Guest guest Posted August 19, 2003 Report Share Posted August 19, 2003 Hello and welcome to the group! While minocycline has been shown to be an effective treatment for some with rheumatoid arthritis, there is no hard data to suggest that it is a cure. [ ] Antibiotic Protocol > Hello all! I'm new here. Was just looking over some profiles and > medications that are being taken. Didn't see to many people taking > minocycline. I have done much research on this and seems thousands > are being no short of cured from this antibiotic. I haven't started > as of yet. I have it and am ready but afraid of herxheimers reaction > which I know is almost inevitable. Are any of you on minocycline? > In all the research I have been able to find it seems this drug can > cure. Why are we all still on Remican, Methotrexate and drugs of > that sort? Is it because are Dr.s do not want us to be cured or is > there something I am missing? Is this not the cure? Any info would > be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 19, 2003 Report Share Posted August 19, 2003 I was on minocycline when I was first diagnosed with RA. It worked for a little while, but then the RA hit harder and I had to go to stronger meds. It didn't work for me. http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/AlbumList?u=4096322 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 20, 2003 Report Share Posted August 20, 2003 I just started on minocycline anout 1 1/2 months ago. So far, I have more achy joints than before, and my sed rate has gone up 10 points, but according the information a and had, and also my Rheumy, that isn't long enough to see an effect. Luckily, most of the time, the 500 mg of naprosyn I take 3x a day do help. Except of course, mornings and bad days, and, well you know. I'm hoping to see improvement with the minocycline. I figure, if nothing else, maybe it will improve my complexion (middleage acne) Noreen [ ] Antibiotic Protocol Hello all! I'm new here. Was just looking over some profiles and medications that are being taken. Didn't see to many people taking minocycline. I have done much research on this and seems thousands are being no short of cured from this antibiotic. I haven't started as of yet. I have it and am ready but afraid of herxheimers reaction which I know is almost inevitable. Are any of you on minocycline? In all the research I have been able to find it seems this drug can cure. Why are we all still on Remican, Methotrexate and drugs of that sort? Is it because are Dr.s do not want us to be cured or is there something I am missing? Is this not the cure? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 20, 2003 Report Share Posted August 20, 2003 Hi. I just started minocycline 2 months ago. I had to really push my doctor to prescribe it. He doesn't believe it is effective, but my research says otherwise. I went to a doctor that prescribed antibiotics a few years ago, but he prescribed allepurinol first and then tetracycline. I had a definite herx. Joints that never were affected were swollen, but it didn't last long. I didn't stick with that doctor because I didn't like him or trust him. I finally convinced my regular rheumy to give me minocycline. I've tried everything else so what do I have to loose. I started on 100mg a day and did not herx. After 2 months, I'm now on 100mg twice a day. I have been very achey, but I'm not sure if it's from the meds or increased activity I've been doing. It's way to early to say if I'm getting any benefit. My blood tests were definitely improved. I plan on sticking with it for at least a year. I have had RA for over 25 years, so it may take a long time for it to work if it does. a > Hello all! I'm new here. Was just looking over some profiles and > medications that are being taken. Didn't see to many people taking > minocycline. I have done much research on this and seems thousands > are being no short of cured from this antibiotic. I haven't started > as of yet. I have it and am ready but afraid of herxheimers reaction > which I know is almost inevitable. Are any of you on minocycline? > In all the research I have been able to find it seems this drug can > cure. Why are we all still on Remican, Methotrexate and drugs of > that sort? Is it because are Dr.s do not want us to be cured or is > there something I am missing? Is this not the cure? Any info would > be greatly appreciated. > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 21, 2003 Report Share Posted August 21, 2003 Sorry to be stupid but what is herx? Noreen Re: [ ] Antibiotic Protocol Hi. I just started minocycline 2 months ago. I had to really push my doctor to prescribe it. He doesn't believe it is effective, but my research says otherwise. I went to a doctor that prescribed antibiotics a few years ago, but he prescribed allepurinol first and then tetracycline. I had a definite herx. Joints that never were affected were swollen, but it didn't last long. I didn't stick with that doctor because I didn't like him or trust him. I