Guest guest Posted January 28, 2007 Report Share Posted January 28, 2007 >>>Some swear by it, but the numbers do not back it up, as I understand it Otherwise, we would all be on antibiotics instead of prednisone! <<< Hi Pris, Thanks for your email and I understand what you're saying that " one size doesn't fit all " . I am really just curious if anyone/how many had tried it, because I seemed to remember someone mentioning that they were using minocycline recently in the group. I guess we really wouldn't know how effective it is in individual cases unless it had been tried and tested with results shared? Sometimes studies can be biased and not a very accurate gauge of these things....I like to see the proof of the pudding in the eating of it! LOL I'm currently on Plaquenil (just 3 weeks) and 2 different antibiotics (tetracycline and biaxin) for RA triggered by Lyme's and am seeing really promising improvements already. The excruciating pain in all my joints, stiffness and swelling is greatly diminishing, faster than I think the Plaquenil would be working alone. I only take 2 advil in the morning now when only a month ago I was clock-watching, anxious for when I could take my next naprosyn. I think you're right that it would be foolhardy to assume antibiotic therapy would help in every case, but there is the theory that those with a predisposition to RA may have had it triggered by an infection (bacterial or viral) that causes the immune system to go into hyperdrive. So, in the case of bacterial infections, wouldn't it make sense to attack the cause, first, rather than to treat just the symptoms? I have to wonder whether if by suppressing the immune system that any insidious bacterial infection would then have free reign, causing a vicious, long-term cycle. I also question if there is a reluctance by docs to try antibiotic therapy, because of the fear of superbugs and resistance, which is understandable. However, docs can also be greatly influenced (and often receive their training) by the big money-spinning pharmaceuticals and lesser known therapies can get pushed to the wayside. Besides, when in terrible pain, most people want immediate relief! I know I did when I was at my worst and couldn't get out of bed. There have been trials using low dose minocycline (that has proven anti-inflammatory properties as well as antibacterial properties) for RA that have had some success, so was really just interested in whether anyone had decided to try this route when all else had failed or as a first line of defense. Just noticed has found some great articles on this topic - thanks, , you're a wealth of info! I found one, as well, but will have to try to search and dig it out it again to send. Has anyone else besides me in the group tried antibiotic therapy with any success? I guess I'm lucky, as I know my RA was triggered by Lyme's. Peace, n Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2007 Report Share Posted January 28, 2007 We tried Doxycyline when I was first diagnosed. My rheumy told me that sometimes in mild RA antibiotic therapy can help to sow the progress but that it is truly on a case by case basis. Mine progressed so rapidly that the antibiotic was useless. He said that he often tries to start with the antibiotic in early diagnosed cases or mild cases because it is not as risky as some of the other meds that all know and " love " so well. Jeanine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2007 Report Share Posted January 29, 2007 I am recently diagnosed with seronegative RA. Since Lyme disease is very prevalent where I live in Pennsylvania, I insisted that my rheumatologist treat me for Lyme disease before I start my first RA med, which will be Plaquenil. I've been on doxycycline for two weeks, and have one week left, and I feel at least 70 percent better. I have less joint pain and more energy. So is it Lyme? Is it an anti-inflammatory effect of the doxy on my RA? Or is it placebo? I am interested to talk to my rheumy to see what he wants to do next. Meg in PA --------------------------------- The fish are biting. Get more visitors on your site using Search Marketing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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