Auto-immune diseases

Hi All, Shar here.
My husband Sid, has had RA since '84. It has rambled through various parts of
his body - hands. wrists,elbows, knees, ankles and feet - until he has had to
wear air cast, velcro and use a walking stick.
He started AP (somewhat modified because all we had was Amoxycilin) on April 1
of this year. This only because of what I have read from all of you wonderful
sharing and caring people.
The first couple of months showed no great improvement until he had to go up the
stairs of the barn a couple of times in one day. He said he reached for the
railing and thought Hey, I don't need it. He proceded to go up and down twice
more, never using the railing. WOW!!! this was fabulous!!!
Then last week I saw him getting up off the floor while we were painting a
bedroom and he leaned on his hands with bent wrists!! WOW!!! That's been
several years since he's been able to bend and lean on this hands. Are we
excited!!!
He then proceded to do 10 push-ups (from the knees) and quit in utter exhaustion
and elation.
He is a building contractor and had lost the ability to do more and more of his
trade, but is now not only trying to do so many of the things he hasn't been
able to do, but he is actually doing them almost painlessly. He's got a lot of
his drive back which vanished with the hours and hours of pain you all endure
while trying to find the magic combination of medication to hold it to a
tolerable level.
He's sleeping at night with the aid of PM by Tylenol or generic equiv.
The two nodules on his elbow - one gone, the other fading.
I talked to his Dr. and mentioned this group and their results and the rheumatic
web site and the next day he said let's go for it so now Sid is on Doxy MWF to
start. We're starting really slowly because a Herx would be devastating to us
right now.
We don't expect miracles, but this is close, very very close.
Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!
Sidnshar@...

Hi everyone
I started AP on May. 3 and am feeling good for about two weeks. My health
seems to be improving day by day. I have read from PROTOCOL that
major improvement can't seen in three months from the start of AP,
but I left several days to three months. Started by 50 mg MF and now I'm
taking Minomicin(Japanese name, Lederle brand) 150 mg MWF and going
to the level 200 mg MWF. For Herx, I suffered some itchiness in head skin,
but not big one yet.
I'm thankful to everyone who support me. I couldn't work only one day per
week outside of my house, now I'm working 5 days a week outside!
I'm very happy now. Thanks for listening and good support.
Regards,
Norio
--
Norio Ohki Nagoya Japan
http://www.okmicro.co.jp/norio/

Hello all,
To those of you who live in Southern California..... I love your state!
And those who live in San Diego...I LOVE your city!
Just got back in from a week in San Diego and a trip to Riverside to see
Dr. Franco.
He seemed to think that all of the stiffness I have been having from the
doxi is normal as he explained the disease will accelerate before it starts
to slow down.
Did the blood tests and had a cort shot in the knee. Those of you that
told me he was good with a needle...you got that right! I was all drawn up
and ready to let out a scream and all I felt was a TINY little stick. I
laughed instead ! I couldn't believe it was so painless.
Hopefully I will have some good blood tests results to report by the end
of this week
Leslie

hi i want to thank all for bj sickness my daughtet lives in the DESERT i mean
desart, she is trying to start her life over but need good FRIENDS i thank
you she got glasses now she loves reading e/mail she has one more week here
so do what you all can she print all your lettet/////she going to read them
OVER AND OVER she amitts she needs help friends drink and /////// what ever
you all know she will make it because she been praying hard for people like
you to be friends she thanks you all do write thanks marie scleroderma
///////////////////OH YES WE WRITE TO ALLOF YOU MAIL COMES BACK HOW COME SAYS
T

Discussion on diet and pain:
http://onhealth.com/ch1/live/ohlive/archive/item,4292.asp

I received this message and thought I would pass it on. -------
From: TPD Public Information
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 1999 4:07 PM
Subject: E-Alert #99-26
Tallahassee Police Department "E-Alert"# 99-26
ISSUED: Thursday, July, 22, 1999 / 1:00am
TOPIC: Area Code "809" Scam
Beware of e-mails, phone calls or electronic pages which tell you to
call an "809" area code phone number. This is a scam that is spreading
extremely quickly, can easily cost you $100.00 or more and is difficult
to avoid unless you are aware of it. This scam has been identified by
the National Fraud Information Center, which said it is costing victims
lots of money. There are lots of different versions of this scam, but
here is how it works: ***Version#1: Internet-Based Phone Scam Via
E-mail.*** You receive an e-mail, typically with a subject line of
"ALERT" or "Unpaid Account." The message says something to the effect "I
am writing to give you a final 24hrs to settle your outstanding account.
If I have not received the settlement in full, I will commence legal
proceedings without further delay. If you would like to discuss this
matter to avoid courtaction, call Mike Murray, Global Communications at
(809)496-2700."
message on your answering machine, voice mail, or your pager which asks
you to call a number beginning with area code "809." The reason you're
asked to call can vary: It can be to receive information about a family
member who has been ill, to tell you someone has been arrested, has
died, or to let you know you have won a wonderful prize, etc.
common denominator for both of these versions is the victim is
instructed/asked to call the "809" number right away. Since there are so
many new area codes these days, people unknowingly return these calls.
If you call from the United States, you will apparently be charged
$25.00 per-minute! Sometimes the person who answers the phone will speak
broken English and pretend not to understand you. Other times, you'll
just get a long recorded message. The point is, they will try to keep
you on the phone as long as possible to increase the charges.
Unfortunately, when you get your phone bill, you'll often be charged
more than $100! Here's how it works:
located in the British Virgin Islands (the Bahamas). The "809" area code
can be used as a "pay-per-call" number, similar to "900" numbers in the
U.S. Since "809" is not in the United States, it is not covered by U.S.
regulations of "900" numbers, which require that you be notified and
warned of charges and rates involved when you call a "pay-per-call"
number. There is also no requirement that the company provide a time
period during which you may
Further, where many U.S. phones have "900" number blocking (to avoid
these kinds of charges), "900"
the "809" area code.
message, if you are asked to call a number with an "809" area code that
you don't recognize,investigate further and/or disregard the message. Be
very wary of e-mail or calls asking you to call an "809" area code
number. It's important to avoid becoming a victim of this scam since
trying to fight the charges afterwards can become a real problem. That's
because you did actually make the call. If you complain, both your local
phone company and your long distance carrier may not want to get
involved and will most likely tell you that they are simply providing
the billing for the foreign company.
Department contacted the National Fraud Information Center and verified
that this is a real scam and not just rumor or "urban legend." They also
told us that area code "809" is not the only area code used in these
types of scams. Those perpetuating this type of fraud mayuse any foreign
area code not subject to FCC scrutiny. But for now, "809" appears to be
the most prevalent. You can contact the ,NFIC at (800)876-7060 or
contact them via e-mail at mailto:fraudinfo@...
mailto:fraudinfo@... . There Web site address is
http://fraud.org/welcome.htm****************************************************\
********************
Linda Kelbaugh Phone: (727) 553-1634 University of South Florida fax:
(727) 553-3968 Dept. of Marine Science PLEASE NOTE NEW AREA CODE 140 7th
Ave. S St. Petersburg, FL 33701
************************************************************************

SORRY FORGOT TO ADD THE LINK!
http://infoseek.go.com/?win=_search&sv=M6&lk=noframes&nh=10&ud9=IE5&qt=oneli
st&oq=&url=http%3A//www.onelist.com/&ti=ONElist%3A+Free+Mailing+Lists&top=
hi marie,
this is a link to the mental health one-list groups.
click on it, look for bipolar lists.
there may be manic depressive list too. it would be the same ailment.
peace,
kay

I heard a very short report on the news the other night--the kind that NEVER
gives enough information--about antibiotic-resistant bacteria. I believe
they said that the more fluroquinoline (sp?) type antibiotics we use over a
lifetime, the more susceptible we are to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Is
anyone familiar with this class of antibiotics and which antibiotics are in
this group? The doctor interviewed was gong to publish an article on this
in one of the medical journals. He says antibiotics are overused and that
when they are needed, powerful ones at large doses should be given to kill
all bacteria involved so that some do not survive and become resistant. He
also spoke of the need for new kinds of antibiotics.
Linda

are there a list for BIAPOLAR MANICEPRESSANT of the brain coud sonme one show
me like onelist well are there one for biapolar gee help thanksmarie
thanksagain anyone

hi just too let everyone know i think your all number 1 in my prayers God
knows where we all stand i am depress for my daughter bj. she has
MANICERESSANT i feel bad i love her so so much we are a close family so we
both she worries over me me over her pepople say knock it off but it hard
people like you out there writes to us it feel good to know someone cares and
got problems so thanks please write to barie jean , help her she need good
people like you thanks my cripple hand are the worst marie i will pray for
all marie

