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VITAMIN D TUTORIAL
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Meg Mangin R.N. <http://www.marshallprotocol.com/users/5.html
Research Team
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Posted: Mon Mar 28th, 2005 23:48
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Vitamin D--also known as calciferol--has several forms or metabolites.
Vitamin D was misnamed when it was discovered in 1922. It is not a true
vitamin because an ongoing nutrient source is not required to sustain
normal levels in the body. Rather, it is autonomously synthesized in the
cells of the skin into the biologocally active form in reaction to
sunlight or bright lights.
History of Vitamin D
In 1925, Adoph Windaus isolated three forms of the vitamin: two derived
from irradiated plant sterols, which he called D1 and D2, and one
derived from irradiated skin, which he called D3.
In 1931, the chemical makeup of D2 (ergocalciferol) which is derived
from the precursor molecule ergosterol, was defined.
In 1936, Windaus synthesized the molecule 7-dehydrocholesterol and, then
converted it by irradiation to vitamin D3, now known as cholecalciferol.
Although it was assumed that vitamin D was photosynthesized in the skin
from 7-dehydrocholesterol, the final proof did not emerge until more
than three decades later.
In 1968 an active substance identified as 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, was
isolated and later proved to be produced in the liver. During the next
two years, the existence of a second active metabolite was discovered
and found to be produced in the kidney.
In 1971, the chemical/molecular structure of this metabolite, was
identified as 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. It was now clear that the liver
changes vitamin D3 to 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, the major circulating form
of the vitamin. The kidneys then convert 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to
1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, the active form of the vitamin.
1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, the active form of vitamin D, was reclassified
as a hormone that controlled calcium metabolism. A hormone is a chemical
substance produced by one organ and then transported in the bloodstream
to a target organ, where it causes a specific biological action.
Dr Tony Norman, at UCR, discovered 1,25-D and has spent his life
studying it, and other related compounds like 24,25-D. Here is his bio:
http://biochemistry.ucr.edu/faculty/norman.html
==============================================
Calciferol--also known as calcidiol or 25-hydroxycholecalciferol or
25-hydroxyvitamin-D or simply 25-D--is an inert, biologically inactive
precursor of hormone D. It is produced in the liver from Vit D2 and Vit
D3 and is the major circulating form of Vitamin D. It is the substance
that is used to produce the hormone (in the kidneys) which is the
biologically active form.
Naturally occurring dietary sources of Vitamin D2 and D3 (especially
fish, fish oils, liver, eggs), foods supplemented with Vitamin D (dairy
products, cereals, processed foods) and vitamin supplements are the
body's main source of calciferol (25-D). A small amount may be generated
by exposure to sunlight.
Some plants and fungi convert ergosterol (a plant sterol) into Vitamin
D2 (ergocalciferol) in response to light and these plants can then be a
minor nutritional source of calciferol for humans.
Taking Vitamin D supplements/fish oils or eating foods high in Vitamin D
will increase the level of 25-D.
Calciferol (25-D) is measured in nanograms/milliliter. The metric
measurement is nmol/L. Some labs measure both Vitamin D2 and D3 and then
provide a total 25-D level.
...............
"Unfortunately, one cannot rely on nutritionists to understand the
actions of Cholecalciferol. They still call it a Vitamin. It is not, it
is a steroid hormone precursor. All the evidence I am seeing indicates
our body doesn't need it at all. All in all, the misclassification of
Cholecalciferol (as a Vitamin) is likely to become one of the biggest
debacles clinical science has ever made."
Dr. Trevor Marshall, PhD
==========================================================
==========================================================
Calcitriol--the active metabolite--is also known as
1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D3 or simply
1,25-D. It is the most potent secosteroid hormone in the human body and
affects almost every cellular activity.
http://tinyurl.com/7hbz5
1,25-D is formed in the kidneys, the kerotinocytes of the skin and many
other tissues of the body. The level of production is normally tightly
controlled in healthy people. It is measured in picograms (which is
1/1,000,000,000,000 of a gram) per milliliter. The metric measurement is
pmol/L.
1,25-D is directly synthesized from 7-dehydrocholesterol when sunlight
falls on the keratinocytes of the skin. Because the keratinocytes of Th1
patients are parasitized by CWD bacteria, they produce interferon-gamma
(which is part of the bacterial defense mechanism) and TNF-alpha. These
cytokines cause the cells of Th1 patients to produce much more 1,25-D in
their skin than healthy folks. In patients with Th1 inflammation, the
production, by sunlight, of 1,25-D in the skin predominates the
production of 25-D. Studies show that all 25-D produced in the skin from
sunlight is hydroxylated directly into 1,25-D, leaving no 25-D to be
stored in fatty tissues.
Since biochemists have been doing their homework, it makes clinical
science look all the more clumsy:
http://biochemistry.ucr.edu/faculty/norman.html
There is no dietary requirement for calciferol(25-D) to produce 1,25-D.
As long as humans have access to minimal sunlight several months of the
year,they will not become deficient in this active metabolite (1,25-D).
Ten to 15 minutes of natural sunlight or daylight exposure to only the
forearm or face twice a week (for example, while driving) supplies all
the active metabolite of Vitamin D (1,25-D) necessary for health.
Nutritional sources (natural and supplemented) provide the precursor,
25-D, which is stored in fat cells and has a half life of 2-6 months, as
a safeguard for later use. When sunlight exposure is not available the
body uses its stored calciferol to produce the biologically active form
of Vitamin D in other tissues of the body. Patients with Th1 disease
generate their 1,25-D requirements from much lower levels of light than
healthy people, and rarely need any nutritional 25-D.
1,25-D is generated in the macrophages when Th1 cytokines mRNA is
released by phisphorylation of the protein dimer Nuclear Factor Kappa B
by the I-kappaB kinase polymorphs.
The mitochondria of the activated macrophages are responsible for
producing 1,25-D in the cytoplasm of the infected cells. There is only
one of the D-metabolite-converting-enzymes present in the mitochondria,
the enzyme which converts 25-D into 1,25-D. Interferon-gamma (released
by the Th1 bacteria) energetically catalyses this conversion by as much
as 30-fold. So the more 25-D that is available to the inflammed tissue,
the more 1,25-D will be generated. Ingestion of Vitamin D, from food an
supplements, causes 25-D to be available to fuel the conversion to
1,25-D in the mitochondria of the cytoplasm of activated (infected)
macrophages under the influence of Interferon-gamma.
Light falling in the eyes causes generation of 1,25-D and fuels
inflammation in the eye. It is not known how this affects the systemic
infected cells but it often causes severe malaise.
When cell wall deficient bacteria invade the macrophages of the immune
system, calcitriol is produced (due to the Th1 immune system response)
causing the level of calcitriol to exceed the upper limit normally
controlled by the kidneys. As a result, the level of calciferol (25-D)
may be reduced because it is being rapidly converted into calcitriol
(1,25-D).
It is essential to measure both calciferol (25-D) and calcitriol
(1,25-D) to determine if there is a Vitamin D deficiency. The level of
the inert precursor (25-D) does not always directly reflect the level of
the active metabolite (1,25-D). In persons with Th1 inflammation (often
undiagnosed) the level of measured calciferol (25-D) may be low (due to
rapid use of this precursor) while the level of the active metabolite,
calcitriol (1,25-D), is dangerously high due to the immune system
response to intracellular bacteria. Testing only the precursor and
assuming that a low level indicates a Vitamin D deficiency may result in
a misdiagnosis. In this case, supplementing with Vitamin D will provide
more 'fuel' for the production of excess 1,25-D by the inflamed tissues.
This will allow the bacteria to freely multiply with a resulting
worsening of Th1 inflammation.
For information on the effects of elevated 1,25-D, see:
A Review - Vitamin D and Calcium in Sarcoidosis <http://tinyurl.com/3v5ml
Hormonal Diagram <http://tinyurl.com/4hdmv
Hypervitaminosis-D Symptoms <http://tinyurl.com/5y5jp
============================================
For those who are interested in the intricacies of Vitamin D metabolism,
below is a link to a paper which is an excellent in-depth overview of
how the hydroxylase enzymes of the Vitamin D pathway function in both
illness and health.
http://www.jbc.org/cgi/content/abstract/280/21/20604
Also:
VITAMIN D: PRODUCTION, METABOLISM, AND MECHANISMS OF ACTION
<http://tinyurl.com/7hbpn

