Auto-immune diseases

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I think I may have asked this question before, but don't reacall getting
answers either negative or positive. Has anyone ever had success getting
medicaid (medi-cal in my case, being in California) to pay for the clindamycin
IV's? If yes, did you have to have positive PCR tests to get them? Would they
even pay for the PCR tests? Anyone with answers to these questions, I would
sure appreciate hearing from you.
My two steps back is turning into three steps back. I am almost at the point I
was right after starting the AP nearly two years ago. I still have less fatigue
and stiffness, but otherwise am having trouble getting through my day from
painful and swollen joints in hands and feet, and the flu-like feelings. I have
switched to the alternate day dosing on the doxy as suggested (Thanks, Chris!)
but it seems to have made only a slight difference. There seems to be no
worsening of symptoms that coorelates with dosing, only a gradual return of
joint problems.
I also added oil of oregano last week, and am wondering if it is mandatory to
take it under the tongue, or if it will work just by swallowing it. It is so
strong, it is hard to take it that way, but I will continue sublingual if that
makes a difference. I added it mostly because I have had a lot of sinus
infections inthe past, and my sinuses have been not obviously infected lately,
but feeling raw and inflamed, so I wonder if there is not a low-grade infection
going on there.
I am also on a trial of Relafen now, for about a week. It does not seem to be
helping, the joints are worse than before I started it.
I know there are those here worse off then me, but I have little children to
care for, often by myself for days at a time, and it is getting difficult to do
all the things I need to do.
I have been thinking about the comments someone made a few days ago, about how
some of us seem to be having no improvements, and I wonder how much of that is
due to the fact that so many of us are not on the IV's. From reading The Road
Back, it seemed like Dr Brown always used them with his patients. Maybe that is
why his results sounded so much more optimistic. Has anyone ever done studies
that used the IV's, or are they all just on the oral minocin? Liz G (searching
for info to storm my doctor with in an attempt to get the IV's LOL )

Hi everyone:
Speaking of stiffness, I'm wondering how unusual it is that I have not been
particularly stiff so far with my RA. (I've only had symptoms for four months.)
I also have had no swelling to speak of so far. Just joint pain, major fatigue,
weakness and a flu-like feeling.
I guess everyone is different. My dad had RA for almost 30 years and was very
crippled by the time he passed away two years ago. But my mom says he never
complained about being either weak or exhausted, which are major problems for
me. Go figure.
Rhonda

eom

Hi! Does anyone know of an AP-friendly doctor near Spokane? And if so,
what can you tell me about him/her?
I'm rounding up some information for a lady out there who's just been
diagnosed with lupus..
Take care -
Linda Chewning
lrc@...

One other thing the people with foot problems could try is foot soaks.
Either with the peroxide and epsom salts or there are a few foot soak
products in the grocery store that relax the foot muscles. I use them
after a bad day at work mostly in the summer.
On other inexpensive supplement you could try is Butchers Broom. It
really helps if your legs feel like lead.
cooky

Hi Group,
Haven't posted in lately because I'd started the Myocrisin injections, but
thought I'd give an update.
I've been on the gold now for four months having weekly injections and am
still taking 200mg Minocyclene daily as well as 5mg Prednisilone daily.
Last blood tests revealed that the Rheumatoid Factor has dropped from 220
in May to 155 in August and now 78. ESR has dropped from 26 to 16.
My rheumy doc has asked me if I'd be willing to stay on the Mino "forever"
and I mentioned to him that if I go into remission that the suggested
therapy is to remain on it for around 6 months afterward. He then stated
that he wanted me to do whatever the the directions of our group were :)
Isn't that just great!! My doc is a Professor of Rheumatology and
originally told me he didn't believe in the micoplasma theory and that he
would accept the Mino because it had been proven in clinical trials! I
think he's sort of beginning to change his mind now. I just wish he'd
accept the whole protocol :(
I've agreed to keep up the weekly injections for another four weeks and
then one injection per month until (I don't know when?). All my tests for
the gold are proving O.K. There are no contrary indications in the urine
tests.
As soon as I hit normal blood levels with the RF I can then begin to reduce
the Prednisilone at 1mg every 2 months to stop as much reaction as
possible. I'm no longer taking Naprosyn - was affecting the tummy bit and
I'm beginning to feel much happier and a little bit more like my usual self
(like a couple of years ago!). I shall just have to be a little bit more
patient.....
Take care all,
Love and hugs,
Jude.

Hello,
Who can tell me Joseph Mercola's email address?
Thank you,
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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,
I was in a social group over the weekend when it came out in conversation that
one of the men there had a form of rheumatoid arthritis that appeared identical
to mine. If didn't have the opportunity to get into a detailed history and
progression of his RA but he told me that he'd had it for a number of years and
that in the early stages, after receiving several injections of cortisone which
lasted just a few weeks, he'd been refereed to a doctor who was also a
herbalist. This doctor injected him, subcutaneously, in 17 different places
with small amounts of mistletoe. He was relieved of pain within 24 hours and
returns every six months for the treatment. He takes no NSAIDS and no DMARDS
only vitamins, cod liver oil and something to boost his immune system.
Has anyone any experience of mistletoe / herbal treatment?
Is the immune system booster something I buy over the 'counter'?
Regards
Mike
Botswana

To whom it may concern- I am a pharmacist and had a patient over 25 yrs ago
when lincocin first came out, that went to a clinic in Oklahoma for a new
cure- he started out a bed patient and was "cured"- I got him on Lincocin for
about 3 months and then continuted therapy with po Cleocin- this treatment
went on for over a year and he was about 40 at the time- the last I knew he
had regained mobility and started to fly his own plane again. I have always
wondered if any other professionals had persued the bug theory- Do you have
any success with treatment for osteo? seems to me an infectious problem
also- you may reach me at 281-291-0065 if you want- Candy Simons Rph. or my
address is 1876 Dolphin Dr. , Seabrook , Texas 77056 or email at
alienbsimo@.... Thanks for a very interestine and valuable site - I
will be glad to refer patients to you all.

Tea tree oil on a tampon is excellent for vaginal thrush and very cooling. It
needs to be used for a week or more and some women need the tea tree oil
diluted.
Chris.
the mouth as well if you had thrush. I don't think it is the first choice
for vaginal infections. Sorry I am doing this one from memory. I am sure
others will chime in.
Paula C.

<A HREF="http://www.thehungersite.com/"
Donate Food for Free to Give to Feed Hungry People in the World</A

Leslie,
Skip's first symptom of the RA was stiffness. It got so bad in 1988 that we set
the alarm to go off 2 hours before she had to leave for work so she could try to
get loosened up enough to work the gas pedal and brake pedal on the car. For a
while she woke me up to help her to the bathroom if she needed to go in the
night. Then the Dr. prescribed the Prednisone. The very next morning she woke me
up at 4 a.m. to show me how she could dance around the bedroom. It had to be a
miracle drug we thought. After a couple of years of high doses of prednisone we
discovered a lot more about the drug and she slowly weaned herself off it and to
this day will have nothing more to do with it. As she got off it, the stiffness
returned. She still has the morning stiffness, although not nearly as bad as in
'88, and after a couple of hours of riding in the car takes a while to loosen
up. We figured that the stiffness was one of the first signs of the RA and will
probably be one of the last to go. The stiffness you have was probably masked by
the prednisone. We don't know if it will ever disappear completely but she is
very much improved. Especially in the endurance area. The last month has been a
real trial for her ( her brother had a triple bypass and her mother has severe
back problems) and she has physically held up better than we had ever hoped for.
Maybe someone else in the group can answer the question about the stiffness
disappearing as the AP does its job. We can only pray for that to happen. Hang
in there.
Denny and Skip
RA-12yrs
AP-14months

While looking for some information for another sufferer I happend to
come across a message from Chris from a while ago. This is particularly
interesting for those of you on DEMARDS.
http://www.cadlard@rheumatic.org/mtx.htm
cooky

Hello group,
There have been many wonderful improvements since starting the protocal but
I have one thing that did not happen before antibioitics that is happening
now...STIFFNESS!I never had morning stiffness or sleeping stiffness until I
started Doxicycline. I evne get stiff if I take a short nap.
While I sleep the joints in my knees seem to cement together and it takes
all my might to move them and when I do it feels like they have been hit by
a hammer!
My shoulders are stiff, and the elbows but to "unstiffen" them doesn't
require this much effort or pain.
Is there damage being done unbending the knees to have such horrible and
excrutiating pain? It make me feel as if I am going to pass out!
Does anyone else experience this? Thanks!
I did stop prednisone this weekend and I haven't seemed to have had any
more stiffness or pain than usual. But I guess 1 mg wasn't doing all that
much anyway.
Any suggestions or input would be mucho appreciated!
Leslie