Addition of Leflunomide to Methotrexate May Be Beneficial in Rheumatoid
Arthritis

hi jan, gee my mom show me their nice people out there who cares , i guess we
all have some sickness, gee its hard to stop drink, but iam realley trying,
got off heavy hard stuff, noe one or four beers a day i do smoke, my BIAPOLAR
MANICERESSANT, is up and down, i am a weak person i live too long in desert,
my ex left me for my best girlfriend, 20 years i still love him and i dont i
hurt bad and this dease has got control but people like you all makes me
feel better, i am here in FREPORT MAINE with my dad and mom they took me
shopping my two brother helps too one works for detla airlands one retired
from service, one die 6 months latter my sister got kill by DRUNKDRIVER, same
year, so god is in me i just need people like you aout their to pray what
mend is good for me my doc /////// he ok its me i guess. well do write all
i need people to write i will be here 1 more WEEK thanks god bless/oh yes i
will pray for all BARBARIE JEAN from AZ

My thanks to each and every one of you for the information
you gave me regarding changing jobs. It is so wonderful to
have all of the various view points and the wealth of
experience that this group has to offer. It helps me to
make a decision that is right for me.
Gosh! You Guys! What would I ever do without you all! My
love and my appreciation goes out to all of you!!! Many
Many Thanks!
Lea
RA 18 mo, AP 9 mo

Group.....the following is from (of all things!) a Miss Manners column printed
July 24, 99. Perhaps it isn't entirely appropriate, but it definately struck a
chord.....
"Contracting a dreadful disease is not trouble enough.....the next bad news
after the diagnosis is that the afflicted have also been drafted into the
army...........'She's battling cancer,' people will say. 'He's fighting cystic
fibrosis'....'She finally lost her long battle against heart
disease.'.........never are they allowed to forget that they have become
soldiers. No matter what they do, they are congradulated for being corageous.
They are gallant. They never stop fighting...........surey [this metaphor] is
better than the language of passive victimhood, and we have all been subjected
to about as much of that as we can bear.....it is a relief to think that those
who have [life/health-threatening] problems are taking charge and dealing with
them aggressively.....but there are things that are disturbing about this
particular comparison. One thing is that it makes illness sound like a career.
It becomes something that one does, rather than something that one happens to
have. However much a person's condition of health affects his or her life, it is
not likely to be the chief identity that person cares to have from then on
.....furthermore, this particular career is one that requires civilians to keep
out of the way. Surely people are quite callous enough about deserting the ill
without being encouraged to think of them as too busy with maneuvers to
notice............even more troublesome is the suggestion that illness is a
conflict that, however potentially lethal, can be won through strength of will
and courage. Although this has the laudable intention of encouraging a
beneficial and often warranted optimism, the military metaphor says something
more.........it says that disease is a test of a person's worth. We assume [in
warfare] that the good will win - and if not the good, then the strong.....The
intense interest people have taken in their health in recent decades has yielded
enormous benefits in the way of encouraging healthful behavior.....but it has
also encouraged belief in .....'punitive medicine' - the notion that getting
sick is probably a sign of bad behavior, and not being able to conquer it is a
sign of weakness. The discussions [one hears] about what the ill and even the
dead have done or not done to deserve their fate for not having 'taken care' of
themselves are viciously rude.....People who are sick should be allowed to
retain their civilian status. They should not have to be heroes (in the old
sense - before we redefined heroes from those who performed rescues to those who
have the misfortune to be captured) if they don't feel up to it."
Be well all...........Joey

Hi, Heather -- It's "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause" by
Dr. John R. Lee -- if you're referring to that Dr. Lee. Billie

Your list was recommended to me by Billie Garmon. I have a very
supportive husband, 3 grown children (is that an oxymoron?), 6
grandchildren, 3 cats, fibromyalgia/myofascial pain complex and
hypothyroidism. Because of the above mentioned, (or, in some cases, in
spite of), I have very little else. I wish to stay informed in order
to be more responsible for my own healthcare. I am unable to receive
attachments at this e-address. Is attachment capabilities necessary to
joining this list? Is there anything else I must do to receive your
digest? Thank you for your consideration of my application.
Louise Harper
LOUISEHARPER@...
17549 Kristopher Circle
Whitehouse, TX 75791
PH: (903) 839-4083
Fax: Same #

help can anyone tell me how to get help for my daughter barbie jean , she is
sick, what program would i get into help or do you know of anyone who can
help thanks she has no comm. she lives in AZ in desert thanks marie from
MAINE

I sent this to Barbie before
I realize the group does not have a copy. Martha

hi iam barbie iam from az visiting my mom mo iam 37 years old i have a
sickness, call biapolar gee cant spell it well does anyone know
anything about it .. i do wish som one would write to me and mom make sure i
get it thanksthey say i was born with it well i dont think so gee
manicdessenant, but they say its from depress well the whole wrd dpres s how
come all dont have it the pills iam taking is TEGRTOL 200 MG,
one in morn. two at night, Zoloft 100 mg at night, i know when i took
trasdone miss sp. i was climing trees, do you know any one is .i
would like to know i do get introuble some times then thing are fine never
know when i go off deep end, med or what, i do drink once in a while, one or
two aday. they my inchemal of the BRAIN, i do know who i am am i not LEVEL
maybe, or am i not a full load, ha my ex ddrove me nuts, i do have three
wonderful childrens, 18 16 14 years old /can they get it gee please
write, //////// am i going to get worst, i do need HELP PLEASE

For those of you who don't subscribe to Dr. Mercola's newsletter, here's a
comment he made about the recent news article on green tea and RA.
"COMMENT: Green tea has been an acceptable alternative to water in my protocol
for some time. I believe it may be time to actually start advising people with
rheumatoid arthritis to actively and consciously be drinking this on a regular
basis. You can find my NEW protocol for rheumatoid arthritis at
www.rheumatic.org. "
Mark
http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes
RA 4/98 AP 7/98
Minocycline (Lederle generic) 100mg 2x/day; Celebrex 200mg 2x/day;Zone
Diet;Olive Leaf;Slippery Elm;milk thistle;fish oil,curcuma,acidopholus,bromelain
RA Chat - http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes/RA/ra.html
ICQ 18123139

A little over one week on the doxycycline, I'm having pain now in the TMJ and
both hips and around my tailbone(??--no joint there) at the site of an old
injury, and having night sweats again, also a little flaring in the joints that
were giving me trouble before. The TMJ and hip areas are places that gave me
trouble before, but I had no noticeable response from the tetracycline there.
Makes me wonder if there are slightly different strains of the bugs hanging out
in different places in the body, that respond differently to different forms of
the antibiotic, due either to inherent variations, or resistances built up from
previous antibiotic treatment we have had for other illnesses, or other factors.
It feels a little loony to be saying this, but I am happy to be hurting some
right now as it gives me hope that progress is being made, I was not at all
content to be half-well, and losing ground.
I have been taking 1 tsp slippery elm powder stirred into a little yogurt
along with 2 of the 2.9 billion acidopholous caps about 2 hours after my doxy
dose--it cleared up the intestinal upset from the doxy right away and it has
stayed just fine since starting this. Thanks for all your advice and support in
starting this new regimen! Liz G

hi kelly iam fine now, feel good say hi to all out there diane joey what
bb diet are you sure salla of whos blood diet gee let me knoe of it ok,
well hi cadlard or cris, what do you do in ANTIBIOTIC therapy, sorry iam
trying to remmber all of us that sick names its easy to write so you all kown
i care about you and i talk to the hightest man up high believe something is
for a reason i wish i knew but HONEST WE ARE IN GOOD HANDS , and I THINK ALL
OF YOU MAKE ME OTHERS FEEL WE ARE LOVE BY ALL OF YOU///////////////////
please all keep writing its good feeling i care i love to hear FROM YOU ALL
thanks marie from maine, oh yes crash is all better from ROCKS ha ha
sclerodmer RAYnauds crippleing RA the rest of you i cant REMMBER your NAMES
so write again ok marie

There is a doctor on the net who advocates this. He is Dr Prosh. I have
a link to him on the supportlinks and I believe he himself had RA. It
sounds very much like AP but works quicker as Joe said. Certainly
possible some of us have micos causing this and some the amoeba. Glad
you are getting some relief Joe. I had a lot of the flulike and sweats
but rarely do now after a couple years on the AP.
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 have lost the email address of Kim in Wichita!! She pops in and out and
has been around for sometime. I need to give it to a new member of the
group who lives in that area and would like an AP doctor around there.
Could anyone help me????????? Or, Kim, are you lurking???
Thanks ahead of time,
janet in tulsa

Hi Group - Well yesterday was the first day that I didn't
eat a bunch of cherries and my shoulder is killing me this
morning! I've been feeling So-o-o good and I've been eating
cherries everyday. It's either the lack of cherries
yesterday or who-knows-what that is causing the pain today.
I think I'll wait and not eat any more until Monday and see
how things are going on Sunday. This is really a strange
disease...and the stuff we try is sometimes really strange
too! Oh Well - A gal's gotta do what a gal's gotta do!!!
Now my second subject - I'm thinking about looking for a new
job. (Sometimes I think the person I work for contributes
95% to my stress level!) If I was in good health I
wouldn't be so concerned but with the RA, naturally, I have
some apprehensions. To the rest of the world I look like
everything is pretty much ok but we all know that really
isn't the case.
I'm wondering if any of you have changed jobs since having
this disease and if you encountered any problems or if you
have any advice. Where I work now, everyone has worked with
me before RA and then lived thought me coming down with RA
and all the struggles I've gone through. It would be a
whole different ballgame walking into a new job. So...any
info/advice/experiences you can send my way will be GREATLY
appreciated. If any of you feel that this isn't really a
discussion for the group, please feel free to contract me
personally....but I would think that others might face this
same situation. Thanks for all your help!!!
Lea
RA 18 mo, AP 9 mo