Hi Group
We are running some research into haemochromatosis diagnosis
It would be great if you could contribute with any thoughts and ideas
to the discussion
Please go here
http://www.thepatientconnections.com/blog.asp?bid=21&uid=14
If you have any queries please email me at
belinda.shale@... or call me on +44 20 30088446.
Best wishes
Belinda
http://www.thepatientconnections.com/

It's rich in B Vits.
Check what I found on a health site.
"
Popular drugs that deplete the body of nutrients...
ANTIBIOTICS
The most commonly prescribed antibiotics include azithromycin (Zithromax),
amoxicillin (Amoxil), ampicillin (Omnipen), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin
(Floxin) and erythromycin (Eryc).
Nutrients depleted...
B vitamins. The B vitamins are essential for normal metabolism as well as
immune and nervous system functioning.
Vitamin K. This vitamin is critical for blood clotting and bone strength.
Friendly intestinal bacteria known as Bifidobacterium bifidum and
Lactobacillus acidophilus. Anti-biotics kill not only harmful bacteria but also
good bacteria that promote gastrointestinal health and help balance immune
response.
If you are prescribed an antibiotic: Ask your doctor about also taking a
B-complex vitamin -- 50 mg... vitamin K supplement -- 60 micrograms (mcg) to 80
mcg... and probiotic supplements providing 15 billion live B. bifidum and 15
billion live L. acidophilus organisms daily.*
In addition, eat more vitamin Brich foods, such as beef liver, chicken, pork,
fortified breads and cereals, whole-grain pastas, legumes, nuts and dark, leafy
greens.
To increase your intake of vitamin K, eat kale... collard, turnip or mustard
greens... spinach... broccoli... and Swiss chard.
Caution: Do not take vitamin K supplements or eat excessive amounts of vitamin
Krich foods if you take warfarin (Coumadin) or another blood-thinning drug.
For additional B. bifidum, eat more asparagus, garlic and/or onions, which
stimulate growth of this friendly bacteria. For L. acidophilus, yogurt
containing live cultures is your best food source.

http://www.marshallprotocol.com/
i think he's in the US but not sure. anyway you don't see him you'd see
a doc. you can ask on the site for a list of MP docs near you. i see one
in vancouver and i have an online friend who sees a doc in seatttle.
monique

We are a consumer research firm in the Bay Area, California area (San
Jose, CA). We have an upcoming consumer study providing local
Rheumatoid Arthritis patients with exposure to a new arthritis-related
product and an opportunity to help improve its corresponding
instructions. Our client is serious, as are we of course, about
including actual end-user feedback in their design process. This is a
great opportunity for nearby arthritis patients to make some quick cash
and have fun at the same time--all the while providing valuable
feedback to the design of an important arthritis device and the
corresponding instructions.
The study takes place in Cupertino/San Jose, CA (Bay Area).
To participate, please call us at (408) 834-8443 or email
to:iaa_research@...
I truly hope some of you can participate! Take control over the
usability of the products designed for you!
Anthony Andre
Principal, Interface Analysis Associates (www.interface-analysis.com)

Please note that the 2007 Arthritis Foundation Walk will be held at
9AM on Saturday morning, April 28th at the Music Concourse (near the
De Young Museum) in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. It will be a
nice change from the former Crissy Field location. Make sure to show
up at the right location for a fun and gentle walk. Again, Jester
hats will be provided for all walkers; feel free to bring yours from
previous years as well.
I know that a number of you are planning to join the walk, but
haven't yet registered at the Arthritis Foundation's website. Please
do sign in. This will ensure you get a walk t-shirt and our team
numbers swell to show your support. You can sign up as a walker by
clicking on this link and clicking on "Join our Team".
If you can't make the walk, you can also show your support via a
contribution to the Arthritis Foundation, in memory of Jessica and
become a virtual member of our team. To contribute but not walk,
please click here.
Thanks, in any case, for the love and affection you've shown to the
both of us. We sincerely hope we can enjoy Saturday morning, April
28th together in Golden Gate Park.
Love.............Harry and Carol

Jack-
If you would, please forward me the information you mentioned.
Thank you,
Everitt

Cooky, here is the e-mail that shows the sale price. It is on sale for only 3
days, so I think today is the last day.
Josie
Note: forwarded message attached.

Getting Your Groceries For Pennies on the Dollar!
I can relate very easily to what the woman posted below since I have
been a cashier at a major supermarket for over 20 years. Please
forgive for not mentioning the chain but I am afraid of getting
fired since we were given strict orders not to tell anybody about
this program at http://savemoreusa.com For the past twenty years I
have seen customers use this very program and save a minimum of 75%
on their orders. I have never seen a better program than this one. I
myself signed up for their sampler in 1982 and the savings have been
out of this world. My customers use many different programs but I
can attest that not one of them comes close to this one.
Kim K.
[original message]
In life, timing is indeed everything. Last week I was waiting in
line behind a woman who had an overflowing cart of items at our
local grocery store. It was one of those days where every other line
was a half mile long. When this woman was finaly rung up she owed
$627.79, my eyes nearly fell out. I had noticed that she was getting
two, three and four of similar items. She had everything medicines,
cosmetics, toiletries, cleaners, hardware, pet items, food, etc. She
then handed the cashier a twenty dollar bill and received a ten and
change back. My curiosity was killing me but I didn't have the nerve
to ask the woman what happened. Once she was out of hearing
distance, I asked the cashier. She told me that the woman was part
of the program at http://savemoreusa.com The cashier told me that
she has several customers who are also part of it also receiving the
same type of savings. In fact she told me that she joined as well.
Well after witnessing that I rushed home and signed up immediately.
I can't wait to start loading up full carts and paying practically
nothing for it!

These pathogenic conditions are due to errors in nutrition wherein
multiple biosystems aren't functioning properly. Medical symptom
palliation is not the long term solution. This only addresses the
effects, not the underlying causes. Medical problems are accidents,
injuries, emergencies, birth defects and some corrective surgeries.
These symptom complexes are reversible provided the process is stopped
before there's cellular damage beyond the point of no return. Think
subtraction not addition.

Hi everyone,
I have an app with a doc on wednesday but thought i'd see if anyone has any
ideas about this till then.
I am 60 years old. Have had hot flashes all during menopause. Last year the
flashes got less. I was so glad.
Started in the past 3 months I have really bad hot flashes where I really
perspire (really sweat actually) and as soon as it is done (at least a
minute) I freeze. I put all my clothes back on and flannel jackets. My skin
is also sensitive and at times my figers and other skin parts tingle.
I started takeing Estroven (OTC) which does nothing, I stopped my anti
depressants 3 weeks ago because of dry eyes. I had an outer ear infection I
am taking cipro ear drops for about 4 days now. Still take Minocin MWF
2oomgms. Diflucanwhen necessary and acidophilis
In my mind I have gone everywhere from MS to an adrenal or thyroid tumor.I
am going crazy
Any ideas??
thanks,
cooky

The tests are 25 hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25 hydroxyvitamin D. I believe the
former is made from the latter to be used by our bodies.
Linda

Hello,
My mother has RA and Osteoarthritis. She is currently taking Enbrel
along with leucovorin calcium and levothyroxine, cyclobenzaprine and
lexapro. I don't know anything about these drugs but I know my mother
is unhappy with her current treatment.
I have been reading a lot about the MP and low dose antibiotics used
in the treatment of RA. I am wondering how one goes about finding an
HMO doctor willing to try these methods? I am also wondering if you
could lead me to some good articles about low dose antibiotics and
their effectiveness in RA treatment as I have yet to find any good
solid articles to send to my mother.
Thank you much,
ashleah

Ute & Geoff,
I have noticed this trend toward allopathic treatments: e.g., Mtx., Enbrel,
Humira etc... All to destroy the immune system. What's going on here?
Denise
www.bestdogcookies.com

I am a chiropractic physician with a son that has dermatomyositis. I
treat systemic autoimmune diseases and chronic rheumatologic
conditions with diet modifications and nutritional supplementation
based on blood work, hair analysis and other laboratory testing.
What I have found out about these difficult cases is that there are
multiple factors causing/triggering the immune system to attack
itself. And they have to be combated on multiple fronts. Drugs do a
very good job at suppressing inflammation but the underlying factors
are still there. Fatcors causing autoimmune conditions include:
1. adverse food reactions or allergies or
intolerance
2. dysbiosis which is -A relationship of non-
infectious host microorganism (bacteria, yeast etc...) interaction
that adversely affects the human host. This is most common in the
gastrointestinal tract but there are other locations like
sinorespiratory, genitourinary tract etc... Most patients have multi
dysbiosis or more than one location.
3. heavy metal toxity
4. abnormal hormonal patterns
5. they follow an inflammatory diet
6. genetics
A patient does not have just one factor, but multiple fatctors.
These have to be addressed and when they are dramatic improvement
results.
Dr. JES