Abstract from Medline search:
Title
Antibiotic susceptibilities of mycoplasmas and treatment of mycoplasmal
infections.
Author
Taylor-Robinson D; B´eb´ear C
Address
Department of Genitourinary Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine at
St Mary's, Paddington, London, UK.
Source
J Antimicrob Chemother, 40(5):622-30 1997 Nov
Abstract
Mycoplasmas are the smallest free-living microorganisms, being about 300 nm
in diameter. They are bounded by a triple-layered membrane and, unlike
conventional bacteria, do not have a rigid cell wall. Hence, they are not
susceptible to penicillins and other antibiotics that act on this structure.
They are, however, susceptible to a variety of other broad-spectrum
antibiotics, most of which only inhibit their multiplication and do not kill
them. The tetracyclines have always been in the forefront of antibiotic
usage, particularly for genital tract infections, but macrolides are also
widely used for respiratory tract infections. Indeed, in comparison with the
tetracyclines, erythromycin, the newer macrolides, the ketolides and the
newer quinolones have equal or sometimes greater activity. The two latter
antibiotic groups also have some cidal activity. The antibiotic
susceptibility profiles of several mycoplasmas of human origin are
presented, those of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma genitalium being
similar. Apart from the penicillins, mycoplasmas are innately resistant to
some other antibiotics, for example the rifampicins. In addition, some may
develop resistance, either by gene mutation or by acquisition of a
resistance gene, to antibiotics to which they are usually sensitive.
Resistance of mycoplasmas to tetracyclines is common and due to acquisition
of the tetM gene. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern may be influenced
greatly by the source of the mycoplasma; for example, one recovered from a
contaminated eukaryotic cell culture that has been subjected to extensive
antibiotic treatment may have an antibiotic profile quite different from the
same mycoplasmal species that has been recovered directly from a human or
animal source. Mycoplasmas may be difficult to eradicate from human or
animal hosts or from cell cultures by antibiotic treatment because of
resistance to the antibiotic, or because it lacks cidal activity, or because
there is invasion of eukaryotic cells by some mycoplasmas. Eradication may
be particularly difficult in immunosuppressed or immunodeficient
individuals, particularly those who are hypogammaglobulinaemic. The regimes
that are most likely to be effective in the treatment of respiratory or
genitourinary mycoplasmal infections are presented.

http://www.msnbc.com/news/320939.asp
News article about fibromyalgia and arthritis.

Luann,
Here is the reference that discuss mercury and has a small section on
natural ways to remove mercury from the body.
Leslie
<HTML
<HEAD
<TITLE
</HEAD
<BODY
<body background="ref_bak.gif" vlink="#80ffff vlink="
<IMG ALIGN=LEFT SRC="link.gif"
Mercury (also known as quicksilver) was named after the fleet-footed messenger
of the gods. It is one of the most toxic substances known to humanity,
particularly when comined with other atoms and molecules, such as the methyl or
chloride forms. These have far greater biological penetration. Brain tissue is
particularly at risk. The expression "mad as a hatter" comes from the
twitching and dementia once common among hatters, who used to dip felt in
mercuric nitrate to soften it.
<P
Despite its poisonous qualities, indiustrial applications of mercury have grown
dramatically. Gram for gram, the mercury load that we are bringing into our
environment is probably the worst of all pollution going on today. Other than
industrial pollution, the principal concern about mercury toxicity today centres
around its use in dental amalgams (so called "silver" fillings).
<P
There are really three issues where mercury is concerned. The first is the
tendency of mercury to concentrate electrical fields. This is an ordinary
biophysical effect and explains why people with too many dental fillings cannot
work in areas where large field currents are developed.
<P
The second issue is hypersensitivity. This is a kind of allergic reaction to
mercury and various estimates place this as applying to between 1 and 15 per
cent of the population. Anyone in prolonged contact with mercury tends to
develop a sensitivity - thus dental students show a sharp increase in the
percentage of positive patch tests for mercury sensitivity as they progress
through their studies.
<P
The third and most important effect has been mentioned alread: that is,
toxicity. We inhale mercury vapour from our amalgam and swallow its compounds.
This loss of mercury is increased by chewing hot or salty foods. Mercury from
our teeth has an especially great affinity for brain tissues but it can also
have a disasterous effect on the immune system. So, far from being safe, having
dental fillings is rather akin to sucking a mercury lozenge continuously!
<P
Mercury toxicity seems to contribute to allergy problems, so any allergy symptom
can be prolonged or made worse by it. Mercury toxicity should be considered in
any allergy case not responding to proper treatment. This is especially
important in degenerative and auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis,
lupus erythematosis, rheumatoid arthritis, colitis and even, it is said,
arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Also, any vague mental symptoms
not responding to other treatment, such as lethergy, depression, loss of memory,
etc. might well begin to improve after removal of toxic mercury.
<P
It may be suggested that the patient go on nutritional supplements to leech out
mercury and other heavy metals (chelation). The simplest supplement is sodium
alginate, found in seaweed - kelp is a quite satisfactory source. Apple pectin
is also efficient and vitamin C acts as a chelator.
<P
Calcium, magnesium, zinc and selenium may prevent the uptake of heavy metal
toxins such as mercury, lead, cadmium and aluminium, or stop them doing damage.
By making sure that your diet has enough of the right minerals the rogues have a
hard time taking their place.
<P
Mercury poisoning causes very similar symptoms to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (or
ME). If you have had a lot of dental fillings with silver/mercury amalgam, and
you suffer from chronic fatigue, you may have the answer right there in your
mouth! Check out <A HREF="cfs.htm"
relates the moving experiences of a CFS sufferer who resolved his illness only
when he eventually discovered that dental mercury poisoning was the cause!
<P
<HR
<P
<A HREF="homepage.htm"
</BODY
</HTML

Cooky,
What is nystatin? Is it a herb or a prescription drug?
Thanks. I have RA and my sinuses are really messed up!
Delaine