Hi Group,
Thanks to all who answered my question about Dr. Lee's book. What I don't
understand is what took it so long to be posted, I sent this e-mail a number
of weeks ago and then forgot about it. While checking my e-mails today I
came across it - with surprise!
Heather

Hello,
I went to a licenced masseuse today and it is her assessement that I don't
have a piriformus muscle constriction causing my sciatic pain. She thinks I
should have an MRI because of either disk fusion or arthritis in my spine.
She said the muscles in my back were very inflexible.. All this has started
since both hips started hurting in April.
So my RA is really getting worse and I already knew that. I can only sit for
a few minutes and I'm all stiffened up. Get any stiffer and I'll be a
corpse. LOL
She maintains that stiffness is caused by calcium pooling in the muscles.
Don't know how that could happen so quickly. Wonder if she's right on that
one.
This is only a letter to dump. I hope to get some answers from my new Dr. end
of August.
Cya Anita
RA 26 years, Fibro, AP 17 months

I was one of the people that was nearly chosen to be on this show - it
certainly would have been an experience! I would have liked to have had the
opportunity to also increase awareness about lupus, myositis and the
antibiotic therapy. Still, I wanted to pass this along to encourage everyone
to watch this show when it airs in September. I will be sure to let everyone
know the date when I find out.
Take care,
Kim :-)

The only sites I could find so far that answered the question about brewer's
yeast in relation to candida are these pages from supplement sites, as far as I
can find out there is no concern about taking it insofar as yeast infections go,
it is a different organism. The primary thing to avoid as far as concerns over
feeding a yeast infection seems to be sugar. If these links are too long to post
without breaking up you may have to type them into your browser. Liz G
http://www.healthlink.com.au/nat_lib/htm-data/htm-supp/supps70.htm
http://www.healthlink.com.au/nat_lib/htm-data/htm-supp/supps70.htm

Federal Agency Warns Of Internet Health Fraud
July 19, 1999
(Medical Tribune) - Responding to the mounting, and sometimes questionable,
medical information orbiting in cyberspace, the Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) is advising consumers to be wary when surfing the Internet for health
advice.
In a consumer alert issued this month, the FTC warned of Internet
advertisements that may mislead people with serious conditions like heart
disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Ads
touting "scientific breakthroughs" in treating these diseases are likely to
be bogus, according to the agency.
Although electronic advertising, like print ads, is subject to FTC
regulation, the sheer amount of medical information flooding the Web makes
monitoring it difficult, noted an Arthritis Foundation spokesman.
Jed Nitzberg said that in its own Internet browsing the Atlanta-based
Arthritis Foundation has turned up fraudulent claims of "miracle cures" for
arthritis - such as deer antler velvet and radioactive mineral baths.
"Our biggest concern," he said, "are sites that come across as very
professional." Some product manufacturers, he noted, "couch themselves" as
health-information organizations.
It's a good idea to avoid any site that entices visitors to buy a medical
product, according to Dr. Stephen Barrett, a psychiatrist from Allentown,
Pa., who has authored 46 books, including "Health Schemes, Scams and
Frauds," which was published by Consumer Reports.
The fact that a site lists references for published scientific studies is no
guarantee of the information's authenticity, Barrett noted. "The references
might not really support what's claimed on the site," he said.
According to the Arthritis Foundation and the FTC, Americans spend billions
of dollars each year on unproven remedies for chronic diseases. Barrett said
he believes that Web sites more often target healthy consumers for
"pseudoprevention" of these diseases with vitamins, herbs and supplements.
Most of these products, he noted, are, if nothing more, harmless. "I'm more
concerned about the financial harm."
But when it comes to chronic-disease patients self-medicating with products
found on the Internet, physical harm is a danger. "No matter what people
decide to take," said Nitzberg, "we recommend they take it to their doctors
and make sure it meshes with their [prescribed] treatment."
Both the foundation and the FTC advise consumers to print out Internet
information and show it to a physician before using a product.
In its alert, the FTC noted some red flags of a shady Web site. Phrases like
"miraculous cure," "secret formula" and "ancient ingredient" are common in
deceptive ads, according to the agency.
Other tip-offs include: the use of testimonials rather than science-based
evidence; a long list of symptoms that the product purportedly relieves; and
claims that the government or medical community is suppressing the
information under question.
Consumers with a complaint about an advertised medical product or service
can file it through the FTC's online complaint form at www.ftc.gov or by
calling toll-free 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).
For more information on recognizing deceptive health information on the
Internet, visit the Web sites of the FTC at www.ftc.gov or the Arthritis
Foundation at www.arthritis.org.
Copyright 1999 The Medical Tribune News Service. All rights reserved.

He has 2 books: WHAT YOUR DOCTOR MAY NOT TELL YOU ABOUT MENOPAUSE and WHAT
YOUR DOCTOR MAY NOT TELL YOU ABOUT PREMENOPAUSE. The 2 have different
approaches, and there is some important information that is different i.e.
updated, in the second , more recent book. I strongly recommend reading
both.
Linda

There was some discussion a while ago re the shipment of acidophilus and the
fact that it might be in warm surroundings while being shipped. I just
learned today from the man who runs a health food store in my area that
Genestra is the only company that ships acidophilus to him in special cool
packs. I thought some of you might be interested in this.
Linda

Also of interest is this note I found: (and I drink quite a bit of green tea,
having given up coffee - perhaps this is the cause?)
DOES GREEN TEA LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE?
According to a study in Japan, a Dr. Hara discovered that green tea catechins
slow/inhibit the action of an enzyme (ACE) that is an extremely strong vascular
constrictor - the constriction of the blood vessels caused by the constrictor
leads to high blood pressure. Green tea catechins impede the action of ACE. Of
course, the study was done on rats - but then - aren't most studies? Rats were
given a normal diet - then - when blood pressure was high, green tea catechins
were introduced into their diet. The results were obvious in about 6 weeks with
definite lowering of blood pressure.
Green tea is a health tonic - all by itself. In fact the catechins in green tea
are 20 times more powerful than Vitamin E as an antioxidant. It will inhibit
cancer growth, and some lab tests have proven that when green tea is given to
diabetic mice, it lowers their blood sugar. Some research has shown that it
deactivates some viruses, and has been known to deter the symptoms of food
poisoning from contaminated food - plus the proven positive results when used to
combat high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a myriad of other human
ailments.
Mark
http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes
http://www.bbonline.com/va/foxhill (Work)
Member of the World Photo Gallery at http://www.WorldPhotoGallery.com

well in the meantime,browsing around the Net, I found the answer to my own
question - bottom line - I'll live a while, I guess. :)
If you're interested here's a link regarding this:
http://www.betterhealth.com/heartwatch/dec98/nejm/0,4802,2130_123994,00.html
Markhttp://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes
RA 4/98 AP 7/98
Minocycline (Lederle generic) 100mg 2x/day; Celebrex 200mg 2x/day;Zone
Diet;Olive Leaf;Slippery Elm;curcuma;fish oil, Milk Thistle, GS
RA Chat - http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes/RA/ra.html
ICQ 18123139

Is the "systolic" part of the blood pressure reading very important? Just
curious - I know my blood pressure is lower than it used to be (today's reading
95/66 - pulse rate 67 - I took it shortly thereafter and it was 100/66 ). It
used to run around 115/72. Can this be from medications/herbs? Any reason for
concern or is that perfectly normal?
Figured all you medical folks could help me with this one.
thanks!
Mark
http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes
RA 4/98 AP 7/98
Minocycline (Lederle generic) 100mg 2x/day; Celebrex 200mg 2x/day;Zone
Diet;Olive Leaf;Slippery Elm;curcuma,fish oil;milk thistle;GS
RA Chat - http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes/RA/ra.html
ICQ 18123139

I was reading up on info on doxycycline on rxlist and other sites and came
across the comment that it is important if you are on doxycycline to mention it
to your doctor if you think you may be low on B-vitamins when you are on
doxycycline treatment. The reason for this was not noted, but I wanted to bring
it to your attention, so you can discuss it with your doc if you think it may
apply to you. I know my fatigue level improved greatly after adding brewer's
yeast tablets for B-vit's to my regime on my doc's recommendation during
tetracycline treatment. It might be a particular concern for those on wheat-free
diets if you are not getting the B-vit's from other sources as breads are a
primary source of these in our diet. Sincerely, Liz G

