Auto-immune diseases

A few of us gals were passing this one around, and thought you all might get
a lift from it. Enjoy!
-

I think a prion is a "distorted" protein, which wreaks havoc in the tissues
it inhabits. In addition to causing the tissue where it resides to
malfunction, it causes other normally formed proteins of its own kind which
it comes into contact with to distort similarly. This sets off a cumulative
pathology which causes large lesions in the brain, and the resulting "mad
cow" behaviors.

Different labs establish their own "normal" values for the various tests
involved. Whenever I had an ESR done, I was told normal values were 10 or
below for men, 20 or below for women. However, as I said, the lab which does
your analysis will state what the normal range is for it's own results.
That explains the variation in the docs' explanation of "normal" values.
Even the normal values are just a relative range, so that is why a 22 is not
considered very significant--19 is normal 21 is high, but there is really
very little difference between the two--20 is not a magic jumping off spot.
I never had a truly elevated ESR, and my doctor said that fit the picture I
presented--only 3 swollen joints, only one of them very much so. Someone
with more wide-spread disease and more severe systemic inflammation would
have a significantly higher ESR than what we are talking about here
(hovering around the high end of the normal range of say 20.)
I'm sure we could get folks on this list to give us MUCH higher values for
their ESR results when they were truly in a bad flare. That doesn't mean
that we don't have real joint pain, and quite possibly (probably) an as yet
undiagnosed disease causing the pain in those of you who have high-normal
numbers. That's why it is harder for the doc's to diganose us--we
fortunately are not seriously ill, even though we do have distressing pain
in our joints, and our bodies aren't giving them enough clues. Over the
course of two years, I gradually developed enough cumulative signs to allow
my doctor to make a diagnosis. In my case this was reactive arthritis, not
the first diagnosis a rheumatologist might expect in a woman in her 20's.
Another thing the doc's considered in making a diagnosis in a milder, early
case is that a diagnosis of a serious illnes like RA or Lupus can really
screw up our future insurability. They don't like to write that down on our
records until they are absolutely sure it is appropriate. That is why they
fudge around with less specific diagnoses like "polyarthralgia" or
"unspecified arthrosis" until they are sure what they are dealing with.
That's why a safe effective treatment like the AP is so appropriate for
us--they don't want to hit us with the big guns if it is not clear we need
it. Thank goodness!
Jean

Hi all,
I got this from another list. It is quite technical, but you will note that
it mentions that prions can be found in "lymphoid and other tissue" as well
as brain. This is the point I was making about taking thymic extracts and
other glandular extracts. Seems like if this test becomes available we
might be reasonably sure that our meat and medical supply is clean.
Paula C.

Hum, not sure if I remember exactly how to define prions. They are parts of
proteins I think, like pieces of virus. They are found in infected brain
tissue, thus "mad cow." Another outbreak was called kuru and was identified
in New Guinea among a tribe of canibals. They were spreading it by eating
the brains of their dead. That is why the risk is found mainly in eating
brain or glandular tissue, but if a cow or other animal is infected prions,
the contagious agent, can be found in the meat as well. Prions are
indestructable which is truly a horrible thought. They can be passed into
the ground in feces and urine. They cannot be killed by present cooking
methods, ie there is no save temperature to cook them. You see why the
feeding of animals to animals is so very dangerous. I guess you could do a
websearch and learn more. I had read a couple of books on the subject
awhile back. That is how I knew about this. But there is also a danger of
ordinary viruses still living in glandular extracts. This is maybe even a
more likely problem as prions are probably not so common, at least not in
the US. Hope this helps.
Paula C.

Hi All,
Delete this if you are not interested. Many with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
seem to have major endocrine disorders. Here is a new study on adrenal
glands and CFS. Enjoy and comment if you have any clues on this.
Paula C.
Adrenal Gland Size May Play Key Role in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Researchers have discovered that the adrenal glands of those suffering from
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome were reduced by over 50% -- a possible explanation
for the disease's namesake symptom.
Although no satisfactory biomedical explanation for CFS exists, recent
research suggests that adrenal under-stimulation may be a factor. Working
out of the Trinity College Dublin Medical School at St. James's Hospital in
Ireland, six researchers set out to determine whether CFS patients who had
evidence of adrenal hypofunctioning (decreased or insufficient function) had
altered adrenal gland size. Participants for the study were recruited from a
fatigue clinic and tested under the CDC criteria for CFS. Those who met the
criteria were then given a 1 microgram adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)
stimulation test, which is a test of adrenal gland functioning.
Eight participants (5 males, 3 females) who showed a subnormal response to
the adrenal gland function test were given a computed tomography (CT)
adrenal gland assessment. CT is a process by which a three dimensional image
of a body structure (in this case, the adrenal gland) is compiled using
computer images. The adrenal gland measurements of the eight participants
were measured against those from a group of 55 healthy subjects. The results
were that the eight CFS patients showed a 50% decrease in adrenal gland
size - a significant adrenal gland atrophy.
It is important to remember that these eight patients showing this atrophy
had existing abnormal endocrine parameters. It is yet to be determined
whether a larger sampling or testing of those without endocrine
abnormalities would result in such dramatic adrenal reduction results.
Researchers recommend that a larger, randomized study of CFS patients is
necessary and could help determine not only the causes but also treatments
of CFS.
Source: Scott LV, Teh J, Reznek R, Martin A, Sohaib A, Dinan TG. "Small
adrenal glands in chronic fatigue syndrome: a preliminary computer
tomography study." Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Sublin Medical
School, St. James's Hospital, Ireland.

HI!
First, Bless you all for being out there! I was diagnosed in May with
RA without the blood factors. To make a long story short, by the end of May
I was in Arlington at the clinic for my first pulse dose of cleocin. A fter
5 days of that I developed a reaction and took flagyl for 10 days. During
that week I had a pretty severe herx reaction. After that week the
improvement was pretty dramatic. Gradually over the last 3 months I have
started to worsen again and this week I had my second pulse dose of cleocin.
I was lucky enough to find a Dr. that would work with Dr. Kempf and was able
to get it administered at home by a nurse. The herx reaction has already
started but doesnt seem as severe as yet. I just got this computer Sunday
and found this sight Wed. I just wanted to thank all of you for your input
and let you know I've learned alot already. I will be happy to talk to any
of you anytime.
Take care and God
bless,
Julie Trickey

Hello all,
I had my first abnormal test for arthritis today. My ESR was 22.
I think the normal range was up to 11. Is this considered very
high? I had the test done again, along with an ANA and RF. She
said that sometimes an ESR can come back elevated when one has a
cold or flu, which I had recently. Perhaps this positive test is
a good thing, as most doctors think my joint pain is nothing to
worry about, due to the fact that my tests are always negative.
Is the ESR usually elevated in all types of arthritis? Is it also
elevated in lupus and scleroderma?
Another thing that the doc mentioned was that I wasn't immune to
the rubella virus. She said the shot most likely didn't work when
I was younger, so she wants me to have it done again. At first I
thought nothing of it, until she told me the vaccine gives you a
mild case of rubella and in some people, especially women, it can
give you chronic joint pain. Like I don't have enough joint pain
as it is! Hmm..risk getting measles or risk ending up with more
joint pain?
~Kyla

Hi,
Some time ago, there was a discussion on herxing when taking other
antibiotics. I believe Carol and someone else felt they had herxes with
cephalexin (Keflex) which I, also, experienced twice.
I am taking augmentin since Tues. night. This afternoon, I started
feeling gelled and sore, swollen, and tender. Really bad. I wish I
knew why these antibiotics do this to me.
I've been living with this for 16 years so I know it's a herx.
Denise
NC

Pierre,
As suspected, I tested positive for H.Pylori after several one day bouts of
ucler pain. Probably have had it for years and years as this is a repeat
thing that goes away and always comes back.
YOu sent me some good information ( I believe an abstract on H. Pylori and
your thoughts on H. Pylori and how it can interfere with the AP.
Can you please send them again? I am starting the meds today and will be on
them for 14 days.
Thanks so much,
Leslie

I was wondering if anyone on the list has experienced or
currently experiences spontanious bruising? For the past few
months I've been getting these sore spots, mostly on the upper
thigh and hip areas. The skin will be sore for a few days, then
all
of a sudden a bruise appears in the spot. Thing is, I don't even
bump or bang these areas, so it's always a surprise as to how
they got there. I normally wouldn't care about such a thing, but
they can really be painful!
Perhaps this is a commonly shared symptom among those of us with
rheumatic diseases? I know that steroids can cause bruising, but
I am not on any meds at the moment.
Thanks,
~Kyla

Hi group,
I notice that the American College of Advancement in Medicine (ACAM) has a
search facility on their web site at www.acam.org from which you can find ACAM
physicians in many countries of the world.
These are doctors who are very likely to offer the antibiotic protocol for
rheumatic disease and the supportive therapies necessary to help it work.
Any of you in various countries trying to find a doctor might want to go and
have a look. I'll update our doctors' list with this information.
Chris.

Hi group,
Need your help again - any replies to Keo at lewis21@....
HI!
My name is Keo, I sending e-mail because I was on your sight
and it seemed to be very interesting! I am inquiring about if
you know some sight on the web that can calculate your daily
intake on carbohydrates for you hieght and weight. hieght
I have always been an obese person except for one time in my
life where I went on a starvation diet! I gained that weight
back plus 20 pounds! My grandmother has always (since I can
remember) taken inslulin shots for her severe case inslulin diabeties
and my father has always diabeties a handful of pills for his
high blood pressure. I was always concerned about my chances
of ending up like them having to take shots and lots of pills!
When my mother last year ending up in the hospital for a quadrupal
bi-pass and was diagnosed with quadrupal, I was really concerned!
diabeties pretty much know that history repeats itself, and
my goal is to stop eating horrible now and I will not have such
a great chance to end up like that! I have lost 20 pounds already
by cutting down the fat and exercising 5 to 6 days per week ~45
minutes each time. However, I am confused about the carbohydrate
issue, I know my mother can only 240 grams per day, but what
can I intake per day and is it going to help me if I cut down
a whole bunch of carbs????I read the article on "carbs????I
YOUR CARBOHYDRATES AND LOWER YOUR INSULINE" but I still didn't
feel INSULUNE about the whole "carbs" issue. PLEASE help me
carbs figure out what is going on with my obesity!
Thanks again
EO :)
-----
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The FREE way to access your mailbox via any web browser, anywhere!