This is long, but interesting. It has a section on Herxheimer reactions and
detoxification, so be sure to scan for what interests you.
Paula C.
Dr. Mercola's Own Personal Diet
Eva writes: All of your diet recommendations really ring true for me. I am
trying to follow your suggestions but it is hard. I am wondering if you
could outline your own day of "typical" meals? Thank you so much!
DM COMMENT: Excellent question. I have recently switched over to juicing
vegetables for breakfast. When I first wake up, I take several grams of
evening primrose oil and two fish oil capsules along with some whole beet
concentrate. The beets allow one to absorb the oils and taking the oils on
an empty stomach also facilitates oil absorption. I had about 500 stalks of
celery in my garden so I am finishing those off in the morning along with
some of my lettuce and carrots. I also add two teaspoons of chlorella and/or
spirulina for more protein and for detoxification assistance. If you cannot
juice, I also recommend organic eggs. You may prepare them scrambled,
hard-boiled, or whichever way you like. Using a pan that is non-stick is
helpful. You may also eat leftover dinner for breakfast, as it is convenient
and easy.
Lunch is quite simple. It is usually always some type of salad that I
prepare in the morning. The base is one of three beans (that are rotated to
avoid food allergy): adzuki, great northern or pinto beans. I add some hot
peppers or olives for flavor. I then add a variety of different vegetables
to avoid allergies. I am careful not to have the same salad every day.
Variety is very important. I typically vary three types of lettuce, carrots,
fennel (anise), and spinach.
Dinner is a work in progress. I generally prepare my dinner for the week by
preparing something on the weekend as I get home far too late to be making
dinner every night. I am not married and have to prepare all my food myself
so this is an important practical step for me. I find that chicken soup is
one of my new favorites. I put an organic chicken in a pot and fill it up
with several pounds of vegetables, such as celery, carrots, bok-choy, kale,
spinach, kale, collards, onions and garlic. It is a wonderful meal and I
really enjoy it. I regularly have beans at night also. I prepare my beans by
soaking them for 48 hours and changing the water ever 12 hours. I then cook
them in a crock-pot for 12 hours. I spice them up by putting in two large
onions and two garlic bulbs and some Celtic sea salt. I purchase the beans
in bulk and have several hundred pounds in my home for a long-term food
storage program. I also enjoy some frozen chicken tenderloins from Tyson,
which I purchase in bulk from my favorite store, Costco. They are not
organic but highly convenient and I justify the small amounts of pesticides
in white meat by my regular use of an infrared sauna that is one of the best
ways to remove pesticides and solvents from the body.
Always remember to keep nuts, seeds, nut butters and high quality protein
powders on hand as they are helpful if you are in a hurry or have nothing
available to you. And lastly, remember, if you fail to plan you are planning
to fail.
Detoxification
By Ted H Spence, DDS, ND, PhD/DSc, MPH
Introduction:
Detoxification comes in many forms and refers to many different programs
that cleanse the body of toxins. Today, our environment is toxic and the
foods we eat, even the air we breathe and the water we drink is laden with
chemicals foreign to our system. Therefore, everyone is undergoing some type
of detoxification to maintain life and health. Although basic detoxification
begins with diet, detox programs may include nutritional fortification for
the liver, lungs, kidneys, bowels and blood. We will soon see why these
organs are so important in detoxification. Detoxification for the body may
refer to the cleansing of the bowels, kidneys, lungs, the liver or the
blood, since these are the organs involved in detoxification of chemicals
and toxins from the body. The liver acts as an "in-line" filter for the remo
val of foreign substances and wastes from the blood. The kidneys filter
wastes from the blood into the urine, while the lungs remove volatile gases
as we breathe.
Our body is designed to utilize natural substances, which includes foods,
herbs and phytochemicals. Any foreign substance will serve as a stimulus to
our immune system, which has the function of removing these substances.
Although the toxicity of a chemical may vary, it is the job of the liver to
reduce toxins into compounds that the body can safely handle and eliminate
through the kidneys (as urine), skin (as sweat), lungs (as expelled air) and
bowels (as feces). Maintaining these eliminative organs in good working
order is essential for one's good health to continue.
While there are many detoxification programs available, they differ in their
actions and their intent. Some detoxification programs (DP) work only with
the bowels, others may cleanse the liver or the blood, and others may aid
the kidneys or the skin in their functions. By combining these detox
programs into a total health program, one can effectively restore their
health to an optimal level and look younger in the process. When the body
can eliminate toxins, then health is restored and energy and vigor are
revitalized. Many different approaches to detoxification and wellness will
work, even though they attack the problem at different levels. Any program
that augments detoxification will improve health. Other factors must be
considered in detoxification, like nutrition, water, and exercise, rest,
sunshine, and fresh air.
Detoxification Diets:
Detoxification diets help the body to eliminate toxins in many ways. First,
natural vegetarian diets include the fiber needed for stimulating good bowel
eliminate. They also contain the proper amounts of vitamins that feed and
nourish the bowels and the liver, as well as other eliminative organs. They
also include a valuable source of enzymes since most vegetarian diets are
eaten raw. The elimination of meat from the diet for a short period enhances
detoxification because meat is so difficult to digest and requires many
enzymes for its digestion. Therefore, vegetarian diets are cleansing diets
and aid the body in elimination of toxins.
Of course, changing diets and lifestyle is easier said than done for some
people. Many people want health and will go to any length to improve their
health, including dietary changes. But there are others who do not want to
change their life style for anything. These people will be difficult to
motivate and will not stick with the detox programs for one day. They may
not want to give up their sodas, or their cigarettes, their beer or their
coffee. They may make a few changes, like drinking more water, or they may
give up completely in a very short notice. Our way of eating has been
cultivated over many years and will not change over night. But to those who
do want better health and do not want to rely on pills/drugs for their
existence, nutritional changes will be welcomed, especially when they start
feeling better and having more energy.
Diets are very important and are usually the basis for any detox program,
whether it is herbs, cleansing or other detox programs.[i] Detox diets will
generally eliminate trigger foods, which may cause many problems with
digestion and elimination. Foods like wheat (glutens) and dairy (milk,
cheese) are often the cause of allergies. Sugar is eliminated because of its
"empty calories" and tendency to produce hypoglycemia. Meats are eliminated
because they may contain hormones, antibiotics and are difficult to digest.
Caffeine is wise to avoid, since it has many ill effects on the body's
digestion. Refined, processed and junk foods are also out for any detox
program to work.
Herbal Detoxification:
Generic diets for detoxification are good, but may not stimulate the liver,
lungs or the kidneys as much as one would like. Therefore, herbal cleanses
are indicated when we want to hone our cleanse to a "sharp edge" and be
organ specific. Of course, herbs are foods too and provide one with
vitamins, minerals and enzymes for excellent nutrition. Herbs are powerful,
because they may be combined together to fortify those herbs that aid
specific organs. For example, herbal combinations that aid the liver may be
found in many organic food stores. The list below shows how herbal
combinations help the various organs.
Herbal Combinations:
Liver:
LIV-A Dandelion, red beet, liverwort, parsley, horsetail, birch leaves,
chamomile, blessed thistle, black cohosh, angelica, gentian, goldenrod
Kidneys: Uva ursi, parsley, dandelion, juniper berries JP-X Parsley, uva
ursi, marshmallow, ginger, goldenseal, dong quai, cedar berries
Lungs: LH Comfrey, marshmallow, mullein, slippery elm, senega, Chinese
ephedra
While herbs may be taken at any time, they are best for detoxification
purposes when they are used with a good diet also. It does not make any
sense to take herbs to cleanse the liver if the bowels are clogged with junk
or refined foods, since the liver dumps its toxins into the bowels. And
while detoxification diets are effective by themselves, they may be
reinforced and speeded up with herbs, which stimulate the eliminative
organs.
Herbs may be used as teas, powders or extracts. Powders are usually
encapsulated for easier swallowing, but are best when taken with meals and
digestive enzymes. Extracts may be used when specific herbs are needed, but
may be extracted with alcohol, which we need to avoid. Herbal teas are
easily made and easily taken all throughout the day. They are mild and
gentle and sometimes refreshing and sometimes bitter. Experimentation may be
in order until one develops the right tea to drink. Herbal teas is a topic
in itself, since there are so many and different ways to make them.
Example Herbal Cleanse:
Rising: Drink a glass of lemon water or Drink a glass of water with added:
one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon of blackstrap molasses
Morning: drink a glass of water with psyllium husk powder (follow with
another glass of water) Meals: take 2-3 multi-digestive enzymes
Take liver herbs
In Between Meals: drink herbals teas, which support the liver
Dandelion/licorice/ginger/fennel
Note: Following a good diet is mandatory for herbs to work optimally. See
section on diets for detox.
Skin Cleansing:
Detoxification should include some type of skin cleansing, because our skin
it one of our best eliminative organs. Heavy metals are actually released
through the skin's pores when we sweat. Sauna baths and steam rooms are
great for removing toxins from the skin and regenerating one's health and
energy. It has been documented that our skin's sweat glands when combined
can perform as much detoxification as one (or both) kidneys. Therefore, it
is very important to support our skin for detoxification to be maximal. If
our kidneys are damaged, then helping the skin will help the kidneys ...
indirectly, but effectively.
Good skin care is in order, if one's health is to benefit, also. Using
chemicalized skin care products is not wise, even though they are cheaper.
These chemicals may be absorbed into our circulation and provide more
"toxins" for our liver to deal with. We are not made out of cast iron, and
even the chemicals in our soaps and shampoos will make a difference with our
health. Most people do not "see" the ill effects of these subtle chemicals,
because their liver is able to metabolize them. But, individuals who are
environmentally toxic will see a great change in their health when using
natural soaps and shampoos. We should take their advice and use only natural
skin care products also.
Cleansing our skin is rather simple. First, we need to bathe daily using
natural soaps. Then we need to care for the skin by using only natural oils
and products of natural origin. Even the clothes we wear can make a big
difference in our health. Synthetic fibers do not absorb sweat (toxins),
while natural fibers, like cotton, will absorb toxins. Dry skin brushing
helps in removing the outer dead skin layers and keeps the pores open.
Another good method of skin brushing is with vigorous toweling off after
bathing. Towel roughly until the skin is slightly red. Change towels often
because they will contain toxins.
Good skin care also requires good nutrition.[ii] Since our skin is mainly
fat, we need high quality fats and oil from natural sources to give our skin
health. Butter and olive oil are two excellent natural oils, which keep the
skin in good condition. As always, the fats/oils should be natural ... only.
Detoxification Baths:
Use ½ cup of baking soda or use ½ cup of Epsom salt or use ½ cup of sea
salt. Soak for 15-20 minutes and then scrub the skin gently with soap on a
natural fiber. Within a few minutes the water will turn murky and "dirty."
The darkness to the water is heavy metals coming out of the skin (aluminum
and mercury). Do this once a week during detox and once a month for
maintenance.
Juice Fasting:
Fasting with vegetable juices can be another excellent way to develop good
health and cleanse the body of toxins. Juices, minus their pulp (fiber),
contain an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and enzymes. When the pulp
is not added, one is able to drink more juice than they are able to eat. For
example, one can easily consume the juice of several heads of lettuce in one
sitting, but may not be able to eat the lettuce whole. This allows the body
to get an abundance of nutrients with minimal processing (digestion).
Fasting on mono-juices also allows the body proper time to process these
juices and helps to preserve our valuable digestive enzymes.
Juice fasting has helped many people over come serious diseases like cancer,
because it gave them optimal nutrition and allowed the body to cleanse
itself of toxins. [According to many nutritionists, cancer is merely a toxic
condition.] With some juicers, the pulp is discarded, but it may be saved
and added back for fiber (not too much). Juices contain good sources of
antioxidants and enzymes, both of which are needed for cleansing and
eliminating toxins. Juices are also easy to digest and help those with
digestive problems.
Flora:
Our bowel flora is also important for detoxification and normal health.
Probiotics is the term given to the normal bowel flora, which are taken as
supplements. It has been found that these normal flora actually defend our
body from the pathogenic species of bacteria and perform many vital
functions, such as detoxification of toxic chemicals and making valuable
vitamins (mainly the B vitamins). When our normal flora are present they
secrete mediators in which the pathogenic forms cannot grow. But the reverse
is also true, that when the pathogenic forms take over, they will exclude
the normal flora with their toxins.
Many scientists feel that it is the toxins secreted from the pathogens and
not the pathogens themselves that create disease. The ability of all
bacteria to change and grow under specific conditions of their immediate
environment is called pleiomorphism. Cell wall deficient forms are
"bacteria" which lack a defined cell wall, yet have all the specifications
of being bacterial-like. Even viruses have been found to exhibit
morphological forms, which resemble bacteria and fungus. While this is not