Green Tea Antioxidants May Fight Arthritis
July 23, 1999
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Studies in mice suggest that green tea
antioxidants may have a powerful effect in reducing the incidence and
severity of rheumatoid arthritis.
Polyphenols -- antioxidants found in green tea -- "possess much more potent
antioxidant activity than well-known antioxidants such as vitamin C and
vitamin E," explained study lead author Dr. Tariq Haqqi of Case Western
Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.
Recent studies have indicated that green tea polyphenols reduce levels of
oxidative stress within cells, lowering risks for heart disease and certain
cancers.
Haqqi's team focused on the effect of these polyphenols in rheumatoid
arthritis, an autoimmune disorder in which joints are gradually infiltrated
by inflammatory cells. The disease is most common in middle-aged women and is
characterized by painful swelling and destruction of cartilage and bone.
Mice used in the Cleveland study were fed either plain water or water
enriched with green tea polyphenols, with dosages roughly equivalent to a
human drinking four cups of green tea per day.
Each of the mice were then injected with collagen, rendering them vulnerable
to collagen-induced arthritis -- a condition very similar to human rheumatoid
arthritis.
Haqqi's team reports in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
that mice fed green tea polyphenols "were significantly less susceptible to
the development of collagen-induced arthritis, and if they developed
arthritis, the disease was late in onset and mild in comparison to mice not
given green tea polyphenols." Overall, just 8 out of 18 mice receiving
polyphenols developed arthritis, compared with 17 of the 18 mice who did not
receive the compounds.
Microscopic examination of joint tissues revealed "only marginal...
infiltration" of autoimmune cells in the joints of mice receiving
polyphenols, versus "massive" infiltration in mice on normal diets, according
to the investigators.
In a related Case Western Reserve University statement, Haqqi noted that "for
many generations, in some parts of the world -- including India, China and
Japan -- green tea has been considered to possess health-promoting potential
by preventing many illnesses." Anecdotal evidence suggests that rates of
rheumatoid arthritis in these countries may be much lower than those seen
elsewhere.
Haqqi says green tea has already proven effective in reducing rates of other
chronic illnesses. "Perhaps now arthritis can be added to the list," he said
in a statement.
SOURCE: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 1999;96:4524-4529.
Copyright 1999 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or
redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is
expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters
shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any
actions taken in reliance thereon.
All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a
substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions.
You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and
consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.

Hi Group,
Does anyone out there Know the name of Dr. Lee's book.
Thanks,
Heather

Here's the "book"
j.

Dear Geoff,
I left my newsletter in my office, but if I can remember correctly, Dr. Weil
in this month's letter, strongly endorses a product called something like
PC-Spes which os for prostate cancer. He lists all the herbs it contains and
says it's great!
So, I'm ready to investigate "your" RA-spes. Where do I get it? Is there
one brand? What is in it? I will try to remember to bring my newletter home.
If you're interested, and I forget, which I do all the time : ), please
remind me.
Thanks in advance.
Susan

Hello again,
Well I sent out my e-mail at 3:30 eastern time and by 5:00 I had over a
dozen requests for the book. So I am sending it to the group....
It will take two parts.
This part 1 is a text file of the actual protocol I am following. Part 2
will be a zipped Microsoft Word 97 document. If some is interested in
this and can't deal with a Word97 file let me know and I will send a
text file to them specifically.
Thanks for all the kind words to those who have written, I hope no one
minds if I don't respond individually (there are just too many!)
j.

Dear Ethel, Chris, and Dr. Chiu,
Do any of you experts know if Juvenile Dermatomyositis can be treated
with the AP? There is a mother of a three year old boy who I met on the
dermatomyositis@... list and she is interested.
Also, do you know if sarcoidosis is treatable with the AP?
Thank you all for any information you might share.
Connie

Hello All,
This should be a good one.
I may have discovered something very interesting here....
Some of you may remember a question I asked a few weeks back about the
work of Dr. Roger Wyburn-Mason and Dr. Jack Blount and their anti-fungal
treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. My curiosity was prompted by the
uploading of a digital "book" by a group member (I forget who, but thank
you thank you thank you!) discussing the treatment and theory of these
doctors. Basically their conjecture is that RA is caused by a type of
Amoebae (Limex) and that treatment requires the use of anti-protozal
(antifungals) agents. In my opinion, Amoebas are probably not the
pathogen, maybe mycoplasmas truly are or some other fungal agent, I
don't really know but I will touch on this more later....
The truly exciting element of this treatment for me was the time frame.
Instead of years of treatment, this protocol is a 6 week course only!
The book contains lot of information and case studies which indicate
that the treatment works. An interesting note is that this book reads
very much like Dr. Brown's "The Road Back", it talks about a 80% success
rate, about the resistance of the rheumatology community, about the
herxheimer reaction, yada yada yada.... Since it was only a 6 week
course and I could do this as an adjunct to my current AP (i.e. I didn't
stop taking Minocin) I figured I had nothing to lose by giving it a try
(the drugs themselves are very cheap, my total cost was under $40 and I
ended up with about 4 times more drugs than I need, so if the scripts
were written more conservatively it should be under $20. It did cost me
around $150 for the doctors visit. That cost ended up being extra high
because I saw a completely new doctor for this and those initial visits
can be expensive.)
So in a nutshell here is my protocol:
On Wednesday, July 7 I saw Dr. Paul Beals (whom also treats people with
minocin, including clindy IVs for anyone else in the Washington, DC area
looking for a doctor to work with) and "talked" him into treating me in
this manner (I had brought a copy of a protocol I found on the
arthritistrust.org web site). We started with a shot of Depo-Medrol (or
hydrocortizine or something like that, I forget which one, but a
cortisone that would last a week or so) to minimize the first week of
herxing that is reportedly pretty gruesome. I then filled 2
prescriptions: 1. Allopurinol, and anti-gout medication, 300mg three
times a day for the first week only (note: this is a very high dose of
allopurinol, but apparently a high dose is needed for the drug to act as
a anti-protozal); and 2. Metronidazole (brand name is Flagyl) 500mg 3
times a day for 2 consecutive day each week (3 grams per week total,
this is a weight determined dose, I weight around 155 pounds). The next
day (Thursday) I started both the allopurinol and metronidazole.
On friday around 11:00am (long after my morning dose which I had taken
around 6:00am) my stomach decided to empty it's contents in a most
violent fashion (reminded me on an Exorcist movie <g
metro is known to cause nausea and vomiting, but apparently from raised
serum levels, not the actual pill in your stomach). Somehow I had the
guts to take my next dose just under an hour later (no, I'm not a
masochist! I just want my health back!). Though the nausea continued, I
was able to keep food and medicine down the rest of the day without
anymore vomiting. By saturday night I was in full herx mode. I had some
extra pain and swelling (but not that much which I attribute to the depo
medrol), but the flu-like symptoms were fairly bad. I was running a
fever of 101, I was nauseous, fatigued and the night sweats were the
worst I had ever encountered. My sheets were absolutely soaked every
morning. By monday I think the cortisone had worn off or the herx was
even worse because my levels of pain were very high and somehow I was
actually feeling pain in places I never had before (and I though my RA
had hit all the places it had to hit, but there were others!). Tuesday
was even worse, my outer hips were so sore I could barely make it up the
stairs to my bedroom that evening. I woke up around 3am in a actual
puddle of sweat and I was chilled all over. I went to the bathroom,
switched sides of the bed and went back to sleep. When I awoke wednesday
morning the most amazing things had happened. First of all I was cool
and dry! When I got out of bed I noticed my knees hardly hurt at all! My
shoulders were pain free! I was able to blow dry my hair without pain
for the first time in almost a year! All over the pain was better and
the swelling was down--way down, plus my fever had broke! I was feeling
so good I decided not to take any pain killers whatsoever (no tylenol,
no ibuprofen, no narcotics, no NSAIDs of any type, absolutely nothing).
I almost cried myself the whole way to work as I was experiencing relief
of a sort I had never dreamed!
Thursday came and I was still better, but it was time to take more
metronidazole. I still took no painkillers and made it through the day
just fine. (I'd like to note that these are the first two days in a year
that I had not taken something for pain!) Friday morning I was a bit
stiff and seemed to be flaring a little (this was somewhat expected as I
had taken more metro) so I did take some naproxen but I still had a very
good day. I did have some more nausea problems this friday, at about the
same time as the previous week, but it didn't get so bad that I had to
vomit (I think this might be because by this time I was no longer taking
the allopurinol in conjunction with the metro, as allopurinol can make
you nauseous as well but again I can't really be sure). By friday night
I was herxing again, though no where near as bad as the previous week.
By tuesday (2 days ago) the herx had subsided, this time though not in
such a dramatic fashion but I was again even better than the previous
week! No pain killers on wednesday or today either and I have to tell
you I feel just great! I am taking metro again today, so I expect some
more herxing this weekend, but hopefully the pattern will continue and
this herx won't be so bad.
So I am a full 2 weeks into this treatment and I would say I have over
75% relief of symptoms! I am still kinda waiting for the other shoe to
drop so I am not celebrating just yet (but I am enjoying the hell out of
the relief I have seen so far!). I can't even tell you "for sure" that
it's the treatment that is the cause of the relief, but it sure seems
far too much a coincidence for it not to be. The best indicator I have
that it is working is the case studies in that "book" which mirror my
progress almost exactly. That still doesn't rule out that this is
something else or some sort of placebo effect, but damn is it a strong
effect!
Let me back up to a discussion of infectious agents. Like I said before,
the idea that an Amoebae is the cause of RA doesn't sit too well with
me, though I am certainly no protozologist. But since this treatment
appears to work with similar success rates to Minocin (though faster) it
is not much of a stretch for me to think that the
metronidazole/allopurinol is working on the same critters (be those
critters mycoplasmas, candida, cell-wall deficient candida, cell-wall
deficient bacteria or some fungal agent.) I believe Dr. Brown thought
that a better antimicrobial drug would be found one day that would
hasten his treatment, so it's possible that this is it, but again, I
really don't know.
On other interesting thing I found. When I go to the www.rxlist.com site
and look up any drug, one of the items for every drug is it's "FDA Drug
Class." If I look up minocycline it lists it's drug class as
"tetracyclines". If I look up zithromax or biaxin it lists the class as
"Lincosamides/Macrolides." But when I look up metronidazole is lists
it's FDA drug class as "Antibacterials, Miscellaneous; Antidiarrheals;
Antiprotozoals; Dermatologics; Disorders, Acid/Peptic;
Gastrointestional, Miscellaneous; and (get this!) Tetracyclines"!!!
Very interesting indeed.
Anyway, this bring you all up to date. I still that it might be a little
early for me to be talking too much about this as it has only been 2
weeks, but I am feeling soooooooooooooooo much better I felt I had to
share with the group sooner rather than later. If anyone is interested
in a copy of this book, let me know and i will e-mail to you. I guess if
enough people ask for it, I will just send it to the group.
I'd love to hear some discussion of this from the group. Please remember
that it has only been 2 weeks for me and this might yet be an aberration
(and maybe because I've started talking about it I will have a major
relapse <g
or bad).
Talk soon!
j.
I cannot believe,
or even pretend,
That the thunder I hear,
will just disappear,
and the nightmare will end.
- David Gilmour