Hi Group,
I also am taking 100 mg Minocin 2X day, every day. I have been
on this antibiotic only 3 months but I seem to be recovering MUCH
faster than the list members on smaller/less-frequent dosages,
though I had a WHALE of a Herx for the first 10 weeks.
The manufacturer's literature, that comes with the Minocin, says that
the quantity of the drug should be kept constant in the body, as much
as possible. I never did understand why Dr. McPherson-Brown
prescribed the tetracycline 3 days a week, skipping Sa. and Su.
For me, the Minocin attacks and kills the mycroplasma in the reverse
order that the mycroplasma attacked my body -i e: last in, first
out. First in, last out. Any one else have this experience?
Glenda
Lynda wrote-
I personally I am playing a fine line between my personal respect for the
results Dr. Brown achieved with his patients over years of clinical
practice, and my own doctor's need to be in line with the more current
research (he's a modern, scientific guy, you know.) I am taking 100mg
2x/day, but every day, not every other day. This is because my doctor
wanted
to follow the protocol of the O'Dell study. I think the folks on this
list
who have had more experience would say this a higher dose than necessary.
I
am willing to try it, because I have shown with previous antibiotics that
I
don't seem to get into a herx, and since my disease has been around for
11
years, the higher dosage might be good to jump-start the process. We
definitely discussed finding the lowest effective dose as time goes by.
I am posting this to the list, to see if we get any good comments for
either
Al or myself. Seems to me that Al has the correct quantity of drug to
take
it every other day at 100mg 2x per day, and still come out right at
refill
time, if he would prefer to follow the standard protocol.
The other thing our friends on the list are concerned about is using
Lederle
brand minocycline, either the name brand Minocin, which is quite
expensive
here in the US, or the Lederle generic, which is significantly less
expensive, but seems to be equally effective. I found the Lederle generic
with minimal additional effort.
Let's see if the folks on the list have comments for us....

Hi group,
Please reply to Marlye at Malkalabe@... - thanks :)

Lynda,
Wow, I am really glad I sent the e-mail no later than I did. The dosage
question is one I am not qualified to answer. I am fairly sure Dr. Brown
used varying dosages depending upon the individual, and adjusted the dosage
as time went on. So I would guess the most important thing for now that is
that Al has the Rx.

This is Susie-Q here. Could anyone explain or elaborate
on these statements??
with a mycoplasma infection or vice versa.

<A HREF="http://www.mwsearch.com/"
This is a great site for everyone.
Jeannie

Greetings,
Randy has had the computer for five days. Just got it a couple of
hours ago.
1150+ messages!! Floyd is coming our way so we may be without power
for awhile :-((
Randy seems do be doing ok. The blood thinner he needs to take for
20+ more days to prevent clots from forming around the stens is causing
an itchy rash over his trunk. Benadryl doesn't help much. The other
med choice requires blood test for side effects :-(
I hope all of us along Floyd's path come through ok.
Thank you. It was and is a help to know you are with me.
Denise
NC