widely accepted by modern medical scientists, it hass been proven beyond a
shadow of doubt by eminent scientists, like Virginia Livingston Wheeler,
Irene Diller, and Royal Rife. Their microscopic studies have revealed that
bacteria and viruses and fungus may be all different forms of the same
organism, differing only by the environment in which they are grown.
Antibiotics kill off the good bacteria as well as the bad and allow the bad
to repopulate and develop antibiotic resistance. Natural forms of
antibiotics are better, since they do not kill off the good bacteria with
the bad and do not allow drug" resistance to take place. Garlic, for
example, is perhaps, 200 times more effective against pathogens than most
antibiotics today. And it does not produce antibiotic resistance forms,
which is a danger to all our health. As antibiotics become more widely used,
more antibiotic resistant forms will be encountered. Herbal antiseptics and
anti-bacterial tonics are far better and less dangerous to our over-all
health, because they do not kill of the good bacteria with the bad.
Replacing our natural flora is a good step for preventing disease and
keeping our bowels healthy and populated with normal flora. Taking
probiotics containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidus can help us in
our detox program and also in repopulating the gut after a cleanse. Our
normal healthy flora should be a part of any detoxification program.
Antioxidants:
The use of antioxidants, like vitamins A, E and especially C, are very
essential for detoxification since they are involved with the detoxification
of toxins. Antioxidants are involved with helping cells to neutralize free
radicals that can cause mutations and cellular damage. As these free
radicals are neutralized, the antioxidant vitamins will be used and exhibit
low levels. Vitamin A and E are fat soluble and will be found in our fat
tissues/stores, but vitamin C is water soluble and will be found mainly in
our skin (between the cells according to Reams). Vitamin C is also involved
with many other important bodily functions, like collagen formation, wound
healing, energy production and fighting off colds (viruses).
The function of antioxidants is so important that any deficiency of them
will be seen as catastrophic to one's health. When our antioxidants are low,
energy is not available and detoxification cannot take place in a normal
fashion. Therefore, toxins accumulate or are stored until they can be
processed. The liver and many other organs are compromised in their
functions when antioxidants are low. Just the lack of energy is enough to
cause the body to have compromised or poor health, because it is energy that
is required for the removal of toxins and wastes. Vitamin C should be taken
with bioflavinoids to ensure that all the components of the vitamin C
complex are taken together, since they work together. Pure ascorbic acid is
called vitamin C, but does little by itself. We tend to think that ascorbic
acid as vitamin C, but it is only part of the vitamin C complex. Vitamin C
is very essential to any detoxification program, because that is what the
body uses for energy to process and eliminate these toxic wastes. Think of
vitamin C as the gas in the dump truck carrying toxins to the waste dump.
Without gas the truck is not going to remove wastes or move at all. Without
vitamin C our body is not going to "dump" its toxic load. Therefore, ensure
adequate vitamin C and always take vitamin C with bioflavinoids for optimal
benefit.
Vitamin C can be taken in very high doses until the bowel tolerance level
[BTL] is achieved. This BTL is different for different people. Some persons
reach tolerance at 4-5 grams (4,000-5,000 mg), while others may not reach
tolerance until 10-15 grams (10,000-15,000 mg). Cancer patients notorously
can take 20-30 grams (20,000-30,000 mg) of vitamin C before tolerance is
reached ... meaning that they needed more vitamin C than most people. By
taking vitamin C to its tolerance level we find out 1) what our BTL is and
2) how saturated our body is with Vitamin C. Vitamin C was found by Linus
Pauling and Ewan Cameron to be very effective in helping many patients to
over come that killer disease, called cancer. Perhaps, this was because
vitamin C was needed for detoxification of toxins, which "caused" the cancer
in the first place. Although Pauling and Cameron were greatly criticized for
their work with vitamin C, they were able to help many people overcome
cancer and without compromising their health as toxic chemotherapies often
did.
Enzymes:
The use of enzymes in detoxification is important, because the body needs an
adequate supply of enzymes, not only for digestion, for also for
detoxification.[iii] Enzymes are best obtained from fresh raw fruits and
vegetables, but may be taken daily with meals as nutritional supplements of
multi-digestive enzymes. Enzymes in our food helps us to digest that food,
but many foods today are processed, refined, heated (cooked), radiated and
stored, which destroys enzymes and leaves it non-vital.[iv] Foods with
enzymes destroyed will have a longer shelf life, but will not give one
health when it is eaten.
Fresh raw fruits and vegetables are the best source for enzymes and help to
give one vibrant health. Enzymes are also used by the body in
detoxification of toxic substances. The liver is the source of most
detoxification enzymes, which it must make, or store. To aid the body in
removing and eliminating wastes and toxins, enzymes are best taken in
between meals. This way they do not get involved with digestion, but go to
the liver and to the blood for detoxification.
Many therapies have utilized enzymes for improving health and enzymes have
long been the key to many detoxification therapies which have helped many to
over come that dreaded disease, cancer. Kelley, Gerson, Moerman, and Neiper
used alternative nutritional therapies with enzymes for curing cancer. The
famous Wobe Mugos enzymes from Europe were utilized with Laetrile therapies
for cancer. Never was Laetrile give alone, but was used with vitamins, diet
and enzymes. This made the Laetrile therapy very successful in the 1970s. If
cancer is a toxic condition, which many feel that it is, then taking enzymes
will help it. And it does.
The use of raw foods in many detoxification diets are using the enzymes
found naturally in those foods. Additionally, these raw foods provide fiber
and, with proper food combining, will not waste the body enzymes reserves.
Preserving enzymes is the key to over coming disease and living to ripe old
age and remaining healthy. Yes, vitamins and minerals are important, but
vitamins are enzyme co-factors and many minerals are use to activate
enzymes. Therefore, the vitamins and minerals themselves are only
augmenting the role of the enzymes which are detoxifying toxins and
supporting metabolism.
Enzymes also help the bowels in cleansing, because they liquefy the bowel
content, which makes transit much easier. The role of enzymes in digestion
is to break down foods for digestion and absorption. When foods are broken
down they become more liquid and the bowels move much easier and faster.
Transit time is decreased and our health is increased when toxins are
removed and eliminated. Perhaps, this is a link to breaking the
"constipation chain." Enzymes are the key to health. Preserve our enzymes
and we will be healthy for a long time.
Bowel Cleansing:
Keeping the bowels clean and moving is a major step in regaining our health
since the bowels are crucial in the elimination of toxins, especially those
processed by the liver. [The liver dumps in to the bowel via the gall
bladder.] This is why one hears a lot about the bowels, and bowel cleansing.
In severe cases, enemas and colonics may be needed to breakup and washout
long-standing bowel encrustations. Diet may do the same thing as an enema or
colonic, it will just take longer. Also, one should be very diligent in
repopulating after a total washout of the normal flora and probiotics will
be necessary to restore that balance.
Constipation is a national pastime and slow bowels are more common today
than years previous. For one thing, people not only ate better 100 years
ago, they were more active and got out doors more. When the bowels slow
down, toxins are not eliminated and are reabsorbed and carried back to the
liver for recycling and elimination. Reabsorbed bile salts have been linked
to increased cholesterol levels; therefore, cholesterol is a major indicator
of constipation. Also, when the bowels get slow and toxin levels increase,
the pathogenic microorganisms grow to out-number the normal flora causing
dysbiosis. Although flora is needed to correct this, it is the clogged
bowels that are the major problem. When the bowels move again, everything
else will fall into order.
Our endocrine glands that control metabolism are also involved; since it is
our thyroid that controls metabolism and metabolism affects how our bowels
are functioning. In this way, constipation can be seen as a symptom of
hypothyroidism. Low body temperatures (a symptom of hypothyroidism) are very
common today ...although they are not "normal" ... as many authors have
reported. One major factor in low body temperatures is the suppression of
thyroid function by heavy metals, like mercury, which binds to our thyroid
hormones and renders them inactive. Eliminate the mercury and the body
temperature is likely to return to normal.
The easiest way to get the bowels moving is by using a high fiber diet
consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables. Sometimes, one may add extra
fiber during the day by drinking a glass of water (juice) with psyllium husk
powder. The extra fiber adds to the bulk of the stool and decreases the
bowel transit time, which means better toxin elimination and better health.
It makes sense that if one can eliminate toxins their health will improve.
One of the best ways to improve the bowel function is with herbal remedies
that act as bowel stimulants or laxatives. These products range from the
very mild - slippery elm - to the stimulant - cascara sagrada- to the very
harsh - aloes and senna. Everyone may react differently to these products,
so they should be taken cautiously at first. Some persons may take two aloes
with no effect (meaning they are heavily blocked), while others may take a
mild herbal and get a much greater effect than most. Herbal bowel
combination formulas are excellent because they not only stimulate the
bowels to move, but give the bowels the nourishment it needs to move on its
own.
Herbal formulas should not preclude a wholesome natural diet, since diet
comes first in matters of health. One should not become overly dependent on
herbal laxatives, since they deplete potassium and may be "addicting" as
some authors claim. Yet, herbal products play a key role in getting the body
to eliminate toxins by stimulating the eliminative organs like nothing else
can and, therefore, cannot be ignored.
Herxheimer Reaction:
The Herxheimer Reaction occurs when the body is detoxifying too rapidly and
toxins are being released faster than the body can eliminate them.[v] When
this occurs, one will suffer from headaches, nausea, vomiting, and malaise.
Even though this is but a short period of the health program, it can be
severe and deter one from reaching their intended goals. Also, the person
may not know what they are experiencing and think that they are regressing.
To minimize the Herxheimer Reaction
Drinks lots of pure distilled water
Get minimal exercise daily
Lots of sunshine
Take detoxification slowly ... one step at a time
Don't increase the dose of herbals
Keep the organs of elimination (bowels, lungs, skin, kidneys) open
Take detox baths
Use aromatherapy oils for aches -like peppermint, birch, and wintergreen
Sweat by using exercise, saunas, baths, and herbs
Avoid foreign chemicals and refined processed foods
If the Herxheimer reaction occurs, cut back on your health detoxification
program. Reduce the dose of herbs and follow the above outline to reduce the
symptoms of toxin elimination. The more toxins there are to eliminate, the
sicker one is when they come out. Generally, one will feel better when all
is over and health is restored again. Just remember, don't give up.
Conclusion:
Detoxification may produce symptoms of headaches, nausea, malaise and
vomiting due to the toxins being released [Herxheimer Reaction]. If this
occurs, one should back off the program and proceed slowly. Proceeding to
fast with detoxification can have disastrous results when toxins are
released into the circulation. Our body should be primed and ready to
eliminate toxins before they are released. We do this by getting the bowels
working, keeping the skin clean and getting the kidneys and lungs operating.
Only by having all organs of elimination in proper operating order can our
body begin to dump toxins efficiently and maximally. Keeping the skin clean
and healthy is of prime importance also.
Detoxification is essential for good health to exist. Our body must
eliminate toxins daily or we would die immediately. Since our environment is
more toxic today, our livers are over stressed with environmental toxins to
deal with daily. Processing other toxins, when the liver is stressed, may be
delayed. Detoxification is also a lifestyle change. For it is by the way we
live that determines our health and how our liver processes toxins.
Detoxification is easy if we eat a wholesome natural organic diet and live
life in a natural way. But for those who want their cake and eat it too,
detoxification may be compromised. A change your lifestyle may be needed and
detoxification will be forthcoming. Nature has afforded us the chance to
live in a toxic environment and not be affected by it. Of course, we have to
live right to get that chance. Without detoxification we may not get a
second chance.
Good health is within our reach, but first we must cleanse this "temple" and
eat a wholesome natural diet that provides us with maximal nutrients and
fiber. Herbs can help us stimulate the liver, lungs, kidneys and bowels when
needed, but diet is the first priority in any detoxification program. Don't
become overly dependent on herbal laxatives. When toxins are released one
may feel bad for a day or two, but when our good health is restored we will
have renewed energy and will "soar on the wings of an eagle". Many people
living today have never known what good health "feels" like. They survive
with an abundance of toxins and an existence less than healthy.
Good health is not hard to find, but does require diligence and life style
changes which are compatible with toxin elimination. Sir Jason Winters
Says, "Death begins in the colon." With good toxin elimination through
natural detoxification programs our health and energy are restored.
[i]. "The Best Way to Detox," Jill Ruttenberg, Natural Health, Oct 1999, p
88-92, 152.
[ii]. Aubrey Hampton, Natural Organic Hair and Skin Care, 1987, Organica
Press, Tampa, FL 33614
[iii]. Harold Loomis, DC, Enzymes: The Key to Health, Vol 1, The
Fundamentals, 1999, 21st Century Nutrition, Madison, WI
[iv]. Anthony J Cichoke, DC, Enzymes and Enzyme Therapy, 1994, Keats
Publishing, Inc, New Canaan, CT
[v]. Ibid, p 148