Microsoft maintains a regularly updated FTP site called the Microsoft
Software Library that offers snippets of code that provide solutions for
a wide variety of problems with Windows and applications. It's also the
home of some of the more useful utilities the company creates. Use the
first link to open a text file that describes all the files in the
Software Library. Use the second link to download the files.
ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/Softlib/index.txt
ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/Softlib/MSLFILES/

< spent 18 years working in hospitals (surgical ward, ER and others),
clinics (physical & occupational therapy, diagnostic imaging) and nursing
homes. My jobs were all administrative but I had daily contact with lots of
very sick patients. I decided to quit work when I discovered I might have
RA. I didn't think I needed to be exposed to all the germs anymore.
Hello,
My email was in response to the Quick Poll someone sent asking how many of
us had worked in the Medical field. I guess I should have stated that in
the body instead of just the Subject.
I am not working on any assumptions of a medical diagnosis. I have been
battling this illness for at least 8-10 years. I have studied long and hard
on the subject of RA and the medications available. It took several years to
get a definitive diagnosis because I was not getting the right tests done.
I have been officially diagnosed with RA since 1997. I have been on
Plaquenil, Doxycycline and all the supplements that go along with them for
the last two years. I had a lot of success with that treatment until
several months ago when I started to have more frequent flares and pain. I
have seen at least 8 doctors about this illness and 4 of them have been
Rheumatologists. I just returned from a trip to the States where I got a
second opinion on my course of treatment for the RA and I am now taking
Enbrel and Celebrex. So far, I have had good results with these new drugs.
Hopefully, they will continue to improve my quality of life.
I hope this gives you a better understanding of the situation. Have a great
day!
JB

Hi,
I spent 18 years working in hospitals (surgical ward, ER and others),
clinics (physical & occupational therapy, diagnostic imaging) and nursing
homes. My jobs were all administrative but I had daily contact with lots of
very sick patients. I decided to quit work when I discovered I might have
RA. I didn't think I needed to be exposed to all the germs anymore.
JB

Is anyone on Enbrel? I have been taking it for a few months now. I seem to
be doing very well on it. I don't appear to have any side effects other
than very sore throat the day after I have the injection. Then it goes
away.
JB

Hi,
Has anyone herxed taking this supplement? I am taking one aspirin,
two darvocet, two spes, pred. 3mg., and arthro-7 which has curcumin and
bromelain. I can barely move but I strongly believe it is a herx.
I take it no one is using slippery elm and olive leaf as I did not
see a response on how others are taking it. I am using up the pau
d'arco before starting on those two.
Denise
NC

Hello,
I have worked in hospitals and community health centers for years.
I had gastroenteritis twice from a MacDonald's, viral pneumonia at
least once, and a former abusive husband who stalked me and used the
courts to come after me for 14 years. I developed RA within three
years.
Denise
NC

For those of you that don't know, and that use Bluemountain.com to create
those many E-Mail cards that we send, there is a site in Spanish, too!
Maria
<A HREF="http://www2.bluemountain.com/index.html"
Electronic Greeting Cards...
</A
<A HREF="http://www2.monteazul.com/index.html"
Electrónicas Animad...
</A

Good morning all!
My name is Stacy and I am Shirle's daughter (Gdnr@...). She asked me to
write to let you all know that her computer crashed three weeks ago now, and
is still not back up. SO.....any e-mails that may have been sent in the last
few weeks have not been received.
She is hoping that the 'puter will be well soon!!!
If you have anything you would like to pass on to her, you can through the
group, or @ my personal e-mail (aznewmom@...). Just put 'Re: gdnr or
to Stacy' in your subject line! I'll stay on the list for a day or so, print
out notes, and snail mail them to her!
Thanks!!!
Stacy
---
April's mommy (2-10-97)
*****************************
PS -- To Ethel:
My mom wanted me to specifically ask you about "leaky gut". I believe she
posted a question about it before (????), but becuz of the crash hasn't rec'd an
answer.
If you can give her any info you have on this topic (inc: web sites, etc.....)
it would be appreciated.
Again, I will forward it all!!!!
Thanks!
Stacy
--
Visit http://www.ivillage.com for your FREE iVillage.com email account.
iVillage.com: The #1 Women's Network -- Real Solutions for Real Women.

Hi Folks,
I got this note today from someone with Chrons (sp) disease asking if I
knew the pathogen. I haven't a clue but figured some of you probably do
and was hoping one of you might answer her. I'm completely swamped with
email at the moment having signed up for a second list that apparently
is as active (or more so) than our AP list. If someone could help her
out, I sure would appreciate it.
Her name is Carmen and her address is starwoman@...
Thanks bunches,
Jan K

Group..........
I stumbled onto this website - possibly not new to you, but thought I'd share it
just in case.
www.discoveryhealth.com
I clicked on 'alternative meds' and went from there. There is an interesting
article by the Arthritis Foundation - I found it a bit jaded, but interesting.
Joey

Many of you have fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed in 1998 with RA. Just today
the rheumatologist has added yet another diagnosis along with RA: fibromyalgia.
Many of you have been very informative about all of the many related connective
tissues diseases. In some ways, it really made me depressed today. However,
I knew all along I probably had this because of the pain that I experience 24
hours
a day. As you know right now, I can't sleep. It is late. I have pain so much
in fact,
you know how that is, that I really do not know that I do have it.
I know sometimes when for some other reason usually I get some pain relief
whether
it is for teeth pain, or for cough syrup or whatever, I think, WOW this feels
great,
so much less pain.
I was started today on Minocyclin (Minocin). Dr. wants me to start out just 50
mg
2 x a day. In fact, I remember something about some of you saying, go slowly
at first. In fact, I may have to go slower. She mentioned the pigmentation
(skin)
and to look for any brownish spots, like bruises, etc.
You that are on minocin give me just a few pointers with this drug, what to
look
for, etc. I remember some of you have had good success with it.
There is a question. I read somewhere that fibrormyalgia patients can greatly
benefit
from guafi...I can't spell it. it is an expectorate. Says it is great for the
ailment. Can
that be taken with minocin. I have some of that drug ( large white pills) given
by my pulmono
logist when I had bronchitis, etc. and asthma. Have any of you tried it?
Well, anyway, after being on doxy for awhile, and then having pneumonia, having
to get
off of it, then one thing after another; so now dr. is going to try minocin. I
am a little
anxious about it, hope it is OK with me. I need it so desperately. I dread
another
day at work, not that I don't like my work, but just getting up, going, and
doing normal
tasks that so many people take for granted.
I heard from a friend on- email this evening telling me all about what she did
in Atlanta(my home
town), etc. and I thought I would love to do that but probably from a "Rascal
cart". I
may try to see if my insurance could help me if my dr. writes note, etc. Do any
of you
have one?
Well, this is a real "rambling on" conversational typing tonight. But thanks
for
being there. I really do value all of you.
Thanks
Martha Smith from St. Augustine, Florida

