follow up in July. Will be staying in San Diego for a week. Any
suggestions on fun things to do?
Leslie

Below is some great information on lyme disease. I figured that there may be
others in our group who are interested so I am sending it to the whole group.
Some of it is for people who have AOL, but there is other information that
isn't.
Carol E from NY
Dear Friend,
Welcome to the online community of Lyme Disease patients and their
friends. Attached below you will find helpful information and a list of
resources which should be of great value to you. If you wish we will add you
to our mailing list so that you will be kept abreast of all important and
breaking news that affects us. These lists are kept strictly confidential and
will not be shared with other members without your explicit written
permission or request. If at any time you wish to be removed from these
lists, please write to our Chat list contacts and your name will be deleted.
Please note that AOLyme maintains 2 separate mailing lists. One is for chat
room news and announcements; mailings will be made on a weekly basis. The
other is for breaking news and political action; mailings currently done on a
sporadic, "as-needed" basis. If you wish to be removed from our lists, please
drop a note to either or both of the contacts named below.
Chat list contact ................... TheSuz44@....
Political action list contact ..... Ameronlyme@....
Supportively yours,
Joan( BHostTICK), Suz (TheSuz44),(BHostSuz) and Jeff (Ameronlyme)

Hi this will be new information for newbies and a reminder for you "golden
oldies"!
Several studies have been done by nonreligious doctor that have proven that
when people are prayed for they recover faster and better than people who
have no one praying for them. Some results showed the more people praying
for an individual, the quicker they got well. And it didn't seem to matter
whether the patient was religious or not or if they even knew anyone had
been praying for them. There is a group within the rheumatic group who
believe these studies and we pray for any member of the group or a member
of the group's immediate family who asks for prayer. We call ourselves the
"Poppies " (Power of Prayer). I am the coordinator for the group and it's
my responsibility to send out a prayer request list to each Poppie.
I'm way behind (no excuse offered - just please accept my apology) and have
emailed every person from the last list to see how they're doing and if
they are still wanting prayer and what the specific need is. This note
is to invite any member of the rheumatic group to request prayer. Just
email me. deejay@...
Love & hugs - Judy (deejay)

Hi,Bryan and Julia,
Hope you are feeling better Julia.
As you probably know Ihave started Antibiotic Therapy at a low dose 50m.g.M.W.F.
Hope all the problems you have had are resolved and that you can start back on
the
Therapy.
Let me know how you are getting on,
Best Wishes and thanks for the advice,
Tina.

Hi Folks,
Does anyone have any idea if it would be safe to soak a
cloth in hydrogen peroxide and rub myself down with it while
I'm in the sauna? The various info on peroxide says you can
do it this way after a hot shower when your pores are open.
The sauna seems like and ideal place for that.
Thanks - Jan K

Ethel,
Thank you for all the good advice about Antibiotic Therapy.
I did read Dr, Browns book Iwas so impressed with the idea of Antibiotic Therapy
and the information on
the Road Back site I sent it all to my nearest Lupus group .
I have ordered the book again as a reference and a reminder that people have
overcome these diseases.
Dr. Brown should be an example to all doctors he was so concerned for his
patients and stood by what he believed to be right whatever the professional
consequences.
My Lupus groups A.G.M. is coming up soon they want me to ask their local
consultant[who is not mine] about Antibiotic Therapy.
I will try to get the idea across .
Best Wishes ,
Tina.

Hi Chris,
About my doctors name and contacts.
I will have to ask him if I can put his name forward.
Will mail you as soon as I get a yes or no.
Best Wishes
Tina.

Careful how you take your meds.