Hi Mike,
I will directly reply to some of your questions below. In addition, because it
seems that people on this list don't mind reading, I am going to append 7
references + abstracts that are some of the scientific underpinnings of
Microdose Therapy (http://www.microdose.com/). These references came straight
from the National Institutes of Health Pub Med which anyone can access at
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/. Finally, I scanned the last two pages of
Dr. Stenberg's book, "Arthritis Solved Twice," to provide some feedback on
Microdose Therapy from several doctors. Enjoy. One last point: Microdose
Therapy combines low dose corticosteriods, minocyline, and dietary evaluation,
and thus attacks inflammation from several different angles.
slowing down the progress of RA as a disease or the progress of joints errosion?
That's a very good question, and right now I am not familiar with any research
that would support that corticosteroids actually slow progress of RA or joint
damage. However, it does appear that once patients get their inflammation under
control intitially, then the miniflares do not occur as often. It is my opinion
that leaving a person in a state of smoldering inflammation over a long period
of time is not a good idea. The cortisone relieves the inflammation, which in
turn relieves the pain that was due to inflammation. The very low does
employed, in combination with not taking the medicine on a daily basis, do not
lead to the typical bad side effects of prolonged steriod use.
My rheumatologist also suggested a cortisone injection if the terrible
tendonitis on the palmar surface of my R middle finger did not clear up in 2
months. Well, after another two weeks of agony with that finger, I decided that
a "therapeutic probe" with the very low dose oral hydrocortisone, recommended in
the Microdose Therapy, was clearly worth the small risk of taking low dose
steroids + NSAIDS (I take naproxen sodium) vs the much larger risk of tendon
damage should the doctor be a slightly bit unskillful with the injection.
Within 2 days of beginning the 3 week "cortisone shower," my tendonitis had
cleared up 85%. After 1 week 95%. After 2 weeks 99%. All my other joints were
as positively affected, but the tendonitis was simply the most dramatic.
7 References from Dr. V.I. Stenberg's book, "Arthritis Solved Twice"
Chikanza, I. C., P. Petrou, et al. (1992). ÒDefective hypothalamic response to
immune and inflammatory stimuli in patients with rheumatoid arthritis [see
comments].Ó Arthritis Rheum 35(11): 1281-8.
OBJECTIVE. To determine the integrity of the hypothalamic-pituitary- adrenal
(HPA) axis responses to immune/inflammatory stimuli in patients with rheumatoid
arthritis (RA). METHODS. Diurnal secretion of cortisol and the cytokine and
cortisol responses to surgery were studied in subjects with active RA, in
subjects with chronic osteomyelitis (OM), and in subjects with noninflammatory
arthritis, who served as controls. RESULTS. Patients with RA had a defective HPA
response, as evidenced by a diurnal cortisol rhythm of secretion which was at
the lower limit of normal in contrast to those with OM, and a failure to
increase cortisol secretion following surgery, despite high levels of
interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and IL-6. The corticotropin-releasing hormone
stimulation test in the RA patients showed normal results, thus suggesting a
hypothalamic defect, but normal pituitary and adrenal function. CONCLUSION.
These findings suggest that RA patients have an abnormality of the HPA axis
response to immune/inflammatory stimuli which may reside in the hypothalamus.
This hypothalamic abnormality may be an additional, and hitherto unrecognized,
factor in the pathogenesis of RA.
Harris, E. D., Jr., R. D. Emkey, et al. (1983). ÒLow dose prednisone therapy in
rheumatoid arthritis: a double blind study.Ó J Rheumatol 10(5): 713-21.
Prednisone, 5 mg taken each morning, was added to other drugs in 18 patients
with rheumatoid arthritis. Sixteen patients were given a placebo in this double
blind study. After 24 weeks, all patients were given the placebo. Slight
functional improvement was noted in the prednisone group during the 24-week
period, but deterioration after switching to placebo was sustained for at least
8 weeks. Progression of hand erosions occurred in 1 prednisone-treated patient,
and in 4 controls. An asymptomatic vertebral spine compression fracture
developed in 2 patients given prednisone; this was the only toxicity noted
possibly due to this therapy. Minimal dose prednisone may be useful as "bridge"
therapy between nonsteroidal antiinflammatory therapy and use of
disease-modifying drugs.
Kloppenburg, M., F. C. Breedveld, et al. (1993). ÒAntibiotics as disease
modifiers in arthritis [see comments].Ó Clin Exp Rheumatol 11(Suppl 8): S113-5.
The tetracyclines, especially minocycline, are supposed to have antiarthritic
properties. Their efficacy has been tested in open clinical studies on RA
patients. Recently a double-blind placebo- controlled trial was performed which
revealed the antirheumatic properties of minocycline. The mode of action of the
tetracyclines in arthritis is unknown, but could be linked to the
immunosuppressive activity seen in vitro. The antiproliferative effect of
minocycline in cloned synovial T-cells is demonstrated; moreover IFN-gamma
production in cloned synovial T-cells is inhibited by minocycline.
Levine, J. D., D. H. Collier, et al. (1985). ÒHypothesis: the nervous system may
contribute to the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis.Ó J Rheumatol 12(3):
406-11.
No current theory of the mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of
rheumatoid arthritis (RA) explains its important clinical features. We
hypothesize that neural mechanisms are involved in this pathophysiology and they
explain at least 3 clinical features: specific high risk joints are more likely
to develop arthritis; specific high risk joints have more severe arthritis; and
RA is bilaterally symmetric. If our hypothesis is correct, it will provide a
rationale for the development of new therapies for what is now an inadequately
treated disease.
Panush, R. S., R. M. Stroud, et al. (1986). ÒFood-induced (allergic) arthritis.
Inflammatory arthritis exacerbated by milk.Ó Arthritis Rheum 29(2): 220-6.
Suggestive, but largely unproven, observations have associated arthritis with
environmental antigens, including foods. We studied a patient with inflammatory
arthritis in a prospective, "blinded," controlled fashion to determine whether
her symptoms were associated with food sensitivities. This 52-year-old white
woman with 11 years of class I, stage I, active disease, had symptomatic
exacerbations allegedly associated with meat, milk, and beans. We observed an
increase in symptoms following an unblinded food challenge and then studied her
in our clinical research unit. On her normal diet for 6 days, she averaged 30
minutes of morning stiffness, 9 tender joints, 3 swollen joints, 87% subjective
assessment (100% = best possible), and 89% examiner assessment. While she was
fasting (3 days) or taking Vivonex (2 days), we noted no morning stiffness,
tender joint score of 1, swollen joint score of 0, and assessments of 100% (P
less than 0.05 versus normal diet). She was then nourished with Vivonex for 33
days without difficulty and challenged in a blinded fashion at mealtimes with
lyophilized foods placed into opaque capsules. Four milk challenges (equivalent
to greater than or equal to 8 ounces per meal) produced up to 30 minutes of
morning stiffness, 14 tender joints, 4 swollen joints, subjective assessment of
85%, and objective assessment of 80% (P less than 0.05 versus fasting-Vivonex),
peaking 24-48 hours postchallenge. Placebo and other foods (lettuce and carrots)
were without effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Stenberg, V. I., M. G. Bouley, et al. (1990). ÒNegative endocrine control system
for inflammation in rats.Ó Agents Actions 29(3-4): 189-95.
Inflammatory processes may be suppressed by endogenous mechanisms such as
release of adrenocorticosteroid hormones through stimulation of the
hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. In the present study, the relationship
between the temporal development of carrageenan-induced edema in the hindlimb of
the rat and release in plasma of the principal endogenous adrenocorticosteroid
of the rat corticosterone was investigated. Suplantar injection of carrageenan
produced a biphasic increase in basal plasma corticosterone levels that was not
attributed to diurnal variation. The plasma level of corticosterone increased
rapidly after injection of carrageenan and peaked 12-fold at 20 min. This first
phase increase was attributed to the stress of the injection since it was
mimicked by subplantar injection of saline. The second phase of corticosterone
release was gradual and peaked 12-fold 7 hr after injection of carrageenan. The
second phase was not elicited by subplantar injection of saline. When the
hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis is impaired via hypophysectomy,
carrageenan-induced edema is more intense and lasts longer than in control rats.
The results demonstrate that adrenocorticosteroid hormones are released as a
result of the stress of injection and by the inflammatory response. Release of
adrenocorticosteroids acts as a feedback mechanism to suppress the inflammatory
response.
Stenberg, V. I., J. J. Fiechtner, et al. (1992). ÒEndocrine control of
inflammation: rheumatoid arthritis double-blind, crossover clinical trial.Ó Int
J Clin Pharmacol Res 12(1): 11-8.
A dysfunction in the endocrine control system for inflammation in rheumatoid
arthritis serves as the theoretical basis for chronic inflammation in the study
design described. Eighteen patients with rheumatoid arthritis, who acted as
their own controls, were brought to a minimum symptom state through conventional
means, trained, and allowed to control subsequent flares by a patient-initiated,
flare- response prednisone regimen. The six-month trial was double-blind with a
crossover at midpoint. While continuing stable non-steroidal anti- inflammatory
and disease modifying antirheumatic drug therapies, the patients averaged
additional 57% and 75% reductions from baseline in tender joint count and total
pain score, respectively, on the prednisone therapy. The prednisone therapy was
differentiated by improvement from that of a placebo by six of the nine
parameters evaluated. The adverse events were no more frequent with prednisone
than with placebo use. The efficacy of prednisone was increased threefold while
reducing consumption by 40% when compared to the predecessor 5-mg prednisone/day
clinical trial.
Last 2 pages of Dr. Stenberg's book, "Arthritis Solved Twice"
DOCTORS USING MICRODOSE THERAPY SPEAK
"Microdose Therapy is a new system for treating arthritis using tiny amounts of
cortisone thus avoiding its side effects. It is built upon the idea that the
arthritic's body produces an inadequate amount of cortisone when the body should
stop natural inflammation, and cortisone should be given only as-needed to
terminate inflammation and not at other times." Dr. Jobn B. Irwin, MD, first
physician to offer Microdose Therapy to the public at the one-year demonstration
clinic at the University of North Dakota.
ÒOn Microdose Therapy, patients finally have found something that works really
well. They are quite grateful. By being able to take the medication when they
need it and not taking it at other times, they feel like they are in control.
They like the idea of having control. The cortisone holiday that we employ in
Microdose Therapy is absolutely crucial to its effectiveness. Ninety percent of
people who come into my office and start using Microdose Therapy feel better
than they have for a long time." Dr. Francis LeBlanc, MD, physician of the
Family Practice Center, East Grand Forks, MN, took over from Dr. Irwin and has
been using Microdose Therapy for the intervening four years -- most experienced
physician at using the Therapy in the United States.
"After using Microdose Therapy for over two years, 80 % of my patients
experienced dramatic relief (based on a minimum of symptom reductions of at
least 50 %). By using small doses of prednisone over a 5-day period, it markedly
decreases the worrisome side effects of long-term and high dosage steroid
administration. Because of the intermittent administration of prednisone, there
is much less suppression of the patients' own cortisone production and allows
medication-free days. The Microdose system gives control to the patient in
treating their disease. It actually gives them a numerical value as to when to
treat and how much to dose. It takes a lot of the guesswork out of the treatment
plan and allows the patient to initiate treatment quickly with lower doses.
This, in turn, reduces the severity of the arthritic flares because they can be
'nipped-inthe-bud'. It is my impression, based on a personal small sample of
patients, that by using the Microdose technique, patients seem to have longer
and longer periods of being pain-free and seem to have less severe flares over
the treatment period. It is effective, easy to follow, and very economical. It
is a good program." Dr. R. J. Koval, MD, BSP, physician of One Health Place,
Dallas, Texas.
"Rheumatoid arthritis, like other immunological disorders, is commonly
experienced as exacerbations and remissions of specific symptoms unique to each
patient. When medical intervention is unable to cure a disease, viable and safe
symptom management protocols become necessary. Microdose Therapy is an excellent
example of a scientifically evaluated and effective method not only to
significantly reduce symptoms but return disease management to the patient.
Returning control to our patients not only decreases stress and fear but
actually improves psychoimmunological status. Over the past two years we have
obtained significant and long-lasting decreases in arthritic pain and number of
disease flares using Dr. Stenberg's Microdose methods." Dr. Michael Jon Kell,
MD, PhD, DAAPM, Medical Director, Private Clinic, Atlanta, Georgia.
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× Shannon Wright 506 Rice Creek Terrace NE ×
× MD/PhD Year 8 Fridley, MN 55432-4439 ×
× Neuroscience Graduate Program (612) 574-7340 (H) ×
× University of Minnesota (612) 624-4436 (Lab) ×
× wrigh018@... (612) 624-8118 (Fax) ×
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× Shannon Wright 506 Rice Creek Terrace NE ×
× MD/PhD Year 8 Fridley, MN 55432-4439 ×
× Neuroscience Graduate Program (612) 574-7340 (H) ×
× University of Minnesota (612) 624-4436 (Lab) ×
× wrigh018@... (612) 624-8118 (Fax) ×
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Hi, Lynda.
Here is a link for ordering the drug guide brochure from the arthritis
foundation, which includes minocycline as a DMARD:
http://www.arthritis.org/forms/orders/order_bro.asp
scroll down to the middle of the page, to the Medications section, and order
Arthritis Today-Drug Guide(1999) #835-5630
I subscribe to Arthritis Today, their monthly magazine, and that's where I
read about this first. They published the list in the July issue (1999). I
can't find the actual guide available on the web site, so you will either
have to order the guide, or the back issue of the magazine. I think the
brochure is free, the entire magazine probably costs a few dollars. Please
note that although the Arthritis Foundation is including minocycline in
their list of DMARD's, they also point out that the drug is not yet approved
by the FDA for this purpose. I know Canada has similar drug approval
policies, but do not know where they stand on minocycline at this point.
You can read more about the Drug Guide here:
http://www.arthritis.org/at/drug_guide.asp#TOC
There are two press releases about recent studies available on the AF web
site. I'll just paste them here:
a quote from the Arthritis Foundation:
http://www.arthritis.org/at/archive/1998/09_10/rs/rheumatoid.asp
Medical Crossovers: Teaching Old Drugs New Tricks
A "crossover" drug is making the grade as an effective treatment for RA.
Minocycline, a derivative of the antibiotic tetracycline that has been used
for years to treat acne, was proven by studies in the early '90s to help
people whose RA had failed to respond well to other treatments. A more
recent study by James O'Dell, MD, at the University of Nebraska Medical
Center in Omaha, provided evidence that minocycline may also be useful as a
first line of defense against RA, reducing pain and inflammation in people
newly diagnosed with the disease.
Now, in a three-year follow-up, Dr. O'Dell and his colleagues have found
that those who benefited from the drug initially and have since taken it
continuously have experienced ongoing improvement. Those who stopped have
experienced flares of their disease.
Although minocycline is an antibiotic, its effects on RA are believed to
have less to do with its ability to kill bacteria than to block the actions
of enzymes called metalloproteinases that play a role in the destruction of
bone and cartilage in the joints. Minocycline may also modify some of the
body's immune responses.

Dr. Charles D. Malis M.D.
Concord Clinic
56 Winthrop Street
Concord, Mass. 01742
1-978-369-2266 OFFICE
1-978-369-5205 FAX
Anyone living in the Boston or Suburban areas looking for a Doctor to
work
with them on the AP therapy, he is most willing.