Aspartame Toxicity 5.5.99 Please copy and post. Rich Murray
[B.A., M.I.T. 1964, M.A., Boston U. 1967: a layman committed to
facilitating civil debate on the aspartame toxicity issue]
Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal, Canderel, Benevia) is reported by
many scientific studies and thousands of complaints to be toxic:
headaches, all kinds of body and joint pain (or burning, tingling,
tremors, twitching, spasms, or numbness); "mind fog", "feel unreal",
poor memory, confusion, anxiety, irritability, depression, mania,
insomnia, dizziness, slurred speech, ringing in ears, sexual problems,
nausea, seizures, poor vision, hearing, or taste; fatigue; red
face, itching, rashes, burning eyes or throat; hair loss; obesity,
bloating, poor or excessive hunger or thirst; diarrhea or
constipation; breathing problems; racing heart, high blood pressure,
erratic blood sugar levels; birth defects; brain cancers.
Users who quit often experience much immediate healing, but
some symptoms may last for weeks. RC Diet Cola uses sucralose, far
less hazardous than asp. It's fun to mix club soda with juices.
A centuries old herbal sweetener, stevia, is entirely safe, and
widely available at health food stores. Saccharin is also now
deemed safe.
Read all labels!-- asp. is in all diet sodas (except
Royal Crown Diet Cola); many drink mixes, instant breakfasts,
cereals, cake mixes, yogurts, puddings, jellos, chewing gums,
breath mints, candies, toothpastes, laxatives, even vitamins
and medicines. Absorption through the skin in the mouth may be
especially strong.
The European Union Directive 96/83/EC of the European Parliament and
of the European Council of Dec. 19, 1996: "Sweeteners may not be used
in food for infants or young children..." This is aimed at aspartame,
by far the most criticized sweetener, which was approved by a corrupt
FDA in 1974 and 1981.
Three careful double-blind experimental studies prove
asp. causes headaches: Koehler SM et al, 1988, Headache,
28(1), 10-14. Walton RG et al, 1993, Biological Psychiatry,
34(1), 13-17. rwalton193@... Van Den Eeden SK et al,
1994, Neurology, 44, 1787-93. skv@...
Woodrow C. Monte, Director, Food Science and Nutrition
Laboratory, Arizona State University, woody.monte@...,
"Aspartame: Methanol and the Public Health," 1984, J. Applied
Nutrition, 36(1), 42-54 (62 references): The methanol from
2 L of diet soda, 5.6 12-oz cans, 20 mg/can, is 112 mg, 10% of
the asp. The EPA limit for water is 7.8 mg daily for methanol
(wood alcohol), a deadly cumulative poison. Many users drink
1-2 L daily. The reported symptoms are entirely consistent with
chronic methanol toxicity. (Fresh orange juice has 34 mg/L, but,
like all juices, has 16 times more ethanol, which strongly
protects against methanol.) This study is available at:
http://www.dorway.com/wmonte.txt .
A radioactive tracer study proves that the methanol
from a low dose of asp. binds formaldehyde, a deadly cumulative
poison, into tissues: Trocho C et al, 1998, Life Sci, 63(5), 337-349.
Who pays the piper, calls the tune. Ralph G. Walton,
Prof. of Clinical Psychology, Northeastern Ohio Universities,
Youngstown, OH 44501, 330-740-3671, in an unpublished 66-page
study (1998), listed 166 studies about asp. and health. All 74
studies funded by the industry were favorable, whereas 84 of the
92 non-industry studies identified a problem. Moreover, many
industry studies were published repeatedly with slight changes,
from 2 to 6 times each, violating scientific ethics.
This study is available at http://www.dorway.com/peerrev.html .
Aspartame Victims Support Group Home Page
http://www.presidiotex.com/aspartame/
Aspartame Toxicity Information Center www.HolisticMed.com/aspartame
Mark D. Gold "Scientific Abuse in Aspartame Research" at
http://www.holisticmed.com/aspartame/abuse/methanol.html
mgold@... 35 Inman St., Cambridge, MA 02139 617-497-7843
Mission-Possible-USA Betty Martini 770-242-2599 http://www.dorway.com
Aspartame Consumer Safety Network 800-969-6050 Mary Stoddard
http://web2.airmail.net/marystod/index.html
Search medical reports: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed
The Aspartame Homepage (the industry line) www.aspartame.org
For my 12-page paper: rmforall@... Rich Murray, M.A.
Room For All, 1943 Otowi Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505 505-986-9103
http://www.healthandmoneytips.com/ezine/v1i3/page5.html
Health Press hlthprs@... 505-982-9373
http://www.healthpress.com/in-bad-taste.html George R. Schwartz, M.D.
"In Bad Taste: The MSG Symptom Complex" drgschwartz@...

I DON'T HANDLE THE STRESS OF 60 EMAILS EASILY AND DO NOT KNOW HOW TO DO THIS
UNSUBSCRIBE THING. I DON'T REMEMBER ANY PASSWORD, BUT PLEASE TAKE ME OFF THE
LIST, IT TAKES TOO LONG TO READ AND DELETE. THANKS,

I was looking for info on colloidal minerals, and ran across this....
Colloidal Silver Ineffective, Unsafe
Silver, which in the pre-antibiotic era found some use against infectious
diseases such as gonorrhea, and which can still be found in such antibacterial
preparations as silver sulfadiazine, is currently being promoted as a
exceptionally safe and effective remedy for virtually all infectious diseases
and as an "immune system stimulator" to treat the same kinds of disorders. The
current preparations, the use of which are being advocated by a variety of
individuals and organizations, including the eccentric
veterinarian/naturopath/"NobelPrizeNominee" Joel Wallach who has blanketed the
nation with his false and deceptive "Dead Doctors Don't Lie" cassette tapes,
contain silver complexed with protein and are called "colloidal silver" or,
sometimes more generically, "colloidal minerals."
Sadly, there is no evidence whatsoever that these products do what is claimed
for them or that they are safe. The FDA, now barred by law from regulating such
"nutritional supplements," stated as much in its 1995 Health Fraud Bulletin #19.
Amazingly, even the National Nutritional Foods Association, which fought for the
legislation that exempted these items from FDA oversight (the 1994 Dietary
Supplements Health and Education Act, or DSHEA), recently began warning that
colloidal silver products have not been proven safe and effective. Besides
dermatologic and ocular toxicity, prolonged use of silver-containing products
causes a permanent grayish to blue-black discoloration of the skin, mucous
membranes, and even internal body organs known as argyria. Physicians who
discover users of these preparations through their routine inquiries into
supplement use (recommended!) should advise such individuals to discontinue
their use.
http://www.hcrc.org/contrib/gorski/mar1997.html#colloidal

Dear Ken,
Dr. Thomas McPherson Brown said that rheumatic disease, including juvenile
rheumatoid arthritis, is triggered by infection. The body is therefore
attacking the infection in the joints, not attacking itself for no reason
(the 'auto-immune') theory. Dr. Brown treated with low-dose antibiotic
therapy to gradually rid the body of the infection.
Dr. Robert Franco in California uses erythromycin for children with JRA. A
nine year old boy in our state was so severely ill with JRA that he
couldn't feed himself or go to the toilet by himself. His mother is a nurse
and realised that the anti-inflammatories were doing nothing to halt the
course of the disease. She consulted with Dr. Franco via our group and Dr.
Franco told her to give her son 500-600mg liquid erythromycin (Eryped)
daily. This little boy is now totally recovered and is on a maintenance
dose for another six months.
Your grandson could stay on the anti-inflammatory while starting
erythromycin. Later on, once the antibiotic has kicked in, he should be
able to gradually reduce the anti-inflammatory.
You might like to read our FAQ at www.rheumatic.org/faq.htm for a good
overview of this therapy.
Please let me know if I can help with more information.
Chris.

FYI -

Last week I stuck myself accidentally with a patients needle.So,I had to get
tesyed for aids and hepatitis.The good news is that both tests came back
negative.However,I have to have them repeated in 6 weeks, 6 months and a
year.But I fiund out that my hepatitis antibody is at zero.Now I had that
freaking vaccine 5 yrs ago and thats what triggered my disease.After all that
I don't even have the benefit of the protection of the vaccine.The doctor
recommended I take another series of 3 but I said "sure, when pigs can fly I
will".
Joanie

my thanks to everyone who mentions new things to try. i was unsubscribed
for my first year in law school. in just the past week of rejoining i
have been excited by ideas on Cipro, Biaxin, Flagyl, cherries, the GI
test form GSMtn.Labs, CSilver and prolotherapy just to name a few.
thanks for such a great place to share information.
i am currently on minocin and enbrel and have had RA for 9 years. i
think it's groups like this that will help find a cure! thanks to all
for sharing the wealth of information, Margie in Chapel Hill NC

hi diane, this is marie, my rib hurts when snezz wow cough oh well just
fingerbending a little scares me some dont know how long i got for fingers,
i got to get another opion for CUPRIMINE I dont have heart trouble s iam
om250mg PROCARDIA xl 60mg PRILOSEC 20mg gee i do
feel good three years ago ha, couldint walk eat good bend i couldint get up
my joints all over took control i use cane one year two years of hell hit me
quite, and then i got on life guard SULLMENT for joints fgee iam out going
doing everything fEEL GOOG fingers iwish some how //////////// cuprmine i got
to fine out I Have good boold preasure feeel good gotof diarty products,
some i DID i had ray RA crippling scl 3 gee hope there no more check on
cup, would you i have good heart good insides feel good sr for long letter
ido PRAY FOR YOU AND EVERONE ON THIS MANY OTHERS DEASES pray for me too OK.
all hole in there marie from MAINE please write any of you ok rayaunds RA.
SCL

Has anyone tried this for rheumatic problems. It is supposed to be highly
effective
antibiotic. Thanks Corine from Tulsa

I worked for 11 years in the medical field and I have scleroderma. diane

I mentioned this to Ken and Linda privately, but will post it here as well.
Another source of fish oil that is not contaminated can be found at
www.enterthezone.com . They use molecular distillation to make sure it is
PCP free,etc. I have also read that if you are taking selenium or ginger
as well as fish oil, that you need to speak with your doctor, especially
prior to surgery. In fact , it is recommended that you be off of these for
2 weeks prior to surgery. Nsaids can also be blood thinners.
Mark
http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes
http://www.bbonline.com/va/foxhill (Work)
Member of the World Photo Gallery at http://www.WorldPhotoGallery.com

Here's an interesting story on research being done to control pain by
identifying those individuals with a particular genetic makeup.