S&A Health Report: Health News You Can Use, Vol. 3
March 25, 2007
S&A HEALTH REPORT: Health News You Can Use, Vol. 3
By Dr. David Eifrig Jr.
Excuse me and indulge me... I need to highlight and comment for you on a few
recent topics in the news. I say "comment," but it may sound more like a
rant...
If you decide to have a heart attack or a stroke be sure and have it during
a weekday. Recent studies have shown that for either of these debilitating
and sudden events your mortality is increased if it happens on the weekend.
As it turns out, this has long been known for other diseases such as
pulmonary embolism and even cancer.
What is not clear is why care declines on the weekends. Are hospitals
understaffed, or staffed by part-timers on the weekend? Are specialists off
golfing? It's a mystery. It may be that the delays in diagnosis and
treatment initiation lead to poorer outcomes. (Worse than that is going to a
rural hospital if you need specialist help.)
Regardless, if the care of my family member was at stake, I would be sure to
remind the staff of the facts and encourage them to keep things moving.
Researchers have proven that performing mouth-to-mouth is unnecessary. They
showed that the key to surviving a heart attack is receiving chest
compressions. If you or a loved one needs "CPR," be sure to skip the "P"
(for pulmonary). The results showed that patients who receive just chest
compressions had a 22% chance to live (and have a brain) versus only 10% of
those who got the traditional combination. This is one of the few
interventions where you get a 100% improvement in outcome.
Sadly, it reminds me of when I asked our instructor in my first year of
medical school why we "do the breath part of CPR when so much of the air
remains in the lungs anyway" (so-called residual volume). The answer I got
was typical of the brushoffs unorthodox questions receive in medical school
classes - "it just works better that way." Sad, so very sad.
A recent report projects the numbers of Alzheimer's patients growing as the
baby boomers age. 12% of people over the age of 65 have it and 50% of those
over 80. Wow, these numbers are staggering. On a more hopeful note...
Exciting news presented in Austria described data from a company called Avid
that has come up with a molecule that binds to the plaques in the brains of
patients. The brains can then be imaged and thus a simple way of diagnosing
Alzheimer's is on the horizon. This is important because currently
definitive diagnoses can only be made at death via autopsy.
Moderation in all things and these painkillers are no exception. Scientists
have shown that taking these drugs six or seven days a week increases your
risk of high blood pressure. The risk increases by 26%-48% depending on the
drug. Fifteen pills a week of NSAIDS (ibuprofen is one of these) is enough
to cause damage in your vessels.
Tamiflu has been linked in Japan to teenagers jumping from buildings. In a
few cases the kids died. Makers of the drug, Roche, already caution against
"delirium and self-injury." I wonder what grandpa would do on this drug? The
hype about bird flu continues on and on - there must be a political payoff
that I'm missing.
Someone (taxpayers?) has paid money and someone spent it for a report from
The Trust for America's Health. The report projects a $683 billion economic
loss, 90 million people sickened, and 2 million deaths from bird flu. It
projects a length of 18 months and much other nonsense that I can't even
write for fear of breaking my keyboard. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
(D-Nev.) is quoted as saying, "the report underscored the importance of
investing in preparedness."
The report underscores the need for politicians (read "lawyers") to learn
some science (mmm... think what this might do to the global warming debate).
The only reason the 1918 pandemic even happened (this is the last big one
with which people try and scare you) was because we didn't have antibiotics
to fight the secondary bacterial infections that killed people.
The state of Minnesota recently required the reporting of monies that
doctors receive from drug makers. The numbers are worse than I could
imagine. One doctor, the head of the National Kidney Foundation, was linked
to $1.9 million given to the lab where he was a senior researcher. And in
2005, he received nearly $26,000 in speaking and consulting fees. In a New
York Times article, one doctor commented about doing lectures for drug
companies: "It beats talking to little old ladies about their bowels." Isn't
that nice!? And to think he only made $174,000 from 1998 to 2005 on the
lecture circuit.
Oh, and it gets better. One doctor who has served on national government
panels that developed guidelines for your kidney diseases received $231,000
in 2003 from the drug company Pfizer. What irks me is that many of the docs
think the money doesn't influence their decisions when prescribing... wrong
again... it does and studies show it does.
When it comes to the news... What do I do?
week. I can't take ibuprofen because it rips my stomach apart. And more
importantly, if I have a headache, I try to avoid painkillers and instead
get a massage, stretch, or even better roll around on a tennis ball under my
back on the floor. (This last tip is the highest-yielding health tip for
pain that I know!)
NONSENSE... does it make sense that your body produces cholesterol naturally
but that your doctor gives out a drug meant to block the production of the
stuff? And they give it out like its candy. Beware.
company monies.
Here's to our health,
David Eifrig Jr., M.D., M.B.A.

Thank you Deb for checking on that information for me. That is not what I am
looking at. I appreciate you taking the time to check for me.

Hi Gang! Geoff here.
It's interesting the way this group has changed over the years and swung toward
"mainstream" allopathic treatments to subdue symptoms -- vs. the "Brown
antibiotic" treatment which stressed BUILDING the immune system and helping it
kill the invasive organisms causing the disease.
If you want to kill these diseases, there is a strong possibility of suffering
some pain along the path from the release and discharge of the offending
organisms and their toxins. This process involves BUILDING the immune system.
This is the fight.
If you just want the paint to go away and are willing to "live with" your
disease, then the you do not want to build up the immune system. This is the
rheumatology theory du jour -- that the immune system is running amok. This
process involves SUBDUING the immune system. This is the surrender.
Essentially, those are your options: fight or surrender.
Geoff
Acts 2:39

Hi Martha and all who replied to my question about mino and skin
pigmentation. Thanks for your replies. It seems that everyone is
different and it's a case of adjusting as things happen or don't.
I find that stress is the biggest trigger for my flares too. I've had
a couple of periods of a week on 100mg daily and then gone back to
MWF. I'm still on Plaquenil though and I think the combination is
working for me. I'm afraid to stop the Plaquenil because I have some
bone deformities happening on my feet and don't want them to go any
further and also don't want the pain of course! Keep being positive
about the changes we've had and will continue to have.
Rosalind

Hello
I have read that glucose is not good for inflammation
and S/D and the sugar should be eliminated from the
diet. I am wondering if the glucose in fruits and dry
fruits is bad too?
thanks

Hi Ethel and all,
I'm not really for sure that I am supposed to know that he had the
testing done. :) I have autoimmune issues anyway (thyroid), and at
one time was told I had lupus, then several years later told I didn't
have it. My 2 kids also have autoimmune thyroid problems. Autoimmune
issues like to travel in packs I know, but I didn't know about an RA
gene and thought I'd ask.
He is having some sort of swelling behind his knees and his lower legs
that progresses during the day. Very painful I'm told. The doc that
did the test told him the results were "inconclusive" as he has the
gene to potentially get RA but didn't have it so far. Something about
no symptoms yet, but I'm asking myself, "then why did they test him in
the first place?" I'm not to tell him that our thyroid trouble is
autoimmune or genetic, and that RA is in at least one side of the
family. I'm not sure he'd want to hear it anyway. They are under a
huge amount of stress the last couple of years, which I also know from
experience is likely to make autoimmune issues flare. Am torn between
saying something to him and going against the family and possibly
making him angry and ruining my relationship with everyone, and saying
something to him and making him worry even more. Stress will be
lessened in a few months when his wife has their third child, so would
like to hold out til then. Before they found out they were pregnant
(first 2 are adopted) I had to tell him that I have another genetic
error that causes muscle spasms throughout my body. We also have
diabetes rampant in our family, so this would be just another whammy
for them to worry about with this new baby arriving soon.
Any advice?
E (Ellen in Missouri)

Hello
Does anybody have tel number of Dr. Trentham ? he is
working in Beth israel hospital in Boston?
he reats S/D and RA with antibiotic. I tried google

Hello,
My brother was just tested for "the genetics for Rheumatoid Arthritis"
which he says he tested positive for. Does anybody here know what he
is talking about?
Thanks,
E (Ellen in Missouri)