Breakfast simply means break - fast (You've been fasting all night while
you were asleep, right?).We may need to change it to Break-style!!! Who
says breakfast has to be bacon and eggs and hashbrowns...yum, yum.
Try some cooked vegies - there's lots of fruits we can have. If you can
handle dairy put some cottage cheese on a slice of bread and melt it in the
oven. My grandkids adore yoghurt with a little grapenut cereal mixed in.
Come on people, get crative!!!! Back in the old days (before scleroderma)
and I was porky, pudgy - just plain fat and desperately trying to lose
weight I would sometimes eat a half a head of cooked cauliflower for
breakfast!!!!!mmmm.mmmmm
Love and hugs to all. Judy (deejay)

Hi,
Is the cortisone just to kill the pain or does it have any cotribution to
slowing down the progress of RA as a disease or the progress of joints errosion?
I ask this because I've just seen my doctor, or to be exact one of my doctors;
he wanted to gve me a cortisone injection. His title is 'specialist physician'
and I see him because the rheumatologist is in Pretoria which is 5-6 hours away.
I've convinced him to give me the minocycline and we set a target date for
November which is after my next visit to the rheumatologist. He wanted to give
me an injection of cortisone there and then which I rejected because I can hack
the pain right now and want to leave off that stuff until it is entirely
necessary. After I'd left I wondered if I'd been a bit too quick and should
have made sure of it's role.
Also, whilst I was talking to him about options, i mentioned humand growth
hormones which one of you had mentioned in an email. His reaction was quite
shocking, it was as if I'd asked him to join me in some kind of illicit drug
deal.
Also, whilst we were talking about options, the M word came up (methotoxtrate)
and I said that one of the resaons I want to avoid that it because it would
seriously curtail my social life. Out here the expatriate community gathers
nightly to try and drink the place dry:-) He said that whereas physicians will
cover their backs by saying no alcohol with methotoxtrate, with the low doses he
was suggesting, alcohol comsumption would not be a problem.
Comments invited
Kind regards
Mike G
Botswana
sero-negative undiagnosed RA 6 months

This is the reply from the doctor who, along with a Lyme Disease patient
tried hyperbaric oxygen treatments for one month. I am sorry it is not
encouraging, but the rates you mentioned in Denver if you rent a chamber
still might tempt me to try it.

<A HREF="http://www.miraclebalm.com/"
This might help some of you with pain and stiffness.
Free sample offer.
tjmaxc@...

Can someone give me the names and addresses of the labs that test for
mycoplasms? I don't seem to have bookmarked it.
Linda

Hello everyone,
We are sitting here in South Carolina experiencing post traumatic stress
disorder with flashbacks to Hurricane Hugo ten years ago. Our town is a
little west of the expected course of Floyd, but you never know with a
hurricane. Don't worry if you don't hear from me for a bit. If the
hurricane goes through here we will probably not have power for a few days.
Hugo actually ripped our powerbox off the side of our house, weird. We had
100 mph winds with that one even 150 miles from Charleston where Hugo made
landfall. Our house is brick, so we expect the big bad wolf will not blow
it down. Anyway, not to worry - a few prayers would be in order! I'll post
an email when I can after the winds leave and the state gets rewired.
PJ

Received my first IV today along with a Meyers Cocktail. I'm prepared for
the long haul but I think time is in my favor. I've had horrible disease
for only 2 years. Maybe it won't take that long to recover. I can always
hope. Where would we all be without hope?

Just couldn't resist this joke. Thought it might brighten your day.
Warning:
Y2K problem that could wipe us all out!!! This could be very
irridtating!!!
Please take time out of your busy lives to check your toilet paper
stockpile. Make sure it's Y2K compliant!!!! Word has it, if it isn't,
come January l, 2000, it will roll back to l900, then turn into a Sears
Catalog!!!
Love you all. Janet-Montana

Hi Sarah,
I've been monitoring this list for about 2 months now. About 1 month ago
someone pointed out a Web site for Microdose Therapy
(http://www.microdose.com/). I looked into it, ordered their literature, looked
up several references, and decided that the protocol made a great deal of sense.
Remember that Dr. Brown used steroids while treating his patients with the AP.
I believe that it is important to address all 4 causes of inflammation:
infection, allergy, injury and stress. The AP addresses infection. Diet
addresses allergy. Injury involves things like major accidents, surgery and
even sports injuries. Stress involves a brutally honest assessment of one's
life.
I believe that it is important to do everything possible to stop the
inflammation from smoldering in our bodies. The three week, tapered, very low
dose cortisone shower has indeed quenched my inflammation. You can hardly
imagine my relief!!
I will be glad to answer any questions you might have after you have looked over
their Web site. I truly empathize with your struggle. You are indeed doing all
the right things, but you probably need some help from a corticosteroid to stop
the current inflammation.
Responding to the message of <19990913215237.10247.qmail@...
ÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙ
× Shannon Wright 506 Rice Creek Terrace NE ×
× MD/PhD Year 8 Fridley, MN 55432-4439 ×
× Neuroscience Graduate Program (612) 574-7340 (H) ×
× University of Minnesota (612) 624-4436 (Lab) ×
× wrigh018@... (612) 624-8118 (Fax) ×
ÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙÙ

Hi, Mike.
I came down with arthritis in 1988, and carried the diagnosis of "arthritis,
unspecified," for 2 years. I was and continue to be sero-negative, and my
blood work showed some abnormalities, but not a lot. I had significant
swelling in my ankles at first, some which came and went in my hands, and
finally after a few years, the worst symptoms settled around my shoulders,
elbows and wrists. I don't have much visible swelling now, but my doctor
says there is swelling in the soft tissues of my shoulders which he can
detect when he takes my arms through a series of movements.
From what I know, being sero-negative (if you have to have arthritis!) is a
very good thing--we are less likely to experience the joint erosions
associated with rheumatoid factor, and some of the other systemic
manifestations of the disease.
I was thought a likely mild lupus or sero-negative RA for the first year or
so, but eventually began to develop a type of heel and hip pain which are
characteristic of reactive arthritis. In the spondyloarthropathies, there
can be prominent pain at the attachment sites of tendons, ligaments and
muscles near joints. It took me a number of months to develop these symptoms
in addition to joint swelling, and over the years the joint swelling became
less prominent, leaving me with the attachment pain , tendonitis and
bursitis as my major symptoms
There is a genetic type which is associated with the spondyloarthropathies,
and a test for HLA B-27 is done as an aid in making those diagnoses, but it
is not a perfect indicator, either. It is more strongly associated with this
group of arthritic diseases in men than it is in women, and more so in some
diseases than others. This group in general is also more common in men, and
I hope your rheumatologist has considered these possibilities for you. (I do
know a fellow who is sero-negative like you, but his rheumatologist has
ruled out these diagnoses for him.)
The reason I bring up this group of inflammatory arthritides is your mention
of ligament trouble. Sounds a lot like me.
The diseases in this group include ankylosing spondylitis, which features
prominent spinal inflammation with the possibility of peripheral joint
inflammation; reactive arthritis, including Reiter's syndrome, which is more
prominent in the peripheral joints but often includes a lesser degree of
spinal involvement. Inflammation of the sacroiliac joints is common in both
AS and ReA. The arthritis of inflammatory bowel disease and psoriatic
arthritis can act like a spondyloarthropathy or more like RA, as I
understand it, just depending upon the individual.
I have probably left out some important points, I am an artist, not a health
care professional, but since I went quite a while without a diagnosis, I
just kept studying all the possibilities my doctor mentioned as time went
along. In mild or moderate disease, I think they are treated very much the
same as mild RA.
Do you know the generic name of Mobic? We don't recognize that brand name in
the US.
If this sounds like you, there is more information on these diseases
available on the web. The
Arthritis Foundation is a good starting point--http://www.arthritis.org.
Jean

Hi,
Are there different types of RA or is it just one type that hits some people
harder than others?
I ask this because although I am still sero-negative and consequently
undiagnosed I appear to have 80% of the same signs and symptoms as everybody
else but that 20% is missing. What is the missing 20%? I don't have and never
have had the massive swellings spoken of by most. In fact the only visible
swollen joints are my hands. Also, although I've had some days when the pain
has disabled me it has subsided within days to a tolerable level (taking that
tolerable must be different in different people) and all in all I'm managing to
do everything I need to do taking nothing but Mobic and anti-oxidant tabs.
Finally, I do tend to strain ligaments easily and get pain in ligaments which
I've not seen spoken of by others.
One more question, has anybody worked out a cycle to the flares. I keep a daily
diary and record a pain factor which i graph and there does appear to be a
pattern. I've only been graphing it since 30th June but at one tme the maximum
(disabling)flares were coming at 20 days.
Mike

Hi Group,
well, the day finally arrived for my appointment with the Great Smoky
medical Center doctor. I knew to expect something different from
mainstream but I'm throughly confused about the tests and treatments
suggested by the doctor.
1. He said that there is a red stripe in my mouth that shows mercury
sensitivity.(I have 10 Amalgram fillings and one root canal.) He said the
root canal was the worst thing anyone could have and suggested it be removed.
2. He said my reflexes also showed Merxury problems.
3. While lying flat, he told me to hold up my right arm and to try to
resist his trying to push it down. during that test, I was aware that he
laid something on my stomach but he didn't tell me until later that it was
a small vial of Mercury and that my arm showed no resistance to his pushing
it down while the vial was on my stomach. I honestly can't remember if he
told me to resist while the vial was there.
4. He suggested auto hemo therapy (injections of my own blood in my
buttocks), saying it would make me feel great for 5 or 6 days. i told him
I wanted to hold off until I can study the procedure.
5. He wanted to give me shots of Lidocaine in two pressure points on my
shoulders, saying that the injections would stop my nagging cough. I
decided to also hold off on that.
6. I was given a hair analysis test kit and a stool tet kit to take home to
complete and mail to them. Those I will do!
7. he wants me to return on Sept.22 for chelation intrevenous therapy to
see how much metal is excreted in my urine. I haven't quite decided
whether I'll do this. I need your imput!
8. He wants me to get a panarex x-ray of my teeth and to let their
radiologists interpet them.
Has anyone in this group been to one of the GSMC doctors.
Group, I would appreciate any thoughts or feelings you have on the above
info. I wonder if this is legitimate or just way out in left field.
By the way, it is quite expensive!
Joyce

Unsubscribe - temporarily; am moving & will re-subscribe after the move.
Thanks - Judy Falstreaux