Hi,
I worked in a hospital of some sort for about 35 years as an RN and then
therapist.
Blessings,
Susan
Susan
"Light is Living in God's Holy Thoughts"

I know a lot of people with rheumatic diseases find it difficult to get into
a comfortable, painfree position for sleeping. We found a new mattress
that, after 4 months of use, I can say is the most comfortable I have ever
tried. Even when we were trying it out in the store, the first thought that
came to mind was that it was like lying on a cloud. Now, you have to keep
in mind that I am not a poetic person! But after using it since March, I
have to say it's true. I find I can totally relax my body within minutes of
lying down. It has individual pocket coils that give support where needed
and is extra deep. But what I find just as helpful is the "pillow" top. It
is VERY thick with little depressions where it is spot-stitched in a large
grid pattern. These depressions are very helpful as they take pressure off
elbows, heels, etc.
Now I am not in the mattress business, but if anyone wants the name and
model, I'd be happy to let you know.
Linda
(RA 21+ YR., AP 20 MO.)

Psychologist in outpatient mental health center and private practice, as well
as school psychologist.

Today at Yosemite National Park in California, a paraplegic began his climb up
the sheer cliff face of El Capitan. He will be climbing approx. 3200 feet
straight up, 6" at a time, using a hand pulley device. They estimate it will
take about 7 days and 7,000 pull-ups. Just goes to show that limitations are few
if the will is strong enough! Liz G

Sorry if you are not interested in colloidal silver address-please delete.
Several have asked me how to get to the colloidal silver forum and I deleted
the emails because aol kept locking up.
email to silver-list-request@... and put subscribe in the subject.
It's just as easy to unsubscribe.
Susan L

Many fibro. patients use low-dose anti-depressants to assist with stage IV
sleep. The same inflammatory reactions that cause swelling can also affect
sleep, so if you can get the general state of inflammation down in the body
it should help as well. Sleep disturbance, which has been a lifelong problem
for me, improved a great deal when I started to respond to the AP. Liz G
PS Ambien, a non benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic seems to be one which is
mentioned over on alt.med.fibromyalgia a lot as one which is especially good
for sleep disturbance, and amitriptyline, an anti-depressant is also often
used.

Liz is up on the supportgroup site pictures now. Anyone else want to be
up there? Send me your picture.
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Gallery/6412/supportgroup3.htm

Harry,
Interesting. I was on curcumin for about 4 months and couldn't tell much of
anything. However, after stopping it in the last month, I have noticed that
some of my chronic nasal problems have surfaced again (stuffiness). I have
read that it helps with sinus problems, so am wondering if it was the reason
for me having a very mild Spring in regards to sinus difficulties. So I
have started taking it again (today) to see if it will do anything. Who
knows though? It is like me coming out of a long flare - was it fish oil,
Celebrex, or maybe it was the slippery elm and olive leaf? Or maybe as the
docs like to say - just another wave in the cycle? Pretty tricky figuring
it out - all I can say is be happy if the pain is 1/2 - take one day at a
time and enjoy them!
Mark
P.S. Actually I take a product from GNC called Circuminoids which contains
Curcuma Ionga Root Extract Powder - 315mg (95% Curcuminoids) - sounds like
some sort of voodoo product - so it must be good. LOL
Here's something regarding fish oils that I thought was interesting.
Perhaps my increased intake did benefit me?
"However, one natural approach that appears to help people with lupus is the
use of fish oil supplements. MaxEPA is the best-researched formulation and
is available under several brands. In both animal and human studies, fish
oils have been found to be beneficial.
The best study to date compared the effectiveness of taking 20 grams a day
of MaxEPA or 20 grams of olive oil. Patients with active systemic lupus
received each oil one at a time and the results were compared. Neither the
patients nor their doctors knew which oil they were taking at any given
time. The full study lasted 34 weeks; 17 people completed the study.
The results were striking. Fourteen of the patients achieved "useful" or
"ideal" clinical status while talking fish oil, while 13 of them were
unchanged or even worse while on olive oil.
While there were no major side effects from fish oil in the study, I suggest
that you first discuss taking fish oil with your doctor. Taking at least 100
international units a day of vitamin E is also advisable if you try fish oil
supplements. "

This was too good not to pass on :-)
Two doctors and an HMO manager died and lined up at the pearly gates for
admission to heaven. St. Peter asked them to identify themselves. One
doctor
stepped forward and said: "I was a pediatric spine surgeon and helped kids
overcome their deformities." St. Peter said, "You can enter." The second
doctor said "I was a psychiatrist. I helped people rehabilitate
themselves."
St. Peter also invited him in. The third applicant stepped forward and
said, "I was an HMO manager. I helped people get cost-effective health
care." St. Peter said, "You can come in too." But as the HMO manager
walked
by, St. Peter added, "You can stay three days. After that, you can go to
hell".

Hi Group:
Somewhere on the Internet, and I can't remember where, I recently read about
curcumin, the yellow pigment of the herb (and kitchen spice) turmeric.
Anyhow, I recall reading it had powerful natural anti-inflammatory
properties. This type of statement usually gets the attention of RA victims.
So on my next trip to my friendly health food store I searched the shelves
for curcumin. When I couldn't find it, I asked for help. I felt dumb when
the clerk took me to the product labeled "turmeric." The information on the
bottle stated each capsule contained 300 mg curcumin. A bottle of 60 cost me
$10.61, and is a product of Solaray.
I don't remember seeing any postings on curcumin by the group so I thought I
would ask. Has anyone else tried it? As several members have pointed out,
medications which work for one person may not work for the next. However,
before 24 hours, the pain in my shoulder joints was 1/2 of what it was
before. I took one capsule with each meal.
Obviously I can't be certain the curcumin was the agent at work. It could
have been the minocycline which for unknown reasons accelerated its
anti-inflammatory effects. It could have been coincidence. At any rate,
there are no side effects, it is cheap, and if my pain continues to lessen I
will continue using it.
Would appreciate hearing if other group members have tried it.
Good health to all,
Harry

Hi Gang! Geoff Crenshaw here.
This one is (mostly) for the health care folks, researchers, scientists,
etc., on the list...
We know that in a confined setting such as an office when there are a
group of females working together within 90 days their menstrual periods
begin to cycle in more or less unison, presumably due to phermone
influences.
I am wondering, is there any similarity to rheumatoids? In other words,
say in a ward setting, do their flares tend to cycle more or less in
unison, or is there no apparent change in a group or individual
environment?
--
Regards,
Geoff Crenshaw, ACC

http://www.ivanhoe.com/docs/newsflash-monday.html#green

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/heart/9907/19/cheap.heart.drug/

Well, I am happy to say that after a 5 day excursion to Atlanta, I have returned
and am still in nearly a pain free mode. After a long flare that actually
seemed to start back in February of this year, I suddenly came out of it
practically overnight. And I was in bad shape just before coming out of it -
now, the pain has left my feet and my knees and no longer is it hard to stand up
out of a chair. My fingers are much better - no longer shiny and swollen. They
still are a bit stiff, but in contrast to what they were like, I would say my
joints are 80% improved. My shoulders still ache some, but it is now possible
to comb my hair and wash my hair without serious contortions. My TMJ joint
still is a bit stiff from time to time in the morning, but not too bad. Will it
last? Who knows? But I wanted to share the good news, cause I know many of you
have been and still are going thru hellacious spells of this stuff and I thought
it might help to know that eventually you do come out of it.
I'm not sure what caused me to come out of it. I had just started taking
Celebrex, but I had only take 1 pill at the time my symptoms started vanishing.
Now even I do not expect results that fast!
Though this is far fetched and may not have anything to do with it, I did start
increasing my consumption of fish oil capsules and it was about that very same
time that I started getting relief. I know - that sounds weird, but I had read
in one of Dr. Sear's books on the Zone Diet (part of his diet consists of taking
Omega 3 oils, thus the fish oil) that with RA, it would be benificial to take 3
per meal rather than 2, so I started doing so. And shortly thereafter I started
feeling much better. While in Atlanta, I missed taking them for about a day and
a half and the last night before leaving Atlanta, I started to ache again at
night and woke up stiffer than I had been waking up. So I immediately went back
to taking 3 per meal, and last night no aches late at night and I woke up
feeling good with lots of energy. Coincidence? Maybe - but then again, maybe
it was something my body was needing? Again who's to say? I will have to
experiment going off of the fish oil again to see if it makes a difference, but
not today, cause I feel too good!
I will say that it is amazing how much a bad flare affects your mood and your
whole attitude and outlook on life. I didn't realize how tired and rather
gloomy I was till I came out of this, then suddenly it was like someone switched
a light on. I will say this - sure makes one want to stay out of the flare
stage!
So hang in there gang - better days are coming!
P.S. Although I filled my script for Zithro - I haven't started taking it - I
think I will hold off and see if this good period continues for a while. If I
go south , then I can always start it then. In the meantime, I started taking
milk thistle as I read that w/ long term dosages of antibiotics, that it was
helpful to take something like milk thistle to protect your liver. I figured I
would give it a try for a month and see how that works. I will try and check
and see where I read that - possibly in one of Dr. Murray's books (he's a
naturopath and from reading his books, I would guess a pretty good one)
Mark
-------
http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes
RA 4/98 AP 7/98
Minocycline (Lederle generic) 100mg 2x/day; Celebrex 200mg 2x/day;Zone
Diet;Olive Leaf;Slippery Elm;Milk thistle;fish oil
RA Chat - http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes/RA/ra.html
ICQ 18123139