Hi Linda,
Yes I am on the minocin, but back before the Humira I had to quit it. We could
not get the name brand, pelleted minocin in the US and the generic did not work
for me.
However, after I had to stop the Humira and was just on the metho, through
research, Denny found where we could by the name brand in Canada, at
www.buylowdrugs.com?wp_ml=0
We get a hundred at a time and shipping and all they cost us $13500 a month.
So have been back on them for about 9 months.
Results wise, I am walking and in general getting around pretty well. Mornings
are still pretty hard and I have increased the Minocin dose so am herxing also.
After stopping the Minocin and prior to Humira, I was in a wheel chair for a
while, and also on crutches and then to a cane, but I rarely use the cane now
and have put the crutches and wheel chair away. We still have them if needed.
How are you doing?
Hugs,
Skip

Hi Gang! Geoff here.
FWIW, we've made good use of Extra Strength Oregano Oil from North American Herb
& Spice. It used to be available online from HYO -- now you can find it at
Vitamin Shoppe. (watch for a sale)
1. Mix a few drops in a small amount of filtered water
2. Using a small eye dropper, suck about 1-3ml into tube
3. Lean head back and squeeze contents into nostril
4. KEEP head back, rock slowly left & right to distribute contents
along sinus path
5. When fluid leaves sinus and drains into mouth, spit and blow your
nose
This material has one draw back. It is extremely effective and burns when it
contacts an infected area. The burning sensation does dissipate, but it is
quite unpleasant.
Oil of Oregano is antiseptic, meaning it kills everything.
The 'regular' strength does not burn as much as the Extra Strength.
Geoff

Hi Skip,
I remember you from the early days of the group (assuming you are the same
"Skip"). Did you follow the AP for a while, and if so, what results did you
have? Are you still taking Minocin?
Thanks,
Linda
(RA--diagnosed 30 years ago, but probably another 10 years before that)

Oh, sorry, I meant to say that....the study only includes the oral
pills. Very frustrating.

Hey! I was diagnosed with RA about a year and a half ago. I have been
in this drug study from the beginning. I have to take Methotrexate in
it, but for the past 4-5 months i get really really nauseous for 3 days
after I take it! I'm to the point now where if I even THINK about
taking it my stomach turns. I know that part's psychological, but the
physical reaction is VERY real.
It's interfereing with my life. I have a hard time working because I
feel so sick all the time. All my Dr has suggested is splitting up the
pills, but that hasn't helped. I also tried some anti-nausea pills
prescribed by my Dr, but they only helped a little & made me VERY VERY
tired.
Will the nausea pass after a while? Or does anyone have any other
suggestions? Thank you! I'd really appreciate some advice!!

Soheila,
Be sure to check out www.rheumatic.org for AP therapy info.
And, check out www.acam.org for a recommendation on a good holistic doctor.
If you're wondering if a holistic doctor can help, check out my other post for
today.
Good luck,
Jeff
Re: need a doctor in new york city
Posted by: "soheila A" soadl80@... soadl80
Wed Mar 14, 2007 1:08 pm (PST)
Hello
I have scleroderma . my Doctor doesn't believe in
antibiotic therapy. Does anybody know a doctor in new
york city who believs in antibioc therapy?
Thank you
soheila

Hi--I'm also a big believer in using natural medicine when possible.
Did you find anything that worked specifically for inflammation? (I
have my own arsenal) I credit my ND with discovering a high level of
mercury in the blood. The NDs have been able to help in situations
where the MDs give up. . . .
--
Esther Warkov, Ph.D
Member OMTA, SMTA
Founder, The Piano Connection
www.thepianoconnection.com
971.255-0388 (Portland)
206.417-0689 (Seattle)
pianos@...
esther_warkov@...

I am by no means a doctor but my sister has sjogrens disease and your
symptoms are very similar to hers. I hope this helps and god bless!
Kelly

Hi all,
I am RA and have been on AP for 4 and a half months. I am suffering
from Herx reaction and try Far-infrared saunas about 3-4 times a week
and drink plenty of water, but my condition still isn't so good.
Has anyone tried proxide bath? I hesitate to do it a little.
Thanks!
CHI, Japan

when I was really stiff and sore from Polymyalagia Rheumatica to the
point I had to crawl up and down steps and it took me several minutes to
turn over in bed, I used to soak in a hot epsom salts bath, but I didn't
try the peroxide. I have read that one can soak for 15 min or so in hot
epsom salts (2 c. to a tub) then add a bottle of hydr. perox. and soak
some more. rinse off with clear water..
either the heat or the epsom salts seemed to give me enough relief that
I could sleep better at night.
why don't you try it - either salts & peroxide, or just one of them -
and see if it helps? not very expensive, and soaking in either one of
them shouldn't hurt you.
bh in IA

If anyone out there has this from their RA, there will be a support
group at Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN this Saturday and details are on
the website www.amyloidosissupport.com
Muriel
Amyloidosis Support Groups
Toll Free 866-404-7539

Hi Group,
I'm wondering about experiences with IVIG. I am set to have it for 2 days per
month for the next four months. My first treatments should be next week. I am
in a fantastic remission of symptoms right now. (dermatomyositis)
I'm not really feeling the need for treatment since I'm doing so well, and
would rather wait until I relapse...but insurance only authorized it for now.
What should I do? Does it matter what part of the relapse-remission cycle you
are in? It's such an expensive drug and I'm so nervous, I want to do it right.
Thanks!
Emma
<BR
email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at
http://www.aol.com.

I didn't think I would EVER get rid of the arthritis that had tormented
me for so long. I mean I had one doctor after another telling me this
is just the natural process of the body getting older - that I should
expect to have arthritis.
One went as far as saying, "Your old - just accept it and deal with it."
Like many people who get advice like this everyday, I desperately
wanted to feel better and get rid of the swelling, stiffness, and pain
that had dibilated me for so long. I wanted the arthritis GONE - so, I
gave the natural program a shot not even thinking it would work.
A couple of weeks after the initial use of the program, I woke up one
morning with a weird feeling in my hips, wrists, and ankles that I had
not felt since my thirties. Not only had the inflammation subsided, but
there was suprisingly no pain at all.
My arthtiris had subsided in just one month and it has never come back.
With the shackles of arthritis finally gone, my energy and enthusiasm
finally went through the roof at the age of fifty-four!
http://arthritisgva.blogspot.com/#

hi i saw my optometrist for eyes so dry they felt like sandpaper was on
them and he gave me some anti-inflamm drops i took 4x a day for 7-10
days - can;t remember and it's been fine since.
monique

http://www.edrugsearch.com/
HTH
Denise

Hi Judy
This doesn't ring true to me. I've been in hypabaric chambers, they
are big bulky indoor submarines that are pressurized to 2+ atmospheres
pressure. I have not seen anything indicating this is an approved
therapy for autoimmune arthritis, and it is costly. Check out
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperbaric_oxygen_therapy
There are not that many hyperbaric chambers in the US. I think there
are 2 in all of California. There are companies selling portable HB
chambers for home use, but they use pretty low pressure levels. The
two biggest uses for the technology are carbon monoxide poisoning from
smoke inhalation and osteonecrosis.
best regards -David

Hi group,
In last Sunday's papers, I saw an ad from a local Dr's office highlighting a
treatment called "Hyber......" (can't recall the full word now). It specific
ally said it was used for people w/RA, MS and other autoimmune diseases. It
aroused my curiousity and I called Monday and the Dr told me the patient goes
into a chamber with an oxygen mask and the 100% inhalation of oxygen reaches
the tissues at a cellular level taking down inflamation and steering the
immune system to the right track. I asked if it attempted to eliminate signs
and
symptons and his answer was "no"....goes to the root cause.
I did some internet research and it backed most of what he said with some
conditional factors where a person should not do it. I am definitely skeptical
and wondered if any of you have done the "oxygen" thing, maybe this particular
procedure?
thanks
Judy
PS Next wk I'll ask my holistic dr what he knows about it.
<BR
email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at
http://www.aol.com.