finally convinced my regular rheumy to give me minocycline. I've tried everything else so what do I have to loose. I started on 100mg a day and did not herx. After 2 months, I'm now on 100mg twice a day. I have been very achey, but I'm not sure if it's from the meds or increased activity I've been doing. It's way to early to say if I'm getting any benefit. My blood tests were definitely improved. I plan on sticking with it for at least a year. I have had RA for over 25 years, so it may take a long time for it to work if it does. a > Hello all! I'm new here. Was just looking over some profiles and > medications that are being taken. Didn't see to many people taking > minocycline. I have done much research on this and seems thousands > are being no short of cured from this antibiotic. I haven't started > as of yet. I have it and am ready but afraid of herxheimers reaction > which I know is almost inevitable. Are any of you on minocycline? > In all the research I have been able to find it seems this drug can > cure. Why are we all still on Remican, Methotrexate and drugs of > that sort? Is it because are Dr.s do not want us to be cured or is > there something I am missing? Is this not the cure? Any info would > be greatly appreciated. > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 23, 2003 Report Share Posted August 23, 2003 Noreen, This is what the rheumtic.org site says about the herx reaction and how it affects RA patients: http://www.rheumatic.org/faq.htm 6. EXPLAIN THE JARISCH HERXHEIMER REACTION. This drug-induced flare reaction may occur within hours, the next day or within the first weeks after the patient starts the antibiotics - or any time there is a change in antibiotic or dosage. It is caused by a die-off of organisms, which in turn create toxins that circulate in the body. This will often cause a worsening of symptoms. Patients may experience a range of symptoms from mild fatigue and sleepiness to flu-like symptoms - chills, low grade fever, night sweats, muscle aches, aching and swollen joints, nausea, hives, skin rashes, depression and short term memory loss. Hives and rash are sometimes mistaken for an allergic reaction. When this occurs, it is a good indicator that the antibiotic is reaching its target - a very positive sign. The length of time for this reaction varies from patient to patient. About twenty percent of patients do not experience the Herxheimer reaction. Scleroderma patients seem to experience the Herxheimer reaction less often than RA patients. Oxidative therapy may be useful in reducing these symptoms. Garth Nicholson, M.D., director of The Institute for Molecular Medicine in Huntington Beach, California recommends peroxide baths (four 16 oz. bottles of 3% hydrogen peroxide in 20 inch bath or Jacuzzi, with 2 cups of Epsom salt. Patient soaks in hot water plus the epsom salt for five minutes until pores are open, then adds the peroxide solution. This should be repeated three times a week at bedtime. No vitamins should be taken 8 hours before bath. The peroxide can also be directly applied to the skin after a hot shower/tub. The peroxide should be left on for 5 minutes and then washed off. Another useful suggestion from Dr. Nicholson - blend one whole lemon, then add 1 cup fruit juice or water and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Strain and drink liquid. Diet and supplements are extremely important. Nutritional recommendations are on this web page and include avoidance of sugar, caffeine, dairy, fatty or acid forming foods, but an increase in fresh vegetables - especially the cruciferous vegetables - organic if possible. Patients should drink no less than two quarts of water a day to flush the toxins out of the system, lubricate the joints, and carry nutrients through the body; and should have two to three bowel movements a day. If the Herxheimer reaction is severe, the medication may be stopped and a small dose of prednisone (no more than 10 mg.) may be prescribed. When the flare subsides, the medication is re-introduced at a slow rate. a > Sorry to be stupid but what is herx? > > Noreen > Re: [ ] Antibiotic Protocol > > > Hi. I just started minocycline 2 months ago. I had to really push my > doctor to prescribe it. He doesn't believe it is effective, but my > research says otherwise. I went to a doctor that prescribed antibiotics a > few years ago, but he prescribed allepurinol first and then tetracycline. I > had a definite herx. Joints that never were affected were swollen, but it > didn't last long. I didn't stick with that doctor because I didn't like him > or trust him. I finally convinced my regular rheumy to give me minocycline. > I've tried everything else so what do I have to loose. I started on 100mg a > day and did not herx. After 2 months, I'm now on 100mg twice a day. I have > been very achey, but I'm not sure if it's from the meds or increased > activity I've been doing. > It's way to early to say if I'm getting any benefit. My blood tests were > definitely improved. I plan on