Hi guys & gals -
Just having a bit of a tough day - been diagnosed with FMS with Franco and
been on the minocin one month now. I am having severe back,spine pain -
actually pain all over my body - this is moreso than ever before - my eyes
have gotten really blurry and I am having trouble focusing more than a block
down the street - is this a herx? I had two great days this past week and
thought this is too cool - I was ready and here Saturday I am worse than I
have been - any thoughts or suggestions would be very helpful - you know how
you don't like to continually depress your family - I am going to start
relying on you guys - thanks in advance for being there for me.
LuAnn

I am experiencing some real difficulties for the past few days. My knee are
swollen,
inflammed, my feet/ankles are very swollen. I hurt in the calf of my legs and
hurt
all over the legs/body. I thought at first it was potassium shortage in my body
because the predisone can rob one of that quickly. I went personally to the Dr.
yesterday, she was not in!! and never answered any of her messages her office
said.!!!!!! Yes, I am changing physicians.
But anyway, the minocycline that I take is not Lederle (I am changing that on
the
next prescription refill), and I have been taking the mino gradually, on MWF.
I had something like this about three months ago, and I went to the E.R.. They
did
a doppler on my legs (arteries, veins, inflammation). It was negative for deep
thrombosis
and etc., but had some skin inflammation from the swelling. I was put on biaxin
for
the skin inflammation for awhile, and got better.
I did something last evening, and I do not know why I seem now to be in less
pain.
I went back and took a doxycycline (rather than the mino)and I seem to be
somewhat
better. I had been on doxycycline before, but I felt mino should be better.
Sometimes I know people on predisone (I'm on 10 mg) can have a flare up and
cause a lot of edema, etc. but I don't know right now. I will find out next
week.
Of course, if I remain or get worse, I will go to the E.R. this evening. But was
interested in any one's response.
I started uping my acidolphilus the other day, would that have caused the herx
or flare??
What is your opinion on that?
Thanks for your input.
P.S. Feel like someone has beat me up in my legs, and they are very hurt and
swollen
and painful inside. Feel like cramping in the legs (especially the calf). Still
may too
low potassium? Because the first sign that anything was wrong 1. the edema for
days 2. then the cramping in my calves when I left a school building from work
on Thurs.)
Sorry this is long, but took some time just to explain the "mystery" Martha
Smith

Dear Group,
In reply to Lea's question, no, I never tested positive on the mycoplasma test.
But I know I have it, 'cause the Mino is working. Makes me wonder if this
expensive test is really necessary.
Sheila

Hi Cooky,
Thank you so much for your reply! Isn't this group great? So supportive
and informative!
I got a prescription for acidophilus because I get my medical care
through
the military.
I also have a sinus infection and am very eager to hear about Nystatin,
anti fungal you mention below. What is it made of? Where do you get it?
Herbal? Over the counter? I won't see the RD for 2 1/2 months and my
AP progress seems to have come to a standstill. Seems I heard that
sinus problems were caused by a fungus, is that so?
I am putting this on the reflector because others may be interested in
your
reply.
Be well,
Glenda
RA 2 3/4 yrs, AP 3 mo. Minocin100 mg 2Xday

Happy Thanksgiving to all the Canadians in our group!
Linda

Sandy,
When you say DHEA, do you mean DHEA or DHEA-S? DHEA and DHEA-S
are the two major male hormones, or androgens, produced by the
adrenal glands. The ovaries make DHEA, but to a much, much lesser
degree. When testing your DHEA amd DHEA-s levels, most labs give
one normal range for both adults and children, but adjust it for
either males and females. It is up to the doctor to make his own
adjustments with regards to the age of the patient. So, for
example, a child who has the same exact result as you, would have
a DHEA level that is considered extremely high, whereas your
level might be considered only mildly elevated.
A high DHEA or DHEA-S level means that your adrenal glands as
secreting abnormal amounts, for some reason or other. One adrenal
gland disorder, called "late onset congenital adrenal
hyperplasia", which I have, can cause the adrenals to make too
much DHEA or DHEA-S. This happens because one is born without an
adrenal gland enzyme that's purpose is to convert certain
hormones into cortisol, and the adrenal glands end up pumping out
extra DHEA or DHEA-S to try to make up for this.
It might be a good idea to have your doctor check your cortisol
precursor hormones, such as 11-deoxycortisol and
17-hydroxyprogesterone. If you have an enzyme deficiency, your
cortisol levels will be low and the 11-deoxycortisol or
17-hydroxyprogesterone would be high.
Hope this helps. :)
Kyla
Hi: I may have already posted this, but didn't really get an
answer, so thought I'd ask again.
When I had a blood test recently part of the results were that my
DHEA was too high (for a 50 year old). I had my doctor call the
lab to see what were the numbers for a 30 year old, and the lab
said the numbers were the same for all age groups. This didn't
sound right to me.
Anybody know about this??
Thanks, Sandy

Hi All,
Has anyone had their old silver fillings replaced with the ones that don't
contain mercury? I am curious about this and wonder if it will really have
as great of a postive effect as I have read. I will do it tomorrow if it
will help!
Thanks,
Leslie

Chris,
I take back what I said about no gut flora. I didn't think such a thing
could happen. I'll bet your daughter was one sick girl.
Paula C.

A friend is on Imuran for psoriatic arthritis. She can't seem to get anyone
to tell her whether or not she should have a flu shot. Does anyone have any
information on flu shots for people with rheumatic diseases? Several years
ago, a rheumatologist advised me not to get one.
Thanks,
Linda

Here is a place to order Imuplus if anyone is interested.
Also you can call 800-545-9960 or 888-787-7536
Imuplus is supposed to be cheaper than Immunocal.
Imuplus is the other product that Cheney think is as good....

Hi - I'm within weeks of reaching my 3 year anniversary of starting AP.
Last week I had my routine physical with my family doctor who has agreed to
write my prescriptions for doxycycline. When he was ordering my lab tests,
I again asked if we could check the ANA. One time he told me, "Yes, but I
don't know what you think its going to tell us." I think he expects it to
stay the same. I called for the results this morning and its 1:1280.
Yippeeeeeeeee! I know that's still way high, but, guys, it had been
running 1:2560 and, before AP the number was a whopping 1:40,960 (this
number is as high as most laboratories test to.....when it gets that high
they quit counting). So today I'm a happy camper and counting my
blessings.
I have complete resolution of many of my scleroderma symptoms and
improvement in ALL. During the physical exam, my doctor told me I was a
miracle!! Loving it!!!!!!! Judy (deejay) Stevenson, WA Scleroderma
10+yrs. AP 3 years (almost).