I should add that in 2003, we paid her for her time, filing fees, etc...around
$1400.
Debbie

HI all, I read Geoffs post about credit cards and thought, OH MY GOSH, I should
post what we did to protect our home..
Ohio does not have bankruptcy laws that will protect our home...we were advised
to move to CA or Florida...??? and thought, HUH? so we checked with various
attorneys and found that what we could do was have an attorney put our home in
an Irrevocable Trust...we can sell it, etc...BUT creditors, hospitals,
etc...cannot take it until we are both dead and gone...What it means to me is
that in the event we cannot pay our medical bills...and we are struggling...but
so far, so good...that creditors cannot take our home or make us sell it..we can
live out our lives...we do not have any Credit card debt but the medical bills,
not covered by insurance are rising...so far we are making payments...but it
leaves little and I have no idea when we will not be able to continue to make
payments...but I feel good knowing our home is protected....Each of you would
have to check your state laws and find an atty capable to do this for you...
We did this in 2003 when I got out of the hospital and so far, so good...
but for just in case, we feel better knowing our home is protected..the
hospitals would get to get proceeds from our home, AFTER we are both gone...and
hey, thats ok!
Hope this helps. Debbie

Hi Gang! Geoff here.
It can be very hard for us sometimes when these diseases hit -- and stay. They
affect our ability to earn. We think, 'Hey, I'll be better in a few days, or a
week, or maybe a month' and we try to maintain our lifestyles while at the same
time paying Doctors 5x what we pay for a house! This in turn leads to using
credit cards, if we have them, which in turn over time can lead to credit card
debt as we try not to change our living standard. Then the paychecks stop, but
the credit card bills pile on and we're forced to make changes. Then we find
out usury has apparently not been outlawed after all -- at least not the way
most people think of usury.
I figure this rings true for a lot of us, especially in the USA, where credit is
easily obtained. In light of this, and being aware of the horrendous charges
the banks are heaping upon souls who run afoul of their credit cards, either by
circumstance or foolery, this article may spell some relief:

Hi all, I am new to this board. I have been going crazy with my
sjogren's and AIED diagnosis.
I would like to hear how Sjogren's patients have done on AP therapy.
I have been in Mincoccycline 100mg once a day almost a month and
flagyl 250mg one a day for 2 days. I also take low dose human alpha
oral interferon lozenges for 5 weeks now. So far nothing has helped
with the massive dryness. The fatigue is bad but very much secondary
to the dryness for me because it is the dry mouth that keeps me up all
night. Also suffer from super dry eyes (no more contacts and makeup
for me), dry soar throat, dry nose cant breath through it, dry skin,
hair, no underarm sweat, the toxins stay in me.
There seem to be various protocols out there, not sure which is best.
I look forward to hearing stories.
Thank you!

Hi Guys,
I am fairly new to the group. Been getting your emails for about 2
weeks.
I was diagnosed with Sarcoid about 5 years ago. I was on Prednisone
for about 4 months. It cleared it up. Well now 4 years
later.....BANG....Back again. Coughing, Weezing, Bad Lung x-
ray...You know the drill.
I've been back on Prednisone for only 1 week and starting to feel
better.
I started drinking this product called Tunguska Blast. It is an
immune booster. I've been taking it for about 30 days and already
feel better.
I just signed up for the program. Here's the website.
http://www.cyberwize.com/4413133
I know you can sign up to sell the product, recruit people and all
that if you want. So if you are interested in it..you can read all
about that. I don't know too much about that part.
But the only thing that I can tell you is that the product is making
me feel better. Since I'm on Prednisone, I am always looking for
stuff to help my immune system. I also went to the drugstore and
bought some fish oil pills...and vitamin E..I heard that helps too.
This is such a journey..so when I find ANYTHING that helps...I like
to share.
God Bless!
BJ

Harald,
What I'm going on is Dr. Sinnott's list of connective tissue diseases
which he has treated with AP. PolyMRheu is on the list.
When I read through the notebooks that a motel in Ida Grove, IA keeps,
where Dr. Sinnott's patients have written their stories, I think I only
found one other person with PolyMRheu who had written there. That
doesn't mean there weren't others. Not everyone wrote in the notebooks,
not all patients stayed in that motel, the notebooks were for the last
few years. Dr. S. has used AP for more than 20 yrs.
I notice when I mention it even to nurses or other medically oriented
people they usually say "what is THAT?"
Bev in Iowa

Bev H. in Iowa,
Are you aware of any research which supports antibiotics as a
treatment for Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)? I have looked for
information linking the antibiotic protocol (AP) to PMR, but have not
been able to find any. To the best of my knowledge so far, Prednisone
is the only known treatment for PMR.
Sincerely, Harald

Lynn, regrding your question about insommnia. Yes many of us have these
issues. I also had a Dx of Atpycal Connective Tissue Disease, then a
Lupus Dx and finally a Tick Born Illness Dx (lyme). An immune system
doesn't just turn on itself, it is triggered by something, many times
an infectious agent or in my case multiple infectious agents.
Encephalitis (infection) and encephalaphy (swelling) of the Brain are
causes of problems with sleeping. I am on low doe antibiotics to keep
the infections an inflamation down. When I was put on Klonopin and
large does of Magnesium that helped my eeg (brain wave studies) which
is very abnormal slow down the brain waves and I am able to sleep much
better. I take it prior to goin to bed and then if i awake I take
anotehr Klonopin and Magnesium tablet. I hope this info helps. Adjunct
Professor Emeritus of Laboratory Science, Carol Fisch

Hi Everyone:
For those of us who have suffered with scleroderma....I need your experience on
this issue.
Have any of you ended up having any disc problems in your back as a result of
the scleroderma? Years ago when I was first diagnosed my neck was typical
scaley, hard scleroderma skin. Now all of a sudden I am finding that my neck is
experiencing significant pain problems. After having an MRI it was discovered
that my discs are drying out.
Has anyone every experienced this? Is there any way to reverse this?
Thanks
Roni

anyone out there tried this for RA? i did mino 200 mg a day 3 years
and after 1 was in remission. then got horribly ill and had to stop
mino. thinking of trying MP. anyone here tried that? anyone else get
sick on mino?
thanks
monique

Cooky,
Are you continuing the DHEA with the addition of Naphcon A? Or only
the Naphcon? Do they contain preservatives? I have dry eyes, too. So
far the GenTeal Gel drops have helped the most, always looking for
something better, though!
Jan
ap 21 mo. ra/lyme

Hi all,
Antibiotics kill all bacteria, good and bad. In order to replenish the good
bacteria you need to take the probiotic away from the antibiotic or the bacteria
in the probiotic will be killed as well. This is my understanding as told me by
my doc.
Carol_DM

--- Dear Bev,
Thanks for the info on Dr. Sinnott. I am planning on seeing him
soon. Thanks!
Rayna

Hi,
Re your experience described below, do you now use DHEA AND NaphconA together
all the time (twice a day) or not so. Let me know please since I am having a
lot of problems with scratchy eyes along with dry eyes and also what seems to be
an infection that would not go away with all the antibiotics drops I have been
taking. The relief is always temporary and then I am back to square one.
Thank you,
Anna

Hi Bev,
My name is Anna and I have had RA for the last 23 years and am in pretty bad
shape now.
I tried clynda IV with the local rheumy in DC area for a few 5 day sessions (1
IV/day of 1g clynda) but it looks like it has not helped me at all.
Do you know if Dr Sinnnott would/does use other antibiotics IV ?
That may change the picture for me. I tried talking to him but could not get
past the nurse who did not want to comment on the subject.
Unfortunately I am not very mobile nowadays and it extremely difficult for me to
travel; so I would not go to Ida Grove not even knowing what to expect.
Much appreciate your response
Anna

Rayna,
Last October I went to Ida Grove, IA for the 5 day IV treatment from Dr.
Sinnott. (I have Polymyalegia Rheumatica, not RA)
He is very busy, so it might take awhile to get you in to see him. You
would need to transfer your medical records to him before your initial
appointment, which is one hour long. You'd like him, great patient
manner. They do blood work, urine analysis at Horn hosp. also. Google
Sinnott for info.
I got 900 mg. Clindamyacin IV 2x day for 5 days. Each infusion takes
about 40-45 min. at the local hospital, across the street from Sinnott's
office. The hosp. staff is WONDERFUL. We stayed at the DELUX Motel,
1-800-342-0336. I took a carton of Epsom Salts with me and soaked in
hot salts bath at night (stir 2 cups into hot water in tub, rinse off
with clear water). If you want that, ask for a room with a tub. Either
the hot bath or salts or both seemed to help me sleep well, which I
often don't do in strange surroundings. There are a couple of good
restaurants there, one a few hundred feet from the motel, Boswells(?).
go early for their specials.
Some people got very exhausted from the IVs, others got an immediate
Herx reaction for a day or 2 (more pain, stiffness) but I didn't get
anything at all! My husband and I did a lot of reading, watched tv,
went to the local library, drove around to see the "sights" (castles in
Ida Grove!) and walked on nicer days. I usually lay down for awhile in
the afternoon, like I do at home. But then about 3 weeks later, after
being on 100 mg. Minocycline 2x day, I started to ache again for a week
or so. I read a lot about inflammation and try to consume more
turmeric, ginger, rosemary, cinnamon. I try to eat hormone and chemical
free meats when I eat meat. I should cut out sweets, but my will power
is weak! I'm walking okay and back at the recreation center walking &
lifting weights, doing all my housework, took a trip to celebrate a
grandson's Golden B'day and have reservations on Amtrak for a trip to DC
late March to visit a daughter and family.
I was on 80 mg. of Prednisone a day from the start in July 2006, but
gradually got down to 10 mg. day. Since I've been doing well, Dr.
Sinnott agreed that I could cut back 1/2 mg. every 2-3 weeks - listen to
my body, don't rush it. I'm only down to 9, but plan to cut another 1/2
this Sat. Although Prednisone helped relieve the inflammation, I want
off of it to protect my bones. I didn't get the Moon Face or gain
weight on 80 mg. Prednisone either, so I didn't react like most people
I've known. I was so wired though, I couldn't sleep or sit still. I
cut back too fast (10 mg./wk) and went through bad withdrawal episodes.
The motel owners keep notebooks that Sinnott's patients write in (for
the last few years). Sinnott has done AP for 20+ years. Some of the
testimonials are unbelieveable - and these are only the people who need
a motel, none of the locals. Locals also speak highly of him and
antibiotic treatment. Be sure to read them, and write your own experience.
He helped my young nephew who had RA really bad and was on cancer chemo
drugs - a bad experience.
Good Luck!
Bev H. in Iowa