Does anyone know where I can get information on lymphatic massage, to help the
lymph system drain? Liz G

Has anyone ever used, or heard of someone using, doxycycline as their main
antibiotic, and minocin once a week the way clindamycin is sometimes used? I am
thinking of trying this.
I had a sensitivity to minocin when I tried to use it as my main antibiotic
(effect on hearing) and after reading of some other's comments on the list
lately about how they had persistent infection in the sinuses and ears, that
maybe what I experienced was a strong herx in the ears. I have had a lot of
sinus and ear infections in the past, and feel some response to the doxy in the
TMJ and ear area, but a very mild one in the ears.
I am reluctant to try the minocin as my main antibiotic again, as I really
felt my hearing was in jepoardy, but am thinking perhaps I could gain some of
the benefits of it by using it this way. Any comments on, or experiences with
this? Liz G

Hi Mado,
Breakfast is easy - eggs. Add bacon or ham if you like. IT is not the
animal fat that hurts you. You can also eat cottage cheese but get the 4%
fat not low fat. Low fat means more carbos. Eat berries, strawberries,
blueberries, and melon for low carbo fruit. I continue to recommend that
you buy PROTEIN POWER in paperback for about $7 by Eades and Eades. IT is
available at all the bookstores and gives the best overview, in my opinion.
I think everyone should read this book or one like it, not just take my or
someone else's word for a low carbo diet. Hope this helps.
Paula C.

http://heskco.com/lifecare/home.htm
Paulette, please note the other article which I sent separately. It is
about Charles Stratton at Vanderbilt. This website above is about another
bacteria or spirokette, actually. Of course, it is still quite likely that
a virus or viruses are involved as well. Hum, complicated crap we have.
Anyway, this may give your friend something to look at.
Paula C.

I have finally found a hospital here in Copenhagen and a rheumy, who wants
to follow the AP I started a year ago. They even have a research institute,
where they research RA and infections. So they "invited" me to come there
and will follow the AP.
But I really need some guidance from you. I´m 31 years old, RA 13 yrs, AP
june 98 (before that MTX) initally tetracycline 3 months, then changed to
doxy 200mg MWF. I don´t follow Dr. Mercolas's diet, but eat vegis and fruit,
hardly any sugar or milk. Take acido and other supplements, drink water.
(Read a lot about food and RA).
March 99 I started Clindy 1200mg (Dalazin) orally. I'm doing all the right
things, but am not feeling well.
When I started on AP I took 5mg prednisone a day, had a rough start, but
later some very good weeks, where I only took 2,5 mg Pred and even tried to
stop all together. But problems started, now I'm back to 5 mg and the RA has
started in my knees and sholders. Toes are going funny..
The hospital wants to take me slowly off Pred and on to MTX and still AP.
They say RA is developing "underneath" the Pred (joint destruction). I'm not
feeling well (It can't be a herx), hurt a lot at night and can't function
some days.
MTX is scary, because it lowers the imunesystem and will the AP then work?
I'm doing the right things, why am I feeling worse?? Which is worse MTX or
Prednisone?
Sarah, Denmark
RA 13 yr, AP 14 mth
doxy 200mg MWF, Dalazin (Clindy 1200mg Tue), Diclon 100mg daily
acido, fishoil, flaxoil, calcium, B-vit, C-vit, garlic

Hi,
Zithromax is my drug of choice. I have a mycoplasma incognitus infection
which is one of the organisms which they suspect causes arthritis and other
problems. Zithromax certainly works for mycoplasma, so it could be working
for you. I think we have to try different appropriate antibiotics anyway to
find out what our bug responds to. You could have a slightly different
strain from the next person and the same antibiotic would not work for you.
The trouble with zithromax is that it is $6 a pill and without insurance
most people cannot afford. I am lucky to have good insurance or I would
still be very sick.
Paula C.

http://heskco.com/lifecare/spirorefs.html
Check this website for further info on MS and infectious cause. I have not
found Charles Stratton yet, but these articles are along the same lines.
Paula C.

http://www.ivanhoe.com/stream/arthritisrelief.html

Ok,
Here is a site for the tap mounted self monitoring water filter that I use.
Donna
Ottawa, Canada
Scleroderma, Jan.95, AP Oct.97
(My Story)http:// www3.sympatico.ca/mousepotatoes
http://www.purwater.com/html/fctmount.htm

Hi,
I read your medical histories and see none from a SS patient. Have you
had any that haven't been printed?
I'm not ready to stand on top of the Empire State Building and scream, but
I have seen improvement in my saliva flow for several months now since
taking doxycycline. I actually started it because of osteoarthritis after
reading Dr. Golub's work relative to tetracycline and chemically modified
tetracyline. But, almost without realizing it, I found I was needing fewer
and fewer Salagen tablets per day. I was down to about 3-5 a week after
about three months on the doxycycline, and I haven't had any at all in about
the last three months. I do have some periods of dryness, and occasionally
chew gum, and I'm a snacker, which I'm sure helps, too. But, it appears to
me that there is a fairly strong coorelation between starting doxycycline
and stopping Salagen.
I'm a strong believer in the scientific method and have little faith in
anecdotal information of the nature I'm giving. But, if there were more
people also having similar results, then I would suggest a scientific study
should be done to try to confirm the effectiveness of tetracycline in SS. I
do have primary SS with no other symptoms other than the dry mouth, and
perhaps a little dryness in the eyes, but that requires no treatment.
Thanks for any thoughts you have on this topic, and particulary for any
information about anyone else with similar findings.
Regards,
Jerry Donnelly
<jerryd3001@...

Please disregard the e-mail of mine "puzzled". I got back on with 0nelist
everything is OK.
Martha

I am an accounts manager working in Dubai (Middle East) for the past 27
years. I am suffering from psoratic arthritis for the last 10 years, of
which last 4 yrs it is painful & serious. I underwent several
treatments. Current treatment is METHOTRIXATE, 7.5 mg per week for the
last 7 months. I had improvements initially, but with continuos usage of
this medicine I am geting vomiting sensation due to which I had to
discontinue medicine for last 3 weeks. Body pain & joint pain is severe
and intolerable. (last 4 years I am using INDOSID 25mg as pain killer
once a day.)
The nature of the psorasis is skin leasion with white scales 25% of
body. There is swelling on the feets & hands.
I need medical advice & guidence from experts and fellow patients.
Please write to me in following email.
Name : George Mathew
E-mail : sanchi@...

Since I just found out I shouldn't be taking my thyroid med (levoxyl) at
the same time as my minocin I was wondering about other timings. I'm
starting takingRASpecs--can I take that with minocin? or the thyroid
stuff? I have a thymus suppliment I take on an empty stomach with
pancreatic acid can anything be added in with that. I tend to get up in
the night what with all the water I drink so I plan to take the thymus
stuff first time around topping it off with my natural hormones, second
trip use to get the thyroid and minocin if I have to separate these AND
the RASpecs I'd better drink more water.
Julie

I was reading this book, and thought maybe this would answer some of the
questions about rheumatoid factor.
From: Arthritis and Rheumatism The Facts by James Thomas Scott, MD FRCP, Oxford
University Press, c.1980 (This is a great book BTW, even if a bit old, has a
lot of basic info on different forms of arthritis, and some rather scary but
interesting photos).
"Blood may be examined for the presence of "rheumatoid factor". This is a
large molecular weight protein, mostly in the so-called IgM fraction, which acts
as an antibody to, and reacts with, another fraction of protein called IgG.
Proteins of this type, which are closely concerned with the body's immunological
reactions, are called "immunoglobulins". The discovery of rheumatoid factor
nearly 40 years ago was of great theoretical interest with regard to our concept
of immunological processes in rheumatoid arthritis. It also came to be of vital
importance in classifying the types of arthritis in which rheumatoid factor is
absent--"seronegative" arthritis as opposed to "seropositive" rheumatoid
disease. Unfortunately, in the individual patient, the test may not be all that
helpful, being positive in only about 70 per cent of patients with rheumatoid
arthritis , and tending to be negative in early or mild cases--that is, just the
sort of patient where diagnostic help is required. Further, the test is by no
means specific--that is to say it can be positive in other diseases, and indeed
is so in a small proportion of the normal healthy population. With these
qualifications, examination of the blood for rheumatoid factor can sometimes be
a useful diagnostic test, and a high concentration to some extent indicates a
rather poor outlook (prognosis); but careful interpretation of the results is
essential. The patient with little the matter with him, but who has been told
this test has been positive, takes a lot of reassuring."
Further on in the chapter is a summary of the processes that occur in the
immune system in RA, the cells involved, immune complexes, etc. Is anyone
interested in this? Give me a shout if you are and I'll type it up in the next
day or so. Liz G

These two articles have a massive amount of valuable information from Dr.
Nicolson. Please note the warning about 2 paragraphs down regarding taking
antidepressants and others with the antibiotics. He also warns against
generics and there is a warning about clindamycin - not sure I spelled that
one right. You will want to print this for future reference. Paula Carnes
above the suggested 10 mg/kg/day have been shown to produce hearing loss in
some patients.