Not too sure how to post this to the group. I wrote to Rhonda and thought the
group might appreciate hearing from a lurker who is on the road back thanks to
the AP.
Dear Rhonda,
I've been on Minocin (minocycline) since April of this year. I take 100mg a.m.
and 100mg p.m. on Mon, Wed. and Fri. and I have to tell you that it is working
for me. I'm seeing Dr. Franco in Riverside, California every six months and
just got back from my second visit last week. According to my lab tests I'm 39%
better. I feel 75% better. So, can't imagine what I'll be like when the labs
say I'm 50%, 60% or 70% better! By the way, I never had a herx reaction to the
Minocin. At first I was a little upset about this thinking it was a sign that I
didn't have the mycoplasma.
To give you some idea of how much better I am, I'll tell you a little story.
The first time I went to see Dr. Franco, I flew from our local little airport to
Portland (Oregon) and then on to California. That's the way it is here - you
have to fly north to get south. This makes as much sense as drinking diet coke
with your hamburger and fries, right? I could have saved quite a bit of money
by driving to Portland, but just the thought of a 250 mile drive made me
exhausted. However, after being on the Minocin for less than 6 months, I was
able to drive to Portland, visit with my daughter and 9 month old grandson (we
took a long walk and I played with Sammy even getting on the floor, chasing him
up the stairs and lifting him up and down). Then drove to the airport and
caught my flight out to California. Saw the doc the next day and flew back to
Portland that evening. Spent two days in Portland and then drove home.
I never felt tired. This is near miraculous.
Hope this little testimony give you confidence in Dr. Brown's treatment for
rheumatic diseases. I know I'm one of the lucky ones to see quick results.
This is because I had RA for only two years before starting the antibiotic
protocol (AP). I take lots of supplements and a diet of lots of vegies, no meat
or sugar (well, hardly any :) and very little salt plus lots and lots of
purified water. I've just started working out at a gym three days a week -
something else I wouldn't have dreamed possible six months ago. Oh, one more
thing, when I started the Minocin I was taking 2-l/2mg of prednisone every
other day and 400mg of Plaquinel daily - am now taking 1mg of pred every other
day (sometimes miss a few consecutive days and feel the same) and 200mg of
Plaquinel daily.
If you have the dreaded, horrid little mycoplasma, and you most likely do, then
the AP WILL work for you. Have patience and please write whenever you like and
let me know how you are doing. I'll be praying for you.
Sheila

Dear Group:
Our local paper interviewed myself anD Hal Roth (he is a board member with The
Road Back Foundation) and the article came out yesterday. It covered 1/2 page
and they included a picture of Hal and myself. It's not the "best" written
article but the article does help to get the word out.
I'm not computer savy but I would love to be able to let you all view it over
the internet. The newspaper has it -anyone know how I could get the article to
this list?
Thanks!
Sue :-)
--
Susan S Estridge
E-Mail : sestridg@madison
Internet: Sue_Estridge@...
Phone : (704) 649-2411
FAX: (704) 649-2020

I saw a short report on television the other night. They sent out several
people to test the knowledge of herbal products among pharmacists. The
people put an herbal product (I'm sorry, but I've forgotten which one
although I know it was a commonly used one like Gingko or St. John's Wort)
on the counter in front of the pharmacist and handed in a prescription for a
regular drug that would have the same sort of effect. Then they talked to
the pharmacist and finally asked if it was alright to take the herbal too.
About 75% of the pharmacists said they didn't think there would be any
problem--and they were wrong! You have to make sure the person you're
asking about interactions is actually qualified in both herbals and regular
medicines.
Linda

Hi,
Does anyone have any information on male infertility with Scleroderma?
thanks
Andrea

Hi: I may have already posted this, but didn't really get an answer, so
thought I'd ask again.
When I had a blood test recently part of the results were that my DHEA
was too high (for a 50 year old). I had my doctor call the lab to see
what were the numbers for a 30 year old, and the lab said the numbers
were the same for all age groups. This didn't sound right to me.
Anybody know about this??
Thanks, Sandy

Hi Karen,
You have just gotten into the hardest part of the therapy ---- the waiting. It
seems like it takes a long time to get better but it is well worth the wait. My
wife, Skip, has had RA for 12 years and I could only watch as conventional
medicine put her through all the tried and fool medications that put her through
hell for 11 of them. Prednisone, Plaqenil, Methotrexate, Gold Shots -- She had
them all. Thank God she got started on the AP before she got bad enough to have
to have any joint replacements. Her life two years ago was a mess of pills and
lost days, aches and pains, leaving the house only when she had to. Today she is
70 - 75% better. She still has a bad day once in a while. The " Two Steps Back"
will follow the " Three Steps Forward" and some days you will believe the next
step forward will never come -- but it does. Skip keeps a journal of her days
from the first day of starting AP. It helped a lot because the progress can be
so slow at times that there were times I told her to go back and read her
journal from when she started the AP and see how she had improved. It is hard to
be patient when you hurt so bad. In the last two weeks I have seen her doing
things that she has been unable to do for a long, long time. At her last visit
to the Dr.( our family Dr. who would not go any farther than prescribing
Minocin--- alternative medicine you know) he told her she was definitely better
and asked her how she was doing it. She told him that one day she would make an
appointment and tell him the whole story. I think that day may not be too far
off. Be patient, ask lots of questions of this great group of people and heed
the advice you get, and most of all do not give up. It will get better and you
will get your life back.
Denny and Skip RA-12 yrs
AP-14 months

Just had my last IV tonight. I'm taking 100 mg 3 times a week orally. So
far I haven't experienced any dramatic results but then maybe I won't. I've
had RA for only 2 years and am hoping my recovery will be short. Am I
asking too much?
At the beginning of the IV therapy my sed rate was 135 and now I know why I
hurt so much. Tomorrow I'll know if it's come down any.
Karen Coppes

I thought you might like to see a message someone sent from the
supportsite. After all it belongs to all of us and is the product of all
our researching.
Sarah
(NAME) Jack Byers
(comments)

Hi Group:
Most of our group take some type of antibiotic for their RA.
Many if not most of our group take acidophilus to restore the flora in the GI
tract.
Would one of you professionals---or amateurs if you know -- please explain
why the acidophilus is not killed by the antibiotic? I'm missing something.
Thanks,
Harry Horter

Does anyone have any info on dosages of Echinacea for folks with RA? I
started taking it a couple of weeks ago to decrease the fluish/ill feelings
I had from taking MTX (making an assumption it was due to the MTX weakening
my immune system)...I bought a bottle of 150mg capsules which said to take 1
to three a day. I went the middle road, taking 2 per day. Seems to be
helping quite a bit...I have been feeling much more normal and haven't
really suffered many days of feeling fluish since taking it. Any words of
wisdom? tks.

Hi,
Just want to check I've got the right tablets . . . . .
After a long tortuous process trying to convince the doctor to prescribe the AP,
and then to prescribe Minocin rather than another brand and then to give me a
prescription for a years supply and then talking the insurance company into
paying for them I've just collected my the tablets and they are:
Minomycin 100mg by S.A. Cyanamid (Pty) Ltd. Lederle Laboratories Division and
they're a blue and orange capsules.
If they're correct I'll start them on the 18th after my next blood tests.
Mike
Botswana

Hello--I'm new and recently diagnosed with RA (8/99). The only meds I take
is minocin (lederle) 100mg 2xday. I've been on that for about 2 weeks.
Prior to that I was taking minocycline 100mg 2xday for 1 1/2 months. I asked
my pharmacist to switch to minocin since I read that sometimes generic isn't
as potent. I have had great results on both! Swelling is down and less
joint pain. Still have alot of fatigue.
I also take glucosamine sulfate 2xday and Omega 3 2xday.
However, just recently my teeth have started to turn black. Has anyone
experienced this?
This group is great! Thank you! Patti

I wish I could use Ultram. I can take it for a few days and its OK. Then
around the
fourth or fifth day, swelling in the extremities begin. This is how it is with
all of the
meds known as anti-inflammatory and Ultam. I asked a physician one day about
Ultram and
the rest, he said that there is a small property in the Ultram that Serves as or
has
the same "function" as a regular anti-inflam such as ibuprofen, for example.
Even though it isn't classified as a regular anti-inflammatory.
So I wish!! I have tried it again and again. This is the same with aspirin, or
motrin, or relafen,
or any other. I cannot take plaguenil, nor azulfidine.I have asthma, and I
think this
too complicates thing, with side effects of wheezing. but the EDEMA is unreal
with these meds. So that is why I am stuck right now with 10 mg of predisone.
I take minocycline only 1 x a day every MWF because I start to get the edema
on top of my feet, from my toes up taking it any closer together.
Has anyone ever had the tops of your feet
swell as well as the ankles. It is so puffy.
Hi to all the group.
Martha Smith

Please take me off the mailing list.
Thanks!