Dear Group,
Hi. My name is Rayna, 32 yrs old and have had RA since 2001. I did
the Minocin for a little over a year and did very well on it. This
past December I came out of remission after being off the antibiotics
for 3 years. Am back on the Minocin, but needed to go back on
prednisone. I am considering going to see Dr. Sinott in Iowa to get a
jump start back on the antibiotics with IV's. Has anyone been to see
him? Or give me some idea of what I can expect? I am very nervous.
Any information would be a great help! Thanks!
Rayna

Hi all,
I'm new to all this and very much in need of advice.
Long story short:
I caught a bacterial throat infection from my nephew (who had chronic
otitis media) a year ago and thought nothing of it. However in the
ensuing year I have had a multitude of health issues culminating in
recent Rheumatoid Arthritis.
I now have a chronic infection of the throat & ear, which my immune
system doesn't seem to be recognizing.
I've tried cell-wall antibiotics (penicillin, cephalexin, amoxicillin,
augmentin) and they help a bit but the underlying infection is still
there.
Azithromycin seems to do something, but the effects are subtle.
I've yet to try tetracyclines - i.e. minocycline.
How likely is it that the bacteria is cell-wall deficient / mycoplasma?
Any advice/help/words of wisdom??
Garcia.

Mark,
I tried the Celadrin cream on my joints and that works great to reduce
pain and inflammation. I took the capsules, but not with any
regularity so i don't know if they are effective. Jan

Have any of you tried Celadrin and had success with it? What do your
docs think about it?
Thanks,
Mark

3 Good-for-You Drinks
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Can't remember your kid's cell phone number? Try a daily dose of apple
juice. Concerned about diabetes? Sip four cups of *. . .* Read more
<http://ramailer.realage.com/ct/click?q=d6-yw2KQMPzLaxV4HPnOqc0w6xGVkFR

Hello All,
For about a year now I have had the inflammation in multiple joints similar to
the symptoms of RA. I have been to some of the top doctors in my area, including
but not limited to orthopedists, rheumatologists, and internal med doctors. I
have had all of my blood factors taken over 5 times only to have all come back
with completely normal results. Every DR that I have seen seems to think I have
been infected with a "virus" that will soon subside. They, understandably, rely
on my blood tests only to tell me that I have nothing to worry about. After much
research I have come to a conclusion along with my excellent internal med Dr
that I may have the beginning phases of RA or a similar autoimmune disorder.
Under this assumption I convinced my Dr to prescribe DOXY to see how I would
respond. After about a month of taking 10 mg 3 times a week I started to see a
huge diff in overall body inflammation. I then felt great for about 2 months
only to have recently seen the overall
effectiveness of the drug seem to wear off. I have increased dosage to mwf 200
MG with no avail. I am extremely upset as I was sure I had found the "cure" or
something to help these mysterious autoimmune problems I was having. Does anyone
have any advice as to what to do now that it seems as if the AP is not working
anymore. Thanks for your help.

Geoff, what approach do you take when on Prednisone for just a couple of
weeks?
Linda

http://www.healingyou.org/prednisone.html

Debbie,
Thanks for your reply. Last year you mentioned Dr. Whitman and his
name was familiar and I looked him up and he is part of my medical
group. I have been seeing him since then. My breathing has been
fine and my O2 sats are normal even though my lung capacity is not.
In fact, we were supposed to try and meet the next time you came up
for an appointment (let me know if you still want to).
I am just in overall pain and feeling a little clumbsy (my disease
is inflamation of the muscle). I am also still researching if my
Polymyositis could be related to the Lyme Disease I suffered 15
years ago. Some information I have idicates it could but to date
there is no definitive proof.
I guess at the moment I am feeling a little desperate.
Rosa

For reference, I have Jo-1 positive, Polymyositis with ILD (BOOP).
I have been doing well over the last year with my CPK's below 215,
with prescription medications of Minocycline 100mg 2x's daily and
Azythromicine 500mg daily and tapering my dosage of prednisone 1mg
every 4 wks. I was finally down to 5mg/day of prednisone when I
reached an impass. My CPK's started going up and I have been in
pain all over. The doctor modified my treatment by keeping the
Azythromicine the same and changed the Mino to 100mg daily and added
doxycycline 100mg daily. I started having more pain and so he upped
the prednisone to 7mg per day and after one week went for bloodwork
and a follow up visit. Yesterday he told me my CPK is at 696, SED
at 32, C Reactive protein is 1.8. He is keeping my dosages the same
for now as we both feel my body may be reacting to the fact that it
can't compensate for the tapering of the prednisone. He did tell me
that if I feel that the doxy is not helping any to go back to the
200mg daily dose of the mino. I am to stay at 7mg of prednisone for
now.
Does anyone else have an opinion, advice? Can anyone suggest
another antibiotic that has worked for them? Keep in mind,
methotrexate and cytoxan is not an option because of the ILD
(Interstitial Lung Disease).
Thank you.
Deperate for help.
Rosa
Plainfield, NJ

2007 Arthritis Foundation Walk
You are invited to join us for the 2007 Arthritis Foundation Walk,
which will be held at 9AM on Saturday morning, April 28th at Crissy Field in San
Francisco.
Our daughter Jessica was very active in the work of the Arthritis Foundation,
including participating in the annual Walk. She was a member of the Board of the
Northern California Chapter and volunteer in many roles during her eight year
tenure. I am trying to continue her work myself, and was elected to the Board in
2004, and serve on several committees as well as Vice President.
You can show your support by joining us on the walk this year. We had a
wonderful turnout previously (see above) and I hope we surpass that this year.
You can sign up as a walker by clicking on this link and clicking on "Join our
Team".
If you can't make the walk, you can also show your support via a contribution to
the Arthritis Foundation, in memory of Jessica and become a virtual member of
our team. To contribute but not walk, please click here.
Thanks, in any case, for the love and affection you've shown to the both of us.
Love.............Harry and Carol

Hi,
Dr. Kempf gives me mino by pill. He has never given
me mino by IV. George Washington University Hospital
may have doctors that use the AP. I found one there 9
years ago. I can't remember his name.

Hi everyone,
I was under the impression that antibiotics should only be used if
there was a high fever before the inflammation, and a rash. Is this
true? How do I find a doctor with experience in treating JRA with
antibiotics?
My nine year old son is presently experiencing a severe flare, and
blood tests revealed auto-antibodies and low iron. A few months ago, he
had a reaction to Remicade, and we made the decision to take him off
this drug. We're very worried about him, and desperately need some help.
Thanks so much,
Worried Mom

Hi everyone,
Thanks to those who replied to my last email offline. They were very helpful. My
next
question is, how do I determine my dose? Some people seem to take Minocin only
MWF,
100mg, which is what I'm doing now. Others take 200mg MWF, others take 100mg per
day, others take 200mg per day. I seem to remember seeing in the protocol that
it's best
to take it as a pulsed dose (MWF) and that taking it more often means that less
is
absorbed.
I wonder how people have made the decision as to which dose to follow. Does
anyone
have any guidelines about this? I cannot locate a doctor in Australia who knows
anything
about it all. My doctor follows my advice!
I still have twinges in my joints even though the pain has largely gone, and I
worry about
them becoming eroded and deformed because there must still be some inflammation
there, especially in my feet. Should I increase the dose and see what happens?
Is it all a
matter of trial and error?
I still have not received my New Arthritis Breakthrough book. There may be some
answers
in there.
Thanks everyone,
Ros (Australia)