Punch the live link below. If it doesn't show up as a link, copy it into the
T0: box on a blank message. Once the message shows the address below in the
TO: box, send it. That should get you off the list.
rhuematic-unsubscribe@onelist.com

I copied this from the One-list help pages. They have re-arranged things,and
it is a bit hard to find the the unsubcribe instructions.
Q. How do I unsubscribe from a community?
A. If you no longer wish to participate in a community and want to stop
receiving email messages, you can unsubscribe:
1. Sign in to ONElist, and go to My ONElist
2. Look for the community you wish to unsubscribe from, and select
"Unsubscribe" from the pull-down list on the right.
3. Click Update to save your changes. The community will no longer be listed
on My ONElist, and you will no longer receive messages.
4. Note: you can suspend email delivery for a period, but remain a member of
the community, by choosing the "No Mail / Web only" option from this menu.
By Email:
1. From your email program, create a blank message.
2. In the "To:" line, type CommunityName-unsubscribe@onelist.com,
substituting the community you wish to leave for "CommunityName."
So, this last one is probably the easiest: type the following into the TO:
box of a new blank message:
rhuematic-unsubscribe@onelist.com and send it

To unsubscribe, follow the instructions below. If you follow the
instructions, you should have better success getting off the list than
issuing threats should do.
Paula Peden

Does anyone know? It was in this article about the relative safety of
tetracycline, minocycline and doxycycline. Liz G
http://www.ama-assn.org/sci-pubs/journals/archive/derm/vol_133/no_10/st7022a.htm

Dear Gang,
I will be going toTampa on tuesday for my hip replacement on
wendsday. I will unsubscribe untill I get back. I will however, have my
husband Steve write you with my progress. He will return home after four
days to work. My parents will stay with me in Tampa.Please keep me in
your prayers,I am really scared.
Bless you all for your kindness and support.
Love and hugs, Yoly!!!!!

Yes please unsubscribe me

i have a question,today i started getting e-mail with little + next to them,
when i click on the + it was 2 messages,is everyone getting this or was it
someone messing with my e-mail? not griping just curious :o) Linda

Hello,
Has anyone had a pulsating feeling running from a little above the
ankle to the foot (only one side)? It is not exactly tingling, more like a
current running through it.
I would really appreciate ANY thoughts you may have. I have run out
of them. Thanks!
Pat k.

'Lo group -
Want to share my sister's history with thyroid.................Some years ago
she had breast cancer; as a result of the treatments, her thyroid was seriously
compromised. She developed a goiter, and her doctor said the thyroid would have
to be removed. Dead set against this, she looked into alternatives.
Here is a condensed version of what she did.
Went to various alternate-health care providers, and after much consideration,
settled on a kinesiologist. With her guidance, Jeannie (my sister) began a
year-long program which consisted of thyroid parathyroid and thymus tinctures,
cleanses for parasites, liver, kidney, mammory glands, colon, and metals -
altered her diet considerably....and paid attention to what her body was telling
her.
I repeat, this is a condensed version...there were certainly trials and errors,
but the outcome is that she still has her thyroid, and the condition is
absolutely under control.
Might/might not be of use or interest........but it is a success story, I'm
happy to say.
Be well, Joey