I just wanted to reiterate what Al Rosseau recommended about reading the book
"The Testosterone Effect" by Eugene Shippen MD. I just finished reading this and
it does have some very valuable info on the realtionship of hormones to our
health. Of particular interest to me was the section on hormones and bone health
and the relationship of the androgens to bone density. Also, he touches on the
realtionship of androgen levels to IL6 and the effect that drugs like nsaids and
others have on our hormone levels is mentioned in one of the appendices. Other
important health info on heart health is in there too. Please do yourselves a
favor and try to get a copy, I was able to get it through interlibrary loan, it
does not seem to be out in paperback yet according to our bookstore, hardcover
is about $22. It will be well worth the time and trouble! Not just for the men,
includes info for women as well! Liz G

This isn't Arthritis news but is about gun control.
Jeannie

Grp:
Has anyone taking MSM experienced weakness/fatigue -queasy stomach almost flu
like symptoms? No rash,etc.
I have been trying to take 400mg tablet and just feel unwell and have not
taken anything else.
Thanks,
Carol*

Could anyone share with me their experience(s) with Arava.
Thank-you,
Mike

Hi Group, Hope you enjoy this and that it makes you smile too!
Sheila, Coquille,Oregon RA 2 years AP 1 week!!
I've learned that I like my teacher because she cries
when we sing "Silent Night."
Age 6
I've learned that you can't hide a piece of broccoli in a
glass of milk.
Age 7
I've learned that when I wave to people in the country,
they stop what they are doing and wave back.
Age 9
I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like
it, Mom makes me clean it up.
Age 13
I've learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you
should try cheering someone else up.
Age 14
I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly
glad my parents are strict with me.
Age 15
I've learned that silent company is often more healing
than words of advice.
Age 24
I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's
great pleasures.
Age 26
I've learned that wherever I go, the world's worst drivers
have followed me there.
Age 29
I've learned...that if someone says something unkind
about me, I must live so that no one will believe it.
Age 39
I've learned that there are people who love you dearly,
but just don't know how to show it.
Age 41
I've learned that you can make someone's day by simply
sending them a little card.
Age 44
I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt,
the greater his need to cast blame on others.
Age 46
I've learned that children and grandparents are natural
allies.
Age 47
I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift my
spirits for hours.
Age 49
I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the side
away from the phone.
Age 50
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the
way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost
luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
Age 52
I've learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a
medicine cabinet full of pills.
Age 52
I've learned that regardless of your relationship with
your parents, you miss them terribly after they die.
Age 53
I've learned that making a living is not the same thing
as making a life.
Age 58
I've learned that if you want to do something positive
for your children, try to improve your marriage.
Age 61
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second
chance.
Age 62
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a
catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to
throw something back.
Age 64
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude
you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others,
your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best
you can, happiness will find you.
Age 65
I've learned that whenever I decide something with
kindness, I usually make the right decision.
Age 66
I've learned that everyone can use a prayer.
Age 72
I've learned that it pays to believe in miracles. And to
tell the truth, I've seen several.
Age 73
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to
be one.
Age 82
I've learned that every day you should reach out and
touch someone. People love that human touch - holding
hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
Age 85
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
Age 92
Please pass this on to someone you care about.
Sometimes they just need a little something to make
them smile...

HI All,
I must write to tell everyone that I had my first pain free day today
in almost 7 months! I started to hurt a little around 3:00 PM but took my
Lodine and boom...was feeling great again! For the last seven months I have
been saddled with the most awful pain that I could imagine.
Mon. and Tues of last week were good, but today was great!!!
I had a strange point on my knee ( looked like a pencil point was
sticking through the skin on my kneecap) I guess it was a nodule.
Anyway...since the Zithro it has smoothed back out!
And...it was cold and rainy today. The temp dropped from in the 70's to the
40's. One lady I worked with asked me if I was stiff from the weather
change and it was so wonderful to say that today I felt great ane the
weather had not affected me for a change!
Leslie

<A HREF="http://members.xoom.com/jmwebdesigns/smile1.html"
SMILE.....SOMEONE SAYS U NEED A PICK ME UP
</A
Go ahead SMILE
http://members.xoom.com/jmwebdesigns/smile1.html