This may be of interest to some of you:
"...a story on autism will be running on 60 MINUTES
this coming Sunday (Feb. 18, 7PM ET/PT)..."
Geoff

I received this today from one of the doctors (now retired) who used Dr. Brown's
protocol when he was practicing.
Ethel
Mammograms Offer No Health Benefits Whatsoever, Doctors Conclude
By: David Gutierrez
Source: www.newstarget.com
February 18, 2007
Mammograms offer no health benefits whatsoever, doctors conclude
by David Gutierrez
(NewsTarget) An increasing number of doctors are contesting the claim that
annual mammograms decrease women's risk of dying from breast cancer.
Danish researcher Dr. Peter Gotzsche first made this claim in a study
published in "The Lancet" in October 2006. Gotzsche had re-analyzed the studies
originally done on the benefits of mammograms and found them unconvincing.
Since then, other doctors have begun to assert that in addition to failing
to offer protection, mammograms - which involve exposing patients to radiation
-may actually increase women's risk of cancer.
"The latest evidence shifts the balance towards harm and away from
benefits," said Dr. Michael Baum of University College in London.
According to Canadian columnist Dr. W. Gifford -Jones, women between the
ages of 40 and 49 who have regular mammograms are twice as likely to die from
breast cancer as women who are not screened.
"Experts say you have to screen 2,000 women for 10 years for one benefit,"
he wrote recently.
Gifford-Jones also points to other risks, from the physical to the
psychological. According to some authorities, the squeezing of women's breasts
during mammograms may rupture blood vessels, causing cancer to spread to other
parts of the body and actually increasing a patient's risk of death.
He also pointed to the trauma suffered by women who receive false
positives from their mammograms, and to the dangerous sense of security felt by
those who receive false negatives.
Studies show that mammograms fail to detect cancer 30 percent of the time
in women aged 40 to 49. In addition, it can take eight years before a breast
tumor is large enough to detect, by which time the cancer could have spread to
other parts of the body.
"Mammograms actually harm far more women than they help," said Mike Adams,
author of "The Healing Power of Sunlight and Vitamin D," a free report that
teaches prevention strategies for breast and prostate cancer. "They are used
more as a recruiting tool to ensnare women into a system of medical control
based on false diagnosis and fear tactics. Most women then give in to
chemotherapy, surgery or radiation treatments that may ultimately harm them or
even kill them."
###
© 2006 Crusador Enterprises
Online Payment Solution
CRUSADOR ENTERPRISES
P.O. Box 618205
Orlando, FL 32861-8205
Toll Free #: 800-593-6273

Hi, Joi, et al!
Sally here in L. Rk.
Yes, I did see Dr. Mirkin and just rec'd him in an e-mail from Martineson w/subj
"rheumy suggested/ions" and Debbie Gibson (my buddy) is right. He did help, but
he is hard to take-does not listen, etc. but I just wanted to get the mino from
him, which I did, and used this group (thanks group) to get me thru the Herxing,
etc. So sorry he wouldn't give you the mino and I have his AP Tx for stomach
bacteria and there's no mino nor doxy in it!1
I couldn't find anyone else in the DC area willing to do AP except that Dr.
Kempf and I heard he would do I/V AP only-no thanks!!
My rheumie in Va, Dr. Leila Zackrison, named one of the 100 best docs in the DC
area by other docs, Dx'ed me with Reiter's or Reactive Arthritis (rheumatoid
caused by an infection) in '99 and put me on AP immediately, but would NOT
switch me from Doxy to mino!!! D--- control freaks!!! So, I finally went to
Mirkin in '02 and put up with his control freak antics to get the mino, which
put me into partial remission w/in 3 mos of taking it.
Good luck in your search!
Sally in L. Rk

Hello,
Here is a listing of pesticide in produce
http://foodnews.org/walletguide.php
Take care,
Ute

Discussion on the use of long term low dosage of antibiotics for the
treatment of auto-immune diseases such as Scleroderma, LupIn addition to
Ethel's comments, the principals RR Rife developed are being used in pilot
studies in Central CA for sterilization of potable water and cow's milk. If
successful, it is anticipated they will be further applied to fresh juices
in lieu of pasteurization. Flesh products, i.e., beef, chicken, etc., are
also being viewed as potential beneficiaries of these tests to aid in the
fight against meat-borne diseases. Pilot studies are out of the lab and
into the field -- their purpose being to assess financial and practical
feesibility in a real-world environment. No one knows if these principals
can work fast enough to handle production lines, water lines, etc., but they
have worked well enough to get to the pilot stage.
Geoff

If you are one of the 5 percent of RA's suffering with amyloidosis there are two
important support meetings coming up. The Boston meeting this Saturday and the
NYC meeting the following Saturday. See www.amyloidosissupport.com for
information.
Muriel
Uncle Died of Amyloidosis 9/28/03

well going to get my meds... will let you know what the doctor put me on
for the bone loss...
if you don't know... my bone density test came back not so good.. -4 on
the scale... I'm only 36... what can ya do, huh... I finally have been
feeling fine for 3 years and then another thing goes wrong...
well be back later...
cindy g

Has anyone used Zyflamend as an anti-inflammatory and if so, with what
results?
Thanks,
Linda

Hi Everyone,
Moved to Oregon and the new rheumatologist agreed I once had
inflammatory arthritis and that the minocin definitely improved the
knee that ached for 18 mos. He also noted that my titer for
mycoplasma had been very high in the past but there was no infection
a year ago when tested (2 weeks off minocin)
I stopped minocin last summer after taking it for a year--it cured
the knee but wasn't working on the hands and toes. I wasn't able to
continue with it any longer owing to symptoms I couldn't keep under
control.
Just started colchicine at the lowest dose for a two week trial. Has
anyone had any luck using this medication for osteo or RA?
Thanks for any responses you might have! ew
--

Nancy,
Following up on Harald's reply to you, I was hit with PMR early last
year. It started with what I thought was an ear ache developing, then
the ache went into my jaw and the roots of all my teeth. My family Dr.
said everything was clear, he thought I had TMJ. A physical therapist
said no, it was something else. Later all of a sudden I had horrible
pain in all my major joints, a throbbing headache, a tightening of my
throat, all my teeth ached, my ears ached and my temples were swollen
and extremely sensitive. I couldn't even put ice packs near my head,
all I could do was sit in the recliner and cry. When my family Dr. saw
and heard the temple part, he immediately prescribed 60 mg. of
Prednisone a day, raised it to 80 when 60 wouldn't work, and scheduled
me for a temporal biopsy due to blindness threat if it was Giant Cell
Arteritis (the surgeon took 2" pieces of artery out of my temples. they
tested okay). The prednisone eventually eased the aching, but that
much made a zombie out of me. I couldn't sleep, was hyperactive day and
night, did irrational things. When I tried to reduce it, I went too
fast and had withdrawal for a month or more, but finally got down to 10
mg. I was exhausted all the time. For a time I had to almost crawl up
and down steps. I described my walking as "Frankenstein-like." knock
on wood, that's all gone
I just now started reducing Prednisone again, 1/2 mg. every 2-3 weeks,
depending on how it goes. No more aches and pains or swollen temples.
Still not my full energy back, but getting better.
Since Oct. I've been on AP from Dr. John Sinnott in Ida Grove, IA. He
and AP did wonders for my nephew who had RA and was being given cancer
chemo drugs. I had 5 days of IVs of Cyclosporine and am on 100 mg.
Minocycline 2x day. I expect to be on the Mino. for a long time. so
far so good. Dr. Sinnott has been using AP for over 20 years. the
motel we stayed at in Ida Grove has notebooks full of testimonials from
people coming to him, from all the states and even 6 foreign countries.
He's just a small town doctor who believes Dr. Brown's theory that
connective tissue diseases are caused by micoplasma bacteria left over
from previous infections. That it's the micoplasma attacking joints and
tissues, and that the immune system is after the micoplasma, not the
joints and tissues. Dr. Sinnott believes in a big jolt of IVs first,
followed by Minocycline long term.
www.sinnottandtobenmedarts.com/
good luck.
Bev in Iowa

I have had cranial sacral therapy from my osteopath--I don't know if it's the
same--since my neck fusion surgery. I do find it helpful
Linda

Hi, I recently wrote to ask about my son who is three and a half with JRA in his
knees. Recently he's been treated with CBT (Craniobiotic technique) and today
he rode his bike for an hour straight. Have any of you ever tried these type of
treatments with a Chiropractor?
Jessica

Dr. Mirkin. He wouldn't give me AP because he said
that I had a positive ANA and that the AP may give me
lupus. He also tested me for every hepatitis there
is. When I told other doctors, they laughed. They
said you could look at me and tell that I didn't have
advanced hepatitis (advance hepatitis is when joint
problems develop). He also wanted to start me on
antibiotics for the ulcer bacteria (can't remember
what it is called), despite the fact the test came
back neg. He basically took my money. He also
doesn't listen well. I hate docs that don't listen.
All of this happened 8 years ago, when I first started
showing symptoms of RA.