| CFS/FM Recovery Home | CFS/FM Vicious Circle Theory | Recommended Drugs &
Nutrients | Join Our Discussion | Buy Bulk Nutrients Here | Moby Dick Society
Home |
| Reasons to Buy Licorice From This Site | Do Not Use Licorice "Root" | Is
Licorice Dangerous? | Licorice Extract Instructions | Using Hydrocortisone &
Licorice |
How Licorice Extract Benefits Those With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,
Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Lupus and Other Chronic Inflammatory Illnesses!
The main bioactive ingredient in Licorice Extract (LE) is glycyrrhizic acid
(GA) also know as glycyrrhizin. Carbenoxolone and Cicloxolone are the names of
two commerical drugs derived from this potent natural ingredient. Licorice
extract, glycyrrhizic acid (GA) and both the derivative drugs have been study
extensively for the last 50 years and many specific medical uses have been
discoved. The following are only a few of the most important uses of licorice
products:
#1. The most important human response to glycyrrhizic acid in LE is its
ability to extend the bioactivity of cortisol by inhibiting the enzyme that
deactivates this vital hormone (abstracts).
However, the tone of many medical articles detailing glycyrrhizin's ability
to extend cortisol activity is negative as if increasing cortisol was a bad side
effect. Naturallly this would depend on your prespective. If you are suffering
hypertension and cortisol excess, you sure would not want to increase cortisol
activity. But if you were suffering inflammation, severe arthritis pain, an
activated immunity or low cortisol, more of this hormone is just what you need.
Increasing cortisol activity in many illnesses can be the cornerstone to a
recovery.
#2. LE can increase sodium appetite (abstract), help the body retain sodium
and increase blood pressure. This ability of glycyrrhizin in LE to help the body
retain sodium and raise blood pressure is viewed by many medical professionals
as dangerous simply because LE might increase blood pressure in people with
salt-sensitive hypertension. They fail to realize that glycyrrhizin can be of
great benefit to those with low to normal blood pressure. As a result of this
bias towards warning those with hypertension to stay away from licorice
products, most of the medical articles written about the herb are slanted toward
this danger, rather than as a great natural product to treat hypotension and
inflammation (abstracts).
LE also increase blood pressure by causing blood vessels to be more
sensitive to vasoconstrictors (abstract).
#3. Due to antiviral properties, licorice products are often used to treat
AIDS, hepatitis and other viral illnesses. (GA as an antiviral) | (carbenoxolone
as an antiviral). The herb is also active againts herpes virus (abstract)
(abstract).
#4. LE has many antioxidant properties. (abstracts supporting licorice as an
antioxidant).
#5. LE can protect the stomach from damage by aspirin (abstracts). Aspirin
is a nitric oxide inhibitor and can be of great value to people with
inflammatory illness. (Taking three aspirin can relieve severe bouts of fatigue
within thirty minutes.)
#6. LE has been used for five thousand years to calm stomach distress and
treat ulcers. The greatest benefit most people report who take LE is the calming
of their irritable bowel. (abstracts indicating the actions of LE in the gut)
#7. Researchers have recently discovered an ingredient in licorice extract
that prevents the build-up of cholesterol in arteries. The ingredient,
glabridin, delays the oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad"
cholesterol, a main contributing factor to increased cholesterol on arterial
walls that leads to arteriosclerosis or narrowing of the arteries (Link).
more general licorice information . . .
UK's most famous herbalist on licorice
another great link from the government of Alberta, Canada
| Reasons to Buy Licorice From This Site | Do Not Use Licorice "Root" | Is
Licorice Dangerous? | Licorice Extract Instructions | Using Hydrocortisone &
Licorice |
| CFS/FM Recovery Home | CFS/FM Vicious Circle Theory | Recommended Drugs &
Nutrients | Join Our Discussion | Buy Bulk Nutrients Here | Moby Dick Society
Home |

Hello Thomas and everyone,
A quick look at Medline Abstracts reveals the following Bacterias as the
cause of Reiter's Syndrome:
Gardnerella vaginalis
Chlamydia trachomatis
Ureaplasma urealyticum
gonococcal and nongonococcal urethritis
Salmonella enteritidis
Shigella flexneri
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin
BCG vaccine
Cryptosporidium gastroenteritis
dysentery
Campylobacter jejuni enteritis
From the above list, I do not see any Mycoplasmas. But you should know the
following:
1- There is some confusion in the classification of diseases. Over the last
30 years, Reiter's Syndrome has evolved to mean a Sexually Acquired
Arthritis, often with eye inflammation. Not all doctors and researchers have
adopted this restrictive meaning, as some still include arthritis caused by
food poisoning bacterias.
2- Reactive Arthritis more accurately describes the arthritis following a
gastroenteritis. But not all doctors and researchers agree with such a
restrictive meaning, some still using the name of Reiter's Syndrome.
3- Infectious Arthritis more aptly designates all other forms of unspecified
Arthritis caused by Bacterias. But again, some don't adopt such a
restrictive interpretation.
4- There is a debate about the exact role of Mycoplasmas in Arthritis. Are
Mycoplasmas just bystanders or the cause of an infection leading to
Arthritis?
5- If you tested positive for Mycoplasmas, it is possible that there was a
contamination of the samples, not to mention an inaccurate testing from the
processing lab.
6- The amount of Antibiotics required to kill most Bacterias is the double
of what is required to destroy Mycoplasmas, so that if you take enough
Antibiotics to kill Bacterias over a long period (1 year or more), you will
also destroy any Mycoplasmas infecting you.
7- It is an unclear debate, at least in my mind, whether all strains of
Bacterias carry with them a strain of Mycoplasmas. It is my belief, at least
for now, that some Bacterias exist without any Mycoplasmas.
Hope this helps.
Pierre
Ankylosing Spondylitis, 18-21 Years
Antibiotics, 10 Months

fact that they're more-less pain free and no longer
encourages me to believe they're
Hey Jan K.........excellent. Hopefully we will all find our own particular
"silver lining"!
Be well, Joey

are uneducated on the protocal and this gives them cold feet. What I've
been doing is getting things off the intenet and tactfully introducing it
to my rhumy. the name of the game is education.

Why do doctors seem to be so scared of giving IV's? What's the concern? C
Diff?
Mark
http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes
RA 4/98 AP 7/98
Minocycline (Lederle generic) 100mg 2x/day; Celebrex 200mg 2x/day;Zone
Diet;Olive Leaf;Slippery Elm
RA Chat - http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes/RA/ra.html
ICQ 18123139

hi,
i am new to this list. my 10 year old daughter has been dx with late stage lyme
disease on june 9 this year.
it has infected her CNS and she has nueropsychiatric disease. she suffers from
severe cognitive regression, nuerological involvement, halucinations, dementia,
psychosis, joint pain, these are some of the 26 of 34 of her clinical symptoms
of lyme.
i have been saying lyme since she was 3. the doc would do a titer, it would come
back neg. and he would brush me off as an hysterical mother.
while doing some research i stumbled on your list.
i am very impressed with the amount of info generated on this list.
joey writes:
read it with interest, I didn't pay too much attention because I was suffering
very little with this.<<<
like i said, i am new here, but there is an undeniable crossover of the lyme-aid
onelist and this (except, perhaps less brainfog!).
jaw pain is a very common symptom of lyme disease. i don't know if you have
discussed this disease as a possible dx on this list. i have too much info if
anyone has questions.
peace,
kay
read it with interest, I didn't pay too much attention because I was suffering
very little with this.<<<

Hi group,
Here is are updates to Marc's story which I've just put up on our web page.
For newer people who might not know about Marc, he had one of the worst
cases of scleroderma that his doctors had ever seen. His whole story is at
www.rheumatic.org/marc.htm if you would like to read it.
Thanks Lisa and Marc for sending the updates and it's great that things are
going so well :)
Chris.

Hi Jan I've been called worse. No i'm not on IV, I wished I was but it took
me up till my last visit to my rhumy for her t