New to RA!

[Guest guest]

Hi Robin

I've had RA for 6 years now (after 15 years remission) and probably

also have ankylosing spondylitis as I have severe back pain and the

HLA-B27 gene. When I first got RA this time I was almost crippled

with it and went on to prednisone to cope with the pain. I then saw

the rheumatologist who gave me sulfasalazine which made me suicidal

(very rare reaction) so I asked about antibiotic therapy because it

has few side effects. He said that it could work, especially in

conjunction with plaquenil, but he'd rather I had methotrexate. I

have a few friends on methotrexate and decided to try the antibiotic

(minocycline) and plaquenil and it was really effective for the RA. I

had to go off the plaquenil after 4 years because I became allergic

to it (dermatitis) but am still managing my RA with minocycline and

acetaminophen. I very occasionally use cortisone in short bursts if I

get a flare. I think the AS is helped by the minocycline as well. My

doctor says it has anti-inflammatory properties. I can't take any

NSAIDS either but life is pretty good now. I'm a bit stiff in the

mornings but after walking the dog everything works as it should. If

my condition worsens, at some point I may need to take the more

aggressive drugs which is one reason I appreciate the information on

this forum but I'm hoping it wont happen.

It's worth having a consultation with a rheumatologist who

specialises in antibiotic therapy as most rheumies know little about

it. You can find out about it at the Roadback Foundation or the

group Rheumatic both of which have wonderful forums like this one

with thousands of members who are extremely helpful.

Kind regards

lind