Hi all,
I too have seen Dr. Mirkin. Although I tested positive for RA and Lupus
(and had clear signs of Raynaud's and very probably Sjogrens) he did provide
Minocin (in 2005). I also tested positive for Lyme's shortly after my first
visit to Mirken but the test was prescribed by Dr. Norman Levin as Mirken
said none of the current Lyme's tests were reliable/valid/etc. (Of course
when I brought him my results he agreed I definitely had the disease; i.e.,
the results this time were valid).
I agree Mirken doesn't listen and he does like to talk and truly believes he
has the answers. I only went to him because he's closer then my primary
doctor, his visits are covered by my insurance and he will do blood tests to
check liver enzymes. I didn't appreciate that he kept me waiting for an
hour for my appointments or that he didn't listen or examine me, etc. So I
only go to him if/when I need and then I usually know what I want from him.
I have the name of another supposedly AP-friendly doctor in the DC area.
His name is Dr. Richard Sall in Fairfax. I have not been to him so have no
first hand knowledge.
I mainly see Dr. Norman Levin in Aldie, VA. It's quite a drive to his
office but I've been with him for over ten years.
Thank you for the name of Dr Kempf. It's always good to have some contacts
just in case. El
_____

Who was a nut? Dr Mirkin? hum?? my friend Sal saw him for quite a while I
thought and he seemed very helpful...so I was wondering...a little confused by
the email...is DR Kempf in VA a nut or Dr Mirkin??

Hello,
I am wondering if anyone out there has had problems with their lips
and mouth getting tight. My mouth no longer closes tight and even when
I eat food is constantly coming out of my mouth. It is embarrassing.
Anyway my Dr. recommended a plastic surgeon to possibly do lip
implants/collegen to maybe soften the lips and create more of them. I
am really nervous, I have only had one surgery in my life and it was
not cosmetic. Do I go on being embarrassed or do I take a risk and
have surgery????
Thanks
Jen

I always flared when I tried to go off. Dont do it. It took so much
longer to feel good again. Dr Sinnott's office in Iowa told me...don't
go off it because it WILL come back.

Hey all,
I am new to the site and thrilled to have people to talk to about the
ups and downs, questions, wins etc. of my own journey to health. I
would love input from anyone out that about the following:
I have been on AP for one year, taking 100mg 2daily - Monday -
Wednesday and Friday. My first six months on AP were rocky but
starting about my 7th month I started seeing definate improvement and
this continued slowly for several months thereafter. I was thrilled
to say the least and really encouraged. However, the last month I
have experienced what feels like a set back, much more pain again,
intense fatigue which had all but ceased, and pains in places I
haven't had it for months. This has scared me. Any words of wisdom
about this would be more then welcome.
Nancy

Thinking about changing AP doc. Anyone have any experience with G.
Mirkin in Kensington, MD?
Thanks,
Amy

Amy,
I know of two ways that someone can find an AP doctor, using two websites:
1) American College for the Advancement in Medicine www.acam.org
There is a referral section. From the home page, go to "Public" / "Find a
Doctor". Enter your zip code, city, or state.
2) International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (IACP) www.iacprx.org
There is a referral section. From the home page, go to "Referral Service".
Find the compounding pharmacist nearest you, and ask them who they'd recommend
for AP therapy, or any other protocol that you want to use. Also, you could ask
the pharmacy if they have experience with a specific doctor.
~Jeff

Here's a link to a commentary on Celadrin from the UC Berkeley wellness
newsletter.
Linda
http://www.wellnessletter.com/html/ds/dsCeladrin.php

Harald,
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your summary was an excellent help!
I'm giving the info to the pharmacy----they were as astounded as me
about the price increases! Also to my Dr.!
I can get it from your link sources for less than it would be for my
20% cost with the insurance. I've never ordered though, so not sure how
that's going these days. I know there was a crackdown on the shipments
to US last year. Are others getting their minocin without trouble this
way?
Karen

Karen,
Thank you for your email in response to my web page www.tmgp.com/minocin.htm
It is now safe to mail order medicines from
Canada. The article below about Canadian drug
imports appeared in the Los Angeles Times of October 4, 2006.
Sincerely, Harald
U.S. TO ALLOW CANADIAN DRUG IMPORTS
The government will stop seizing pharmacies'
shipments and instead conduct sample tests.
By Lisa Girion, Times Staff Writer
October 4, 2006
The federal government plans to halt a
controversial crackdown on discount drugs mailed
from Canadian pharmacies to U.S. customers,
removing a significant hurdle to Americans buying
cheaper medications from abroad.
The Department of Homeland Security, which
operates the Customs and Border Protection
agency, disclosed this week that it would halt
confiscation of Canadian drugs Monday and instead
conduct random sampling to identify counterfeit and unsafe drugs.
Popular medications such as Lipitor and Fosamax
can be 30% to 80% cheaper from Canada and other
countries, surveys have shown. But the U.S.
government was confiscating as much as 20% of the shipments this year.
The move reverses a policy that began last
November around the time enrollment began for the
Medicare drug plan. U.S. officials said the
Canadian shipments had been confiscated out of
concerns about the drugs' safety, but consumer
advocates and others contended that the crackdown
was an effort to limit competition in the
pharmaceutical market and force seniors to sign
up for new Medicare plans and pay higher prices for drugs from U.S. pharmacies.
The new testing policy may be a response to
criticism that the government has offered little
evidence for its safety concerns about foreign mail-order drugs.
The change comes as millions of seniors on
Medicare drug plans were expected to hit the
"doughnut hole." That is the gap in coverage
created by Medicare law that requires enrollees
to pay the full cost after their total annual
drug spending exceeds $2,250. Coverage kicks in
again if annual drug expenses hit $5,100.
As a result, many low-income seniors were
considering going without needed medications
through the end of the year, advocates said.
The change in customs' practices "could have a
huge impact," said Jodi Reid, director of the
California Alliance for Retired Americans.
"People were concerned that they might not get
their drugs because they were getting seized,"
Reid said. "This does open that option again for
people who were trying to figure out how to get
their medications to manage their health at a price they can afford."
One Central California woman whose blood pressure
medication was seized a few months ago said she
was relieved that she might not have to worry about that at least for now.
"I hope that it continues because so many people
are in need of the ability to purchase
maintenance medications and life-sustaining
medications at more affordable prices," said the
woman, who asked that her name not be used. "Some
of these medications are $3, $4, $10 a pill."
Although it is illegal for individuals to import
pharmaceuticals to take advantage of price
differences, the Food and Drug Administration
historically had turned a blind eye to personal
purchases of non-narcotic prescription drugs from
places such as Canada and Mexico in shipments of
as much as three months' worth.
That changed Nov. 17 when customs began a quiet
crackdown on foreign mail-order drugs. By some
estimates, more than 40,000 packages were
interdicted. Canadian mail-order pharmacies said
seizures jumped to a peak this year of 20% of
their U.S. shipments, up from 3% to 5%. They said
seizures declined after the crackdown was disclosed in media reports.
Seniors complained that they were failing to
receive needed medications, and members of
Congress who favor the importation of cheap drugs
for senior constituents criticized the agency for
failing to adequately warn people of the crackdown.
Late Monday, customs officials sent an e-mail to
some members of Congress that it would be
abandoning the seizure policy. Instead of the
broad effort, the e-mail said the agency would
sample and test mail-order medications for
counterfeits and ineffective ingredients on
"randomly generated days throughout the fiscal
year." The analysis, it said, would help
determine the source countries of problem drugs and shape future enforcement.
A Homeland Security spokeswoman would not discuss
the change in policy, but she issued a statement
saying, "While we are reversing this policy,
[Customs and Border Protection] remains
committed, in cooperation with the FDA, to
protecting the American public from unsafe and
ineffective medications. We will be focusing our
resources to best protect the American public."
A spokeswoman for the FDA said the agency had no
comment because it had not been officially informed of the change.
One Canadian mail-order pharmacy said U.S. orders
had dropped 30% this year because seniors were
signi