Ultram:
Oral tramadol hydrochloride is used for the relief of moderate to severe pain.
It works on the central nervous system to relieve pain but is not chemically
related to opiates. This medicine may cause physical and psychological
dependence, it should be used for short periods of time and with caution under
the supervision of your physician.
Mark

There are now 9 bios up and I added a graph from Mike Guinney to accompany his
story. You can see these at http://www.onelist.com/files/rheumatic/Biographies/
Mark

Hi all,
Thanks to all of you who have responded and been so helpful.
God bless,
Zanash

Group:
I saw something on TV the other night that might be helpful.
We all know about using rice bags in the microwave for heat but you can
also put the rice in a ZipLoc bag and put it in the freezer. I think
this will work better than using a bag of peas that manage to clump.
jan

Here's yet another question about another product. Has anyone tried the Arthra 7
(sp ??) product . It's supposed to contain seven ingredients . I would be
interested in anyones experiences with it or comments about it.I plan to give it
a try as soon as it arrives in the mail. Last week I was given a prescription
for methotrexate and I am really hesitating to start it. Someone told me to give
this a try first. I will!!!
Thanks to all,
Susie

Mark and Tony,
It is my understanding that echinacea should not be taken everyday/all
the time. Especially for people with compromised immune systems such as
ours.
Tony,
As for taking 200mgs/ everyday. OUCH!!!!!!! I will bet you have a big
Herx! Why not start out slow and build up to that much? From what I
gather that is more successful.
jan

"Dr. Brown always told patients they WOULD get better, but it could take
some time. Since he treated thousands of people over many, many years, it
seems like he would know if antibiotics just didn't work for some people.
Yet that wasn't mentioned in the book.
I'm very curious as to what others think about this."
When I was new to the list I wrote often. While I was having problems I
asked a lot of questions. Now that the RA is under control (eleven months
on minocycline) I don't write much. I just scan the list.
I don't think the current messages are an indicator of how well the protocol
works since people who get their lives back go on and do life rather than
the list. I still get the list but now it is in digest form so I zip
through it looking specifically for information I can use or questions I can
respond to. Pretty soon I'll move on. Luckily there are people like Ethel
and Chris who stick around to help new comers.
I never had to ask the questions about I.V. anti-biotics or things like tea
leaf extract or a dozen other special things people need who have advanced
or resistant arthritis's. I was lucky to find the protocol early in my
disease and even luckier to have generic minocycline work for me from the
start.
Dr. Brown, in his book, is giving an over view of the thousands of people he
treated and was more able to give a complete picture of what a person could
expect from the protocol. The list is just a vignette of what is on peoples
minds on a given day. Put more stock in what Dr. Brown says than on
anything you read here on a particular day.
Denisej

Rhonda,
I'm with you, I firmly believe in this treatment and intend to stick
with it for however long it takes. I think perhaps why it may seem like
so many of us aren't getting better may be because we tend to write more
about our problems, looking for help, rather than expounding on our
improvements. I was discussing just the other day with someone that
this is a very slow treatment, requiring tremendous patience and just
not getting worse is an achievement of sorts. I attended a local
support meeting last week where a couple of new people showed up looking
for information on AP. One of them was a lady who has pursued
traditional treatments for years and the arsenal of drugs she was on was
scary. She's had numerous joint replacements and has significant joint
deformity. She's looking for a way to try to get off the high dosage of
prednisone she's taking because it's literally causing her bones to
crumble. This poor lady was a shining example to me of how ineffective
the mainline drugs are at stopping the destruction of these diseases and
the cumulative side effects she's now encountering are making things
worse yet. Made me realize that I have little to complain about by
comparison and am so thankful I found this group and this treatment
before I, too, headed down that road.
Paula Peden

fair number of people are seeing no results or minimal results with antibiotics.
I am having a hard time reconciling that with what I read in "The New Arthritis
Breakthrough."
better as long as their disease was caused by an infection and not a virus. The
whole theory about viruses was not even mentioned in the book, as I recall.
time. Since he treated thousands of people over many, many years, it seems like
he would know if antibiotics just didn't work for some people. Yet that wasn't
mentioned in the book.

Hi all...
It has been awhile since I've posted. Saw my RD today and he agreed to
try adding minocycline so I am now partially on the AP....What he really
wanted to do was to add another 5mg of MTX per week but I told him I would
rather try Minocycline first....I DO have to remain on the myriad of other
drugs I am on but at least I now have a fighting chance...maybe Mino will
work for me.
My RD wants me to take it daily rather than three times a week so I will
be taking 200mg per day. From what I've read on this list I guess I will
have to gird up my loins in preparation for some major herx's (I understand
they are a bit worse if you take the mino daily)...
MTX was causing me quite a bit of distress for awhile, I was feeling
perpetually ill. My RD added Folic Acid to my list about three weeks ago
and he said that should fix it...it helped just a bit. I started taking
Echinacea about two weeks ago and seem to feel much better now, so that
might be worth a try if anyone else suffers the same symptoms as I did.

Hello everyone,
As you may know, the standard treatment for ulcers (and a must for anyone
who has used NSAIDs in the past) is the Hp-PAC for 1-4 weeks, followed by a
minimum of 3 months of Losec (Omeprazole), 20 mg per day, a slow release
antiacid medication.
The Hp-PAC contains the following medication:
- Prevacid (Lansoprazole), 30 mg, every 12 hours, a delayed-release antiacid
medication;
- Amoxicillin, 1,000 mg, every 12 hours, an antibiotic;
- Biaxin (Clarithromycin), 500 mg, every 12 hours, an antibiotic.
In the United States, the Hp-PAC is possibly known as the PrevPAC.
A positive ASO titer is indicative of a Streptococcus bacteria infection and
possibly the consequence of ulcers.
Interestingly enough, the Hp-PAC can be used to cure both the ulcers and the
ASO infection. As I was reading my copy of Dr. Mercola's protocol, displayed
on the Web site, I came across the following passages:

Hello everyone,
I just got a new pair of contact lenses and here is what I learned about dry
eyes:
1- As you age, your eyes get dryer. A 65 year old person has half the amount
of natural tears of a 20 year old person.
2- The medication that you take can dry your eyes. All antihistamine
medications used for colds and allergies will dry your eyes.
3- Indoor heating and office air are too dry for the eyes.
4- Some antibiotics can dry your eyes. I suspect that Biaxin tends to dry
the eyes.
Pierre
Ankylosing Spondylitis, 18-21 Years
Antibiotics, almost 13 Months

In just a few days of reading the comments on this list, it's obvious that a
fair number of people are seeing no results or minimal results with antibiotics.
I am having a hard time reconciling that with what I read in "The New Arthritis
Breakthrough."
Dr. Brown never told anybody they MIGHT get better, or that they would get
better as long as their disease was caused by an infection and not a virus. The
whole theory about viruses was not even mentioned in the book, as I recall.
Dr. Brown always told patients they WOULD get better, but it could take some
time. Since he treated thousands of people over many, many years, it seems like
he would know if antibiotics just didn't work for some people. Yet that wasn't
mentioned in the book.
I'm very curious as to what others think about this.
Rhonda

Hi:
When I got my blood test results back, it said my DHEA levels were too
high for my age group (50), so I had my doctor call the lab to see what
it should be for the 20 year old age group, and they said that the
numbers were the same for ALL age groups. This didn't sound right to
me.
Sandy

This was sent to the wrong address...
--
spwhite@...

I have scanned a copy of the instructions for testing re: hypothyroidism.
It is 166KB so I won't sent it to all of you. Just drop me a note and I'll
send it to you. Or, I will post it on my site for those of you that can't
take the download.
I guess blood tests can indicate a proper level of hormone in the blood but
if your body does not absorb it you still may have hypothyroidism. That is
why both the temp and blood test combined is a better indicator.
Donna
Ottawa, Canada
Scleroderma, Jan.95, AP Oct.97
(My Story)http:// www3.sympatico.ca/mousepotatoes

Yes & no. Most Doctors don't charge a fee of you come in & pick up the
records. However it's routine to charge a nominal fee if you have them
sent. Fees generally run about $25 to cover up to 1/2 hr of staff time
plus copies & postage. I've seen them run $25-50 commonly. Over $50 and
it gets dicey for the Doc to prove he's only covering expenses, which is
what the law allows. They can also tack on a photocopy fee of
$0.05-0.25/pg.
HTH
Regards,
Geoff Crenshaw, ACC

Just a question for you all...
I hear all the time about people with excessive hunger, lack of
hunger and excessive thirst...but rarely do I ever hear of people
having a total lack of thirst. For many years now, I have had the
problem of having a very poor thirst. I can go all day without
drinking any fluids, except for the odd cup of coffee or two.
Somedays I go all day and drink absolutely nothing. Not because I
choose to, but because my body just doesn't get thirsty. At the
end of the day, I have to force myself to drink a bottle or two
of water, leaving my stomach very bloated and upset.
Do any of you experience an almost complete lack of thirst?
Perhaps it's more common than I think?
Thanks,
~Kyla

Hi all,
I seem to remember at one time there was mention of a medication for
dilating the aesophegus (sp?). My sister has severe scleroderma and is
having swallowing difficulties. Any information on the name of any
medicine that is working would be of immense help.
God bless and Speedy recovery to all,
Zanash