[This is long but excellent. If you are interested in the use of
antibiotics to treat autoimmune diseases and ME/CFS or fibromyalgia, print
and save this one. It is invaluable. Sharon is a nurse who was totally
disabled for years with ME/CFS. She was in the center of an epidemic in
northern California. This is her personal experience along with a treatment
protocol from Dr. Garth Nicolson which she is using with her support group.
Paula Carnes]
Sharon Briggs
Shasta CFIDS
1780 Marlene Avenue
Redding, CA 96002
e-mail: bandb@...
Chronicle of My Symptoms and Treatment
I have been ill with CFIDS since Spring, 1981. I was placed on Erythromycin
for 2 years and fully recovered and was symptom free for five years. I
relapsed in 1989. I started taking antibiotics, following Dr. Nicolson's
protocol, in January, 1996.
Following is a summary of my CFIDS symptoms and a chronicle of the
treatment with antibiotics and how those symptoms were affected.
The most significant CFIDS symptoms I have had were muscle aches and joint
pains, headaches, severe cognitive changes, fatigue, and neuritis (described
as a low hum throughout the body---much like lying on the floor next to a
refrigerator later captured as seizure activity). But, I also had most of
the other symptoms from the CFIDS list, but not all the time.
When I kept a diary of my symptoms, a pattern emerged that was very unique.
Here is an overview of the symptoms: They always started with the head and
worked down the body to the feet. When the symptoms finally reached the
feet, they would disappear, and a period of remission would occur At
first this pattern took months to cycle through all the symptoms, then as I
got well, weeks and then days would be devoted to the symptoms which were
later acknowledged to be directly associated with mycoplasma induced
meningitis/neuritis. Now, I only have one or two symptoms left, and the
complete cycle from head to toe no longer occurs. Others, who are positive
with the mycoplasma, have described a similar pattern. The cycle always
starts with severe itching of the scalp. Headaches and severe cognitive
problems are next. Soon after, the cranial nerves are affected causing
blurred vision, ringing in the ears, TMJ, balance problems, etc. When these
problems disappear, then the stiff neck, enlarged neck glands and shoulder
and back pains (classic Fibromyalgia trigger points) abound. Next, the lungs
and heart are targeted with skipped heart beats and shortness of breath,
asthma, etc. When these symptoms fade, it then is manifest in the stomach,
liver and spleen, causing pain, indigestion, belching and bloating. Next,
the intestines and bladder areburning on urination. The last symptoms have
to do with the low back, legs and feet. The low back is painful, as if I
strained it, I get severe leg cramps with even mild exertion, and the soles
of the feet hurt when I barely step down. When the feet are no longer
painful, there is a period of respite from all symptoms. Then the head to
toe cycle starts again Since starting treatment with the antibiotic regime
recommended by Dr. Garth Nicolson, I have had a curious, but positive
response. The first antibiotic that was prescribed by my physician was
Cipro. Because I had tremendous chemical sensitivities, it was recommended
as a first drug. Apparently the Herxheimer reaction is not as severe, and
the tolerance of the drug, from a chemical standpoint, is better. Anyway,
within a few days,
total body aches, and a feeling of being poisoned. After 4 days, the severe
headaches began. The Herxheimer gradually subsided, but the severe headaches
continued. When I talked to Dr. Nicolson, he explained that the antibiotic
was causing an inflammation to occur in the brain with local swelling. He
also said that Cipro does not cross the blood/brain barrier unless it is in
very high doses, and encouraged me to increase the dose from three a day to
four a day. When this dose did not help, he then encouraged me to switch to
Doxycycline. I started to take the Doxy at 100 mg twice a day. The
Herxheimer worsened (as it has every time I start a new course of
antibiotic). But, this is when I noticed a most curious thing. Within a half
hour of taking the Doxy, my headache would go away! In fact, this was the
first drug (including very strong opiod analgesics) that relieved my head
ache! Dr. Nicolson said I was very lucky to have a symptom that could be
directly connected to the Doxy response, and encouraged me to raise
the dosage until the headaches went away completely. He said that would be
my thresh hold dose. It took three Doxy a day for three months to completely
get rid of the head aches. During this first course of Doxy, I also had some
other curious things haJuly 12, 1997ppen. All the joints that had been
involved since I first became ill in 1981, became swollen and painful at
once. Then the skin looked as if it had been sun burned or scalded over the
joints, and within a week, most of the skin had peeled. One of the other
significant events during the first three month course was a definite
decrease in my chemical sensitivities. I had previously been housebound
because of asthma/headaches/cognitive problems to a variety of chemicals.
two weeks. When symptoms returned, I started taking Cipro again, but, this
time the dosage of three a day seemed to be enough. During this second 2
month course, more CFIDS symptoms disappeared. But in each case of beginning
a new course of antibiotic, the head to toe pattern of symptoms occurred.
The fourth course was Doxy again for six weeks. More symptoms disappeared
during this course mainly the seizures, most cognitive problems, fatigue and
painful Fibromyalgia. The fifth course of antibiotic occurred after a four
week rest. This time Zithromax was the drug. It caused another severe
Herxheimer reaction, so I assumed it must be very powerful against the
Mycoplasma. But, after six weeks, it had completely wiped out the flora in
the bowel and I began to have some serious problems. I decided to
discontinue the antibiotics and start a more intensive bowel regime. By now,
the Candida had gone to the mycelial form and had to be treated with
Diflucan 200 mg twice a day. Previously, I had been taking nystatin, various
forms of lactobacillus/acidophilus, etc. on a daily basis, as well as doing
a thorough bowel replacement program between courses. But, the Zithromax had
sent my bowel over the edge. The rest period after Zithromax lasted one
month. I am now back on Doxy two weeks now. The only symptoms I had return
since the Zithromax are cramps in the calves and pain in the soles of my
feet. My head aches, fatigue, Fibromyalgia pain, chemical sensitivities,
and joint pains are completely gone! The last symptoms to deal with are
sleep disturbance (insomnia) and hormonal imbalances. I have even lost 10
pounds in the last month. (This is curious because that is just how fast I
gained it in the beginning of my illness and at the time, I was training
heavily for a triathlon event!) With this present course of Doxy, I have
added Zithromax in the last four weeks along with a natural Protease
inhibitor called Eden (from the olive).
From the literature, I understand that a combination of antibiotics may work
better than one, and that mycoplasma responds to protease inhibitors. With
the addition of Eden, I had a Herxheimer reaction-so it must be helpful in
killing the bacteria. I also had another, more powerful Herxheimer when I
added the Zithromax. In addition, all my joints are inflamed and painful
since adding the Zithromax. If this reaction to the combination of drugs
indicates what past responses have indicated, I will probably no longer
experience the severe joint involvement. After this course of the
combination drugs, I plan to rest and replenish the bowel with friendly
bacteria. I am hoping successive courses, if needed, can be in lessor doses
and for longer periods of time. I also plan to strengthen the immune system
and try to correct the metabolic problems. With the head to toe pattern,
with each time period on antibiotics, the pattern became shorter and the
severity less, until this last course of Doxy, I experienced only a
SHASTA CFIDS
1780 Marlene Avenue
Redding, CA 96002
e-mail: bandb@...
Thank you for your request for a Mycoplasma packet. While it is
still not known what causes CFS, FMS, and MCS, we are hearing of reports
that a very high number are positive for an organism called
Mycoplasma fermentans (incognitus strain).
This is the same organism that has been found in AIDS patients and
Gulf War Syndrome patients. Those who test positive for active infection
with the Mycoplasma are realizing a tremendous improvement in their health
with appropriate treatment. This treatment is long term. The initial segment
of the treatment can be difficult and the continuous antibiotic dose is very
harsh on the body. If you begin treatment, it is recommended that you be
monitored closely by a knowledgeable physician.
Since this form of treatment is so new for CFS, FMS and MCS, we are all
involved in research of a sort. Because of that, we need to keep in touch
and share triumphs and problems encountered. If you test positive for the
organism, please send your name to the Mycoplasma Registry (see resource
list). Drop me a line, or send an e-mail to let me know of your progress
from time to time. Also, feel free to copy and share any of these papers
with others.
We are all different, and will undoubtedly respond differently
to the treatment. As with any treatment suggestions given, the information
in this packet is intended to help you make informed decisions about your
care. It is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please work
closely with your physician to tailor any treatment to your individual needs
and differences.
Enclosed in this packet are the following:
1. Mycoplasma Fermentans incognitus: A Simple Overview, written by
Sharon Briggs
2. Antibiotics Recommended When Indicated for Treatment of Gulf War
Illness/CFIDS, written by Garth Nicolson, Ph.D.
3. Treatment Suggestions, written by Sharon Briggs
4. An Overview of My Symptoms and Recovery from CFIDS With
Antibiotics, written by Sharon Briggs
5. Mycoplasma Resource List
Any donations to off-set the cost and postage of this packet would be
greatly appreciated.
Sharon Briggs,
Support Group Leader
MYCOPLASMA FERMENTANS INCOGNITUS:
A SIMPLE OVERVIEW
For years we in the CFS/FMS/MCS community have been watching the
reports of Gulf War Syndrome(GWS) knowing, instinctively, that we all had
something in common. Not only do we all have common symptoms, but we may
also be infected with a common pathogen. That pathogen is Mycoplasma
fermentans, (incognitus strain). Following is a simple overview of the
information I have gathered about this pathogen and how it affects us.
How Was Mycoplasma Infection Identified In GWS and CFIDS Patients?
The information trail started with Garth and Nancy Nicolson. Their
daughter returned from the Gulf War with an unexplained illness. She
was
after, her parents both became ill with the same symptoms. Medical tests
revealed nothing abnormal, but they all continued to worsen. Fortunately for
them, however, the Nicolson's were molecular pathologists with an entire
research laboratory at their disposal. They drew blood and tissue samples,
and set the research team, at the MD Anderson Research Center in Houston
Texas, to work. What they found was a living Mycoplasma pathogen. In order
to find this germ, they had to break open the leukocytes (white blood
cells), and perform a specific test called a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
of the DNA of the organism. (1) To gather more information, they then
started testing other GWS patients. What they found was that approximately
50% were positive for the live organism. The Nicolson's then researched
treatment options and found a number of antibiotics that were effective
against the germ.(2) After several courses of antibiotics, they recovered.
But, the word was out, and requests for testing of GWS patients kept coming
in to the lab. They were inundated! As their evidence mounted, they
published their data (3) (4) (5) and testified before the President's Panel
on Gulf War Illnesses.(6)
Then the connection was made by the government of the similarities
between GWS and CFIDS.(7) By this time, the Nicolson's lab was already
running tests of those with CFIDS---with the same results-- approximately
50% positive! Garth and Nancy Nicolson even wrote an article for the CFIDS
Chronicle outlining the diagnosis and treatment of GWS/CFIDS.(8)
But, the politics of medicine and research have slowed the gears of
progress! Garth and Nancy had to relocate their non-profit lab, and they
have had difficulty funding the Mycoplasma research. They are only able to
continue testing the GWS patients, at this time. For their research to
continue with CFIDS testing, they need a new grant. In the meantime, two
clinical labs have started doing the Mycoplasma test by PCR. Using a
abbreviated version of the research test perfected by the Nicolson's, the
Immunoscience Lab in Beverly Hills, and the University of California, Irvine
lab are continuing testing of CFS/FMS/MCS patients. Statistics gathered from
each of the labs regarding the number of positive CFIDS tests are as
follows: Immunosciences---30% positives, UC Irvine--70% positives.(9)
Two CFIDS support groups for those who are positive for Mycoplasma
have begun. One is a sub-group of Shasta CFIDS, in Redding, CA, and the
other is in San Diego, run by Leslie Dudley. Those in the support groups
have begun treatment with the antibiotics recommended by the Nicolson's with
tremendous success. Some of these people have been ill for 15-20 years. But,
they are feeling better for the first time since becoming ill! Some have
even returned to work. Many have completed several courses of antibiotics,
and several have been taking them continuously for 1 « years. Since most of
us in the CFS/FMS/MCS community have been ill with thi organism for a lot
longer than the GWS patients, it may take longer to successfully treat the
infection.
What Is Mycoplasma?
Mycoplasma organisms are not new. They evolved from bacteria. Sometime over
the past 50 years, the organism mutated from a harmless bacteria to a
pathogen. In it's evolution, it became more invasive and capable of causing
disease in humans. Unlike bacteria, it has no cell wall. This enables it to
invade tissue cells, incorporating the cells nutrients, and using the cell
to replicate itself (much like a retro-virus). (10)
The specific M. fermentans (incognitus) organism has the capacity to
invade cells, tissues and blood, producing systemic infections in numerous
organ systems. Because it has the ability to damage the immune system by
invading the natural killer cells (NK cells) of the lymphocytes, it renders
them susceptible to viral infections, such as Human Herpes Virus 6
(HHV6).(11)
Mycoplasma infection can trigger inflammatory cytokine
over-production that is commonly seen in CFS/FMS. With the induction of
CD-4+ helper cells of the immune system, an over production of cytokines
such as Interleukin-1, Interleukin-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
occurs.(12)(13) These elevated cytokines have been implicated in the
development of many of the CFS/FMS symptoms, including neurological
involvement.(14)(15) In addition, the M. fermentans (incognitus) infection
has immunomodulating effects, activating the hypothalmic-pituitary-adrenal
axis. This can cause a cascade of limbic system symptoms characteristic of
CFS/FMS. (16)
The M. fermentans (incognitus) is a stealth-type organism that can
cause the patient to be very ill. It activates the immune system, then can
successfully hide from it within the host immune cells. It can then
circulate throughout the body and go where ever a white blood cell can go.
It can cause infection deep within any or all organs. It can even cross the
blood/brain barrier and cause brain and spinal infection. Unless the white
blood cell is split open and examined for the evidence of the live
organism, it can go undetected for years. Because the organism resides deep
within the cells, conventional antibody tests may be relatively useless.(17)
The splitting open (fraction) of leukocytes from a fresh blood sample, with
a PCR test is the most accurate way to detect the presence of active
infection with a live pathogen. Further gene-tracking techniques perfected
by the Nicolson's are even more accurate (but, are not available to the
general public, as yet).(18)
Treatment
If detected early, the diseases associated with invasive mycoplasmal
infections are treatable with multiple cycles of antibiotics.(19)(20)(21)
As yet, we do not know if antibiotics are a cure. Mycoplasma
fermentans (incognitus) has the ability to enter any cell and alter itself,
changing its cellular makeup with every cell division. This may make it
impossible for readily available antibiotics to clear the body of this
organism.(11)
What we are hoping for is to cause the organism to go dormant until
a cure is discovered. To do that, we need to kill as much of the live
organisms from our bodies as possible with the antibiotics. Once our white
blood cells are free of the infection, then they can become healthier and
can, hopefully, do a better job to keep the Mycoplasma under control. This
may take several cycles/months of antibiotic treatment to accomplish.
Is Treating Mycoplasma Infection The Answer To Curing CFIDS?
The precise nature and cause of CFS/FMS/MCS is not clear at this
time. However, recent studies have shown that several microorganisms may be
a factor in CFIDS. Clinical PCR testing has been positive for all of the
human herpes viruses, particularly Epstein-Barr Virus(EBV) and Human Herpes
Virus-6(HHV-6). Most recently, organisms like Human T-lymphotropic virus
(HTLV) types I and II, the foamy or Spuma virus, HHV-6a, and the Chlamydia
pneumoniae bacteria have also been demonstrated.(22)
Perhaps with this evidence, it would appear that CFIDS has many
causative organisms? That is a possibility. Researchers studying AIDS have
found that Mycoplasma and HHV-6a may be co-factors for causing AIDS.(11)
While the researchers sort out the chicken-or-the-egg, one-organism-one
disease, multi-factor theories, it seems prudent for us to test for and
consider treating the organisms that we can. Especially when, in the case of
Mycoplasma, a few simple antibiotics can bring us so much relief! While we
may not become completely well, there is preliminary evidence that many of
us who are taking the antibiotics are improving!
Courtesy of Sharon Briggs
1780 Marlene Avenue
SHASTA CFIDS
Redding, CA 96002
e-mail:bandb@...
References
1. Nicolson, N.L. and Nicolson, G.L., The Isolation, Purification and
Analysis of Specific Gene-containing Nucleoproteins and Nucleoprotein
Complexes, Methods of Molecular Genetics, 5:281-298 (1994)
2. . Nicolson, Garth L., Antibiotics Recommended When Indicated for
Treatment of Gulf War Illness/CFIDS, (1996)
3. Nicolson, G.L., and Nicolson, N.L., Chronic Illness of Operation
Desert Storm: The Presence of Stealth Microorganisms in Gulf War Veteran's
Blood Suggests that Biological Warfare May Have Been Used In Desert Storm,
Extraordinary Science, (1995)
4. Nicolson, G.L., Hyman, E., Korenyi-Both, A., Lopez, D.A., Nicolson,
N.L., Rea, W., and Urnovitz, H., Progress on Persian Gulf War
Illness-Reality and Hypotheses, International Journal of Occupational
Medicine and Toxicology, Vol. 4, No.3, pp. 365-370, (1995)
5. Nicolson, G.L., and Nicolson, N.L., Diagnosis and Treatment of
Mycoplasmal Infections in Persian Gulf War Illness CFIDS Patients,
International Journal of Occupational Medical Immunology and Toxicology,
5: 69-78 and 83-86, (1996)
6. Nicolson, Garth L & Nicolson, Nancy L., Mycoplasma Infections In
Gulf War Illness: Results of a Preliminary Study on the Prevalence of
Mycoplasmal Infections in Desert Storm Veterans with Chronic Fatigue and
other Symptoms, Presented to the President's Panel on Gulf War Syndrome,
Washington, DC, August 14-16, (1995)
7. Schmidt, P., Blanck, R.M., Gulf War Syndrome and CFS, The
CFIDS
8. Nicolson, G.L. and Nicolson, N.L., Mycoplasma Infections-Diagnosis
and Treatment of Gulf War Illness/CFIDS, CFIDS Chronicle, 9 (3): 66-69,
(1996)
9. Personal Telephone Conversations with Ari Vojdani: Immunosciences
Laboratory, Beverley Hills, CA and Dr. Huang: UC Irvine Infectious Disease
Laboratory, Irvine, CA. Statistics quoted to Sharon Briggs June (1997)
10. "Archives of Pathological Laboratory Medicine", May, (1993)
11. Montagnier, L., HIV, Cofactors and AIDS, Abstract from the
International Conference on AIDS, June 6-11 (1993)
12. Rawadi, G., Roman-Roman, S, et.al., Effects of Mycoplasma
fermentans on the Myelomonocytic Lineage: Different Molecular Entities with
Cytokine-inducing and Cytocidal Potential, Journal of Immunology, Jan.
15 (1996)
13. Gallily, R., Salman, M., Tarshis, M., Rottem, S., Mycoplasma
fermentans (incognitus strain) Induces TNF alpha and IL-1 Production by
Human Monocytes and Murine Macrophages, Immunological Letters, 34(1):27-30
Sept. (1992)
14. Brenner, T., Yamin, A., Abramsky, O., and Gallily, R., Stimulation
of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha Production by Mycoplasma and Inhibition by
Dexamethasone in Cultured Astrocytes, Brain Research, 608(2):273-79 Apr.
16 (1993)
15. Brenner, T., Yamin, A., and Gallily, R., Mycoplasma Triggering of
Nitric Oxide Production by Central Nervous System Glial Cells and its
Inhibition by Glucocorticoids, Brain Research, 641(1):51-56 Mar. 28 (1994)
16. Weidenfeld, J., Wohlman, A., and Gallily, R., Neuroreport
6(6):910-12 Apr. 19 (1995)
17. Komaroff, A. L., Bell D.S., Cheney, P.R., Lo, S.C., Absence of
Antibody to Mycoplasma fermentans in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,
Clinical Infectious Disease, 17(6):1074-75 Dec. (1993)
18. Nicolson, G.L., and Nicolson, N.L., The Eight Myths of Operation
Desert Storm and Gulf War Syndrome, Medicine, Conflict & Survival (1997)
19. Hannan, P.C., Antibiotic Susceptibility of Mycoplasma fermentans
Strains From Various Sources and the Development of Resistance to
Aminoglycosides in Vitro, Journal of Medical Microbiology, Jun. 42(6):421-28
Jun (1995)
20. Poulin, S.A., Perkins, R.E., Kundsin, R.B., AIDS-Associated
Mycoplasmas and Antibiotic Susceptibilities, Abstract of American Society of
Microbiology Meeting, (1993) (abstract no. G-21)
21. Poulin, S.A., Perkins, R.E., Kundsin, R.B., Antibiotic
Susceptibilities of AIDS-Associated Mycoplasmas, Journal of Clinical
Microbiology, Apr. 32(4):1101-03 Apr (1994)
22. Vojdani, Ari, Immunology of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, pp.36-42
(1997)