In article <37c8ff5a.24587959@...
Do you want to switch to IM on those days they miss?
-------
Regards, Dr Graham Chiu
Prospective Internet Observational Study in Arthritis
Home Page http://www.compkarori.com/arthritis/
Contribute at http://www.compkarori.com/arthritis/contrib.htm
Data Entry at http://www.compkarori.com/cgi-local/piosa.cgi

Hello!
I am a scleroderma patient looking for a doctor in the New
Jersey-Philadelphia area. I've has scleroderma for 15 years and I am
looking for someone willing to be aggressive with IV and oral
antibiotics. My current rheumatologist is sceptical, and only willing
to prescribe the oral minocycline--hesitantly.
I am less concerned with what kind of "-ologist" the doctor is than
with their willingness to allow me to control my own destiny and to take
my total health care seriously and compassionately. I'm willing to
travel if no one has suggestions for someone within driving distance of
Philadelphia.
Thank you, in advance, for your help.
Celeste Campbell

For those of you who were considering or using MSM, here is some info I
picked up off of a newsgroup......Liz G The doctor referred to is Coburn's
doctor.
-

Hi Barbara (and all). Thank you for welcoming me. You asked me to
tell you about myself. I suppose that should include why I'm here.
I signed up for the mailing list because I want to learn about the
different APs and any other helpful information that goes along with
them -- acidophilus etc. Needless to say, I think I'll learn most by
listening to & learning from the people using them! I have read the
Scleroderma book and part of the New Arth. Breakthrough. Not because I
suffer from either tho'.
For the past 2+ yrs, I've been a faithful member of a listserv for
people with autoimmune alopecia areata. One of my sons has areata
universalis -- lost all his body hair at the age of 9 y/o due to an
"errant" immune system attack. All means all - not even an eyelash to
keep dust out of eyes. Before areata struck, he developed autoimm.
vitiligo (loss of skin pigment). The good news there is that it's
stayed focal and hasn't spread.
In addition, I have a daughter dx with MS during the past year.
(Really enjoyed that Chicago Sun-Times article, whoever sent it.) My
maternal grandmother suffered from RA until her death. My mother has
adult-onset diabetes (she's 72), osteoarthritis (w/one knee replacement
so far), and in my not always humble opinion the beginning signs of RA
in her hands, which I would like to address in a different message to
the group.
During my time on the areata listserv I've come to realize that far
more people than would be expected also have other "coincidental"
autoimm. labeled diseases. RA, scleroderma, MS, thyroid...., vitiligo,
psoriasis, juvenile RA, lupus, Sjogren's, FMS, CFIDS, atopy, etc etc
etc.
Simply put, I believe the "germ theory" is relevant for most, if not
all, autoimm. diseases. I even question it for areata. One parent on
the areata list started their little girl (8 y/o) on an AP because they
had read Arth. Breakthrough. She *had* areata totalis (no scalp hair)
and had lost her brows and lashes. She had complete regrowth after
3-mos. Another friend of mine (woman with universalis) was put on
Zithromax for Lyme symptoms. In about 6-wks time, her hair started
regrowing, and she hadn't had *any* for 17 yrs straight.
So, in a nutshell, I'm here to listen and learn about APs in general.
Thanks for listening. I hope it's OK that I'm here. Long-winded
intro.
Starla

Ive had no trouble with Zithromax but Levaquin says on it that it can cause
tendon pain and rupture and checking on the
net I found its done this in a day to some people and also has caused sensory
neuropathy. When I took it I got so sick
and such severe pain in neck and shoulders that I called the hospital to ask
about side effects and was just dismissed
by being told they put down a sneeze if someone has one when testing. I have not
after months gotton back to feeling as
good as I did before this antibiotic and it also affected my next door neighbor
the same way. You might check out some
of the medicine sites linked on the links page below for info on it. The rsglib
link is the best.
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

Here is a link to articles on RA from Pharminfobytes on a variety of topics:
http://pharminfo.com/pubs/ranews/ranews_idx.html