http://www.pathfinder.com/drweil/archiveqa/0,2283,1631,00.html

Just another couple of articles I thought I'd pass along
regarding insect allergies. I apologize if it's a tad off topic,
but I thought some of you might be interested. My previous
family doctor suspected that I had mosquito allergy because of
the huge, long-lasting, painful welts I would get after a bite,
so it's nice to see that they have actually indentified it and
can now warn people about possible serious allergic reactions to
not only bee stings, but bites from the pesky old mosquito.
Lady Bugs and Mosquitoes = Insect Allergies?
The articles below appear in the September issue of the Journal
of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the peer-reviewed scientific
journal of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
(AAAAI).
Lady bug allergy identified for first time
MILWAUKEE-Researchers in Georgia and Virginia recently identified
allergic sensitization to the Asian lady bug according a study in
this month's Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Although
inhalant allergy to insects is well known, this is the first
report detailing allergy to lady bug.
Two case studies highlight this recent discovery. The patients
experienced itchy eyes, sneezing, congestion and a runny nose.
One patient had no history of allergies or asthma, while the
other had successfully controlled her allergies for four years
until a recent flare up. Upon questioning, both patients revealed
that their homes were infested with lady bugs. Samples of the
lady bugs were taken, and skin testing was administered on the
two patients and four control subjects. Both patients reacted
positively to the skin tests, while the control subjects had no
measurable reactions. The lady bugs were removed from the
sufferers' homes and both showed improvement. Researchers suspect
that lady bug allergy may be the explanation for some cases of
allergic symptoms that previously eluded diagnosis.
The Asian lady bug was introduced to the southeastern United
States in the late seventies as a method to control aphids, a
common garden pest. Unlike the domestic variety, the Asian lady
bug is active throughout the year and seeks shelter during the
winter months. As temperatures begin to cool, people should caulk
gaps and holes, especially in attic areas. If lady bugs do infest
the home, intense cleaning is the preferred removal method, as
insecticides generate dead lady bugs which attract pests like
carpet beetles.
[From: "Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis caused by Harmonia axyridis
(Asian lady beetle, Japanese lady beetle or lady bug)." J Allergy
Clin Immunol 1999;104: 704-705.]
Allergic reaction to mosquito bites identified for first
time-"skeeter syndrome"
MILWAUKEE-Bug bites are a standard annoyance for those who spend
time outside during the summer months. The consequence for most
is uncomfortable swelling and itching at the site of the bite for
a short period of time. However, young children, immune deficient
persons and those previously unexposed to mosquitoes are at
increased risk for a severe reaction to mosquito bites according
to a study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Canadian researchers recently identified this reaction as
"skeeter syndrome," defined as mosquito-bite induced large, local
inflammatory reactions accompanied by fever.
Large local reactions to mosquito bites are under diagnosed and
sometimes assumed to be infectious in nature when in fact, they
are the result of an allergic reaction. In this study,
researchers studied five healthy children between the ages of two
and four with no history of allergy to insect bites. Each had
been diagnosed with cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the skin
and tissue that is usually found on the face, neck or legs. The
children developed extreme redness, swelling, warmth and
inflammation within hours of a witnessed mosquito bite. Several
months later the children were tested for allergy to mosquito.
Blood tests confirmed that the children had been misdiagnosed:
the symptoms they experienced were the result of an allergic
reaction to a mosquito bite, not cellulitis.
People with skeeter syndrome should minimize their exposure to
mosquitoes to avoid experiencing an adverse reaction. It is
important to increase the awareness of skeeter syndrome so those
affected can avoid unnecessary diagnostic procedures and
antibiotic treatments.
[From: "Skeeter syndrome." J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;104:
705-707.]

Hello all..
Was doing a net search on JRA tonight and came across the article
below. Not sure if any of you have seen it before, as it's from
1985, but I thought I'd pass it on anyway. Interesting find,
seeing that just recently, I was asking for your opinions on
whether I should get the rubella vaccine, after my doctor found
that I wasn't immune to the virus.
I read that children are usually given the MMR (measles, mumps
and rubella) vaccine at 1-15 months of age, then again between
the ages of 4-6. I got juvenile arthritis at the age of 9, and
had my second MMR at the age of 8. Really makes you wonder, eh?
I'm curious as to whether they have done any further research on
the possible link between the rubella virus and onset of juvenile
arthritis. The fact that my doctor told me I could get chronic
joint pain from the vaccine seems to tell me that most doctors
are well aware that rubella can cause arthritis in people.
Is it possible that people who do not seem to benefit from AP
could actually have arthritis caused by a viral infection instead
of a bacterial infection? And if someone does have arthritis
caused by a virus, does that mean they are doomed to suffer with
arthritis forever?
So many thoughts... :)
Cheers,
~Kyla

I just saw the doctor today and thought I'd share with you some information
we talked about for those of you on Clinda IVs.I am taking 1200 mgs IV for 5
day cycles which are repeated every 2 months.I have done 3 cycles so far.The
first treatment left me with a mother of a herx, then after 2 weeks I felt
better than ever before.After another 4 weeks that affect dwindled away.I
haven't felt that good again.The next 2 cycles were uneventful...small herx
but no increase in energy like the first cycle.I asked if that was common and
my doctor said it is very common and is a good sign that its working.He told
me that he would like to cut back the frequency to every 12 weeks and feels
that I will feel those dramatic results again.He feels that my body needs a
larger break from the dose.He told me that I am making great progress and am
alot better than I was 1 year ago when i started the minocin.He bet me the
cost of the next office visit that my labs will be better.He reminded me that
this is not a quick fix and that I can be getting better although I have many
symptoms still.He reminded me that I am on the 5 year plan and that things
are progressing fine.I was very encouraged by him and feel better just
knowing that he sees improvement.He is not the kind of doctor that sugar
coats things.He is very knowledgeable of the AP and has been doing it for
many many years.So,I'll keep you informed how the decrease goes.
Joanie

Date: Sun, 03 Oct 1999 07:13:21 PDT
From: Russ Pouch <dcarguy@...
I was wondering if you had any info on anything that might mimick arthritis.
I have a close friend that had a rapid onset of what her doctor thinks is
arthritis. The pain moves from joint to joint and at times is incredible.
She lives in Louisiana and I was wondering if she might have contracted
something from a mosquito bite and that she is being treated for the wrong
thing. So far the treatments they are giving her have not been effective.
She is going in for blood work finally and I would like to know what she
should have them look for. I guess the thing that is puzzling is that a
couple other people in her area have come down with the same symptoms
recently.
I would appreciate any info you could give me.
Thank you,
Russell Pouch
aka dcarguy@...

Has anyone with RA had problems with their eyes burning? Actually it's my
eyelids - feel kind of like they've been sandpapered at times. I put in some
moisture drops, which can sting like crazy at first (kind of bizarre I think),
and they help a bit but not much. Seems to bother me more at night and first
thing in the morning, but can on some days persist throughout the day. Causes me
to blink a lot. Perhaps is allergies, as I've been sneezing a lot lately - maybe
the dead leaves - not sure.
If you have RA, do you think a yearly appt w/ an opthomologist is necessary or
would an optometrist suffice? None of my docs have suggested I should be doing
this, but with my eyes bugging me, I'm wondering.
Mark

http://medicine.wustl.edu/~wumpa/news/parksintestine.html
Article about bacteria, enzymes, cartilege and OA from Washington University
News

Anyone else with RA have painful glands in their neck? What's that all about?
Rhonda

ok can someone send me a good site on mycoplasma? all i can find in that search
is pneumonia, thought i was getting better low grade fever broke for 2 days now
it's almost at 100 again, i'd like to read on it so i'll have an arguement when
i see my dr again. thanks, Linda

Hi all, my name is Ana, and I have been diagnosed with RA this past April.
Have been taking
drugs prescribed to me by my internist (celebrex - to which I'm allergic,
arthrotec, and now Vioxx. It seems they all work for a short period of time,
then I have to switch to something else. Have an appointment on the 20th of
this month to see a doctor that was recommended in my area, that treats
patients with rheumatoid problems, with AP. Will ask to be placed on this
therapy - will keep you posted. My question to all out there is: does
anybody know if there is a link between having had rheumatic fever as a
child, and then developing RA as an adult? Thanks.

Arth Rx******
Tumeric or curcumin has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment
of inflammation and has very effective antioxidants as well.
Doctors are now using tumeric "curcumin" for inflammatory conditions:
arthritis, osteoarthritis, acute infections. Also for health conditions
caused by free radical damage: cardiovascular problems, arterial damage,
heart disease, and others. Tumeric is also used in the treatment of
certain cancers.
Many studies have shown the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and
anti-cancer powers of curcuminoids in the herb tumeric. In a double-blind
test, people with rheumatoid arthritis who received curcumin benefitted
equally to people who took the drug phyenylbutazone (popular prescription
drug which can have side effects).
In another study, 10 people received 500 mg of curcumin every day for a
week had a measurable lowering of free radicals in their body. Still other
medical studies have shown that curcumin with its curcuminoids can block
the growth of cancer cells. Tumeric/curcumin has been used in Ayurvedic
medicine for centuries.
Uses of Tumeric:
o arthritis, osteo-arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
o high cholesterol
o digestive problems
o liver protection
o heart disease
o obesity
People who should avoid taking tumeric:
o people with childbearing / fertility problems
o people with blood clotting problems
o people taking anti-coagulant medication
.Tumeric is also known as: Curcumin, Curcuma longa, Indian saffron,
Saffron, Curcuminoids
note* Tumeric also has some antibiotic effect too.

Is it normal for a doctor to charge to get a copy of one's medical records? I
called my rheumie today and asked that they send me a copy and they said there
would be a $25 charge. When I threw a fit, she finally reduced it to $10, and I
told them to forget that and requested to speak to the doc. Of course, it is
doubtful that he will call me back since he will know that I am pissed off.
Should I be mad or does everyone have to pay to get their records? I've never
run across this before.
Thanks,
mark
http://Mark_Holmes.tripod.com
RA 4/98 AP 7/98
Minocycline (Lederle generic) 100mg 2x/day MWF;Methotrexate (10mg/once weekly);
folic acid (1 mg/day); Lodine 400mg 3x/day;Zone Diet;;Slippery Elm;Fish Oil(9
caps/day);acidopholus;Milk Thistle;MSM (2G/day)
RA Chat - http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Holmes/RA/ra.html
ICQ 18123139

PLEASE REMOVE ME FROM THIS LIST!

Does anyone know where to purchase either hydrocortisone or predisone, without a
prescription, over the internet? http://www.drugquest.com offers many, many
drugs, but not either of these two.
Thanks
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) ×
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