Has anyone in the group tried the natural thyroid replacement by
armour? The natural estrogen and progesterone have made such a
difference to me I'm thinking about asking my endocrinologist about
armour then switching my thyroid to Dr Corell if he says no. Just
wanted to know if any have tried it. I went to a thyroid board and
asked and the posts there were favorable, but I wanted to run it by our
group. So many of us have low thyroids I was curious if anyone was on
the natural. The info on why dr's dislike armour is it's harder to get
the dosage right---this is the same reasoning with natural hormones and
with alittle help I can get them right.
Julie

Ever since a flare in my neck which has subsided I have this horrible pain on
the Left side of my head when I lay down. It seems to be from my lower
mandible because I feel some pain in front of my ear. But the pain radiates
all over the area, including the mastoid bone. Still hurts, when I roll to
the R. Side and also on my back. Then after about 2 hours it goes away and I
can sleep.
I have had severe flares in my jaw which causes my lower jaw to jut out but
this is not the case with this laying down pain.
Anyone else have this?
Anita

Had x-ray of my lumbar and revealed severe Osteo arthritis in the spine. CT
scan next week.
New Dr. is Osteopath and can you believe on my second visit with the Sciatic
pain she used the "surgery" word. Couldn't believe my ears.
Anita P.S. I'm falling apart slowly, piece by piece. Bone by bone, joint,
by joint.

Hi Group,
Good news and bad news. Good news is that my new Doc is willing to do the
AP. She read all the info I gave her. She is always in such a hurry you
can't discuss anything. Bad news is that she prescribed Zithromax and I
didn't know it was so expensive at $6.00 a pill. I cannot afford that so
therefore cannot take it.
I will call her office Monday. Her office does nothing about getting drugs
on the Indigent program like my Rheumies office did. Now I have to call the
drug Co. myself.
She didn't want to do the Clindamyacin and don't remember what she said about
Doxy. So here I am still like so much flotsam or jetsam floating down the
stream of pain.
Dr. Chiu, Ethel, Chris, anyone, suggestions of which antibiotic I should take?
Hugs, Anita
RA 26 years, Fibro, AP 19 months

Geoff..........
Ive read and reread this post - have given it a lot of thought .......and each
time I have come up with the same feelings. I feel that your tone is slightly
superior, patronizing and insulting. I will try to explain:
..........*If* it is fungus it's naive to conclude it exists only where you can
see or are aware of it. ..........what - perhaps in my naivete I dont have
sense enough to know about checking my body for further signs of
*fungus*?........*IF* it is fungus.
........ many people accept fungal infections as a "normal" part of
life.............. What makes you think that I would accept something as
irritating and inconvenient as "normal"?
........Remember, fungi - all fungi - like warm damp places. Most human bodies
have lots of warm damp places .......oh duhhhh....... and the eyebrow & hairline
don't usually pop to mind as the first such places people would think
of......... In nearly two years, I think I wouldve noticed if I had this
condition somewhere else - especially since I would have been checking .
........I've been there plenty of times with several people......... But, never
with me Geoff, never with me.
.........the problem will only be abated temporarily. .......my doctor made this
quite clear to me; if you notice in my initial post I say "control", not
cure................ how and why your body's energy, acidity, etc., is "out of
balance". .............imagine, Ive already made an appointment with my
kinesiologist (hmmm - not a Homeopath or Chinese medicine practitioner, but
maybe a good start?) to do just that!
Now, heres the "kicker"........It is not an easy task to readjust one's body
chemistry after years of habitual disregard, neglect or simply ignorant
ingestions.............I dont even know how to respond to this statement!
Perhaps I am over-reacting (which is not particularly common for me); perhaps
your observations are aimed toward a more general audience (though your post is
addressed to me). My intention in responding to your post in such a manner is
not to cause hard feelings, but rather to clear the air.....I do not want to
"sit" on these feelings for any length of time - dont need the stress! And
finally, I do respect your opinions, Geoff - usually. However, I think this time
you kind of went overboard..............
Be well, Joey

http://www.mediconsult.com/mc/mcsite.nsf/condition/cfs~medical+news~JPGE-4AS3J6
Fibro finding at University of Florida (Type it into your browser if the link
breaks up)

The more I read the more i realize we need to get a water filter of some
sort...does anyone have any suggestions on quality water filters? I'm not
at all wealthy, I would like to make sure I get one which provides adequate
filtration at an economical price...tks..
Blessings and Health
Tony

Some might find this website informative..............Joey
www.lookingglass.org

I have strained my rib cage and have a lot of pain at the sixth rib mainly.
Is there anyone who can suggest something to help with the pain and speed
healing? Thanks in advance.
Linda

Was sent to the wrong address...
--
spwhite@...

Others will be able to make more expert comments on the reasons Minocin is
recommended over the generic, but I just got started with my prescription
this week, and can tell you I followed the group's advice to ask for the
Lederle generic.
The Schien (sp?) generic at Walgreens (my usual pharmacy) was cheapest, but
the Lederle generic at the next biggest pharmacy chain in town was A LOT
cheaper than the Lederle name brand Minocin. So, the recommendation to find
the Lederle generic of minocycline was not hard for me to follow.
The thought is that the Lederle generic is the same as the name brand
manufactured by the same company, (my pharmacist told me they look exactly
alike, and probably come off the same production line) but other companies'
formulations may vary enough to reduce their efficacy. I'll let others
comment more fully on this last point.
Jean

The information below is from Dr. Weil's website.
Linda
Relaxation
Breathing strongly influences mind, body, and mood. By simply paying
attention to your breathing, without doing anything to change it, you move
toward relaxation. Get in the habit of shifting your awareness to your
breath whenever you find yourself dwelling on upsetting thoughts.
For more on breathing and other relaxation techniques:
http://www.pathfinder.com/drweil/database/display/0,1412,100,00.html

I am puzzled on how I can get back on-line with the rheumatic (AP) support
group.
Chris or someone help me. I tried to go on-line to the onelist site. But it
kept
stating that I needed to put in a registration number to re-enter or be
registered
once again.
Thanks
Martha Smith gmsmith@...