sticking with it for at least a year. I have > had RA for over 25 years, so it may take a long time for it to work if it > does. > a > > > > >> Hello all! I'm new here. Was just looking over some profiles and >> medications that are being taken. Didn't see to many people taking >> minocycline. I have done much research on this and seems thousands >> are being no short of cured from this antibiotic. I haven't started >> as of yet. I have it and am ready but afraid of herxheimers reaction >> which I know is almost inevitable. Are any of you on minocycline? >> In all the research I have been able to find it seems this drug can >> cure. Why are we all still on Remican, Methotrexate and drugs of >> that sort? Is it because are Dr.s do not want us to be cured or is >> there something I am missing? Is this not the cure? Any info would >> be greatly appreciated. >> >> >> >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 24, 2003 Report Share Posted August 24, 2003 Thanks for the info. Noreen Re: [ ] Antibiotic Protocol > > > Hi. I just started minocycline 2 months ago. I had to really push my > doctor to prescribe it. He doesn't believe it is effective, but my > research says otherwise. I went to a doctor that prescribed antibiotics a > few years ago, but he prescribed allepurinol first and then tetracycline. I > had a definite herx. Joints that never were affected were swollen, but it > didn't last long. I didn't stick with that doctor because I didn't like him > or trust him. I finally convinced my regular rheumy to give me minocycline. > I've tried everything else so what do I have to loose. I started on 100mg a > day and did not herx. After 2 months, I'm now on 100mg twice a day. I have > been very achey, but I'm not sure if it's from the meds or increased > activity I've been doing. > It's way to early to say if I'm getting any benefit. My blood tests were > definitely improved. I plan on sticking with it for at least a year. I have > had RA for over 25 years, so it may take a long time for it to work if it > does. > a > > > > >> Hello all! I'm new here. Was just looking over some profiles and >> medications that are being taken. Didn't see to many people taking >> minocycline. I have done much research on this and seems thousands >> are being no short of cured from this antibiotic. I haven't started >> as of yet. I have it and am ready but afraid of herxheimers reaction >> which I know is almost inevitable. Are any of you on minocycline? >> In all the research I have been able to find it seems this drug can >> cure. Why are we all still on Remican, Methotrexate and drugs of >> that sort? Is it because are Dr.s do not want us to be cured or is >> there something I am missing? Is this not the cure? Any info would >> be greatly appreciated. >> >> >> >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 19, 2005 Report Share Posted January 19, 2005 , I did the antibiotic therapy and it really helped me get functional again. I gradually weaned off prednisone and now take an anti-inflammatory and several supplements. I do have some joint damage on right hand and my toes are a bit crooked but I am working fulltime still and have a child still at home senior in high school. I did feel sickish some days on antibiotic but it was well worth it for me. I also believe that diet is very important in order for the antibiotic therapy to work. I gave up a lot of foods but pain is a great incentive!!!!! It was not hard at all because my joints hurt less. Now, I can cheat every now and then. If you try antibiotic therapy, I would give it at least six months cause that is when I started seeing improvement. The books also say that the longer you have had the disease the longer it will take the antibiotic to "kick in". I have had RA almost 8 years now. Good luck, Kay ----- Original Message ----- From: igOblSB@... Rheumatoid Arthritis Sent: Monday, January 17, 2005 4:46 AM Subject: Antibiotic protocol Hello, I'm C. from Mississippi. I'm new here but I've read a few of the messages from late Dec. and in Jan of this year and went to a few links that were sent. Specifically, I went to one that had the Minocin protocol on it. I'd heard about this very thing last year but didn't look into really. I just thought it was a lot of bunk. But now that I finally got round to looking at some of the info on the web I'm really interested in finding out if any of you have any experience with this yourselves and could tell me what your results are. I was dx'd back in 1983 with possible seronegative RA and since then with osteo and possible fibro. I've had some really terrible times since 1965 with rheumatic type ailments but have yet to have a firm dx, altho I've been to only 2 rheums in my life, mainly because I haven't been able to afford healthcare. Now i"m on Medicaid and SSI and have been able to get some treatment but no rheums here will take Medicaid, so that shoots that in the foot. I have flares when I'm in such pain that I am in tears, can't move, even my skin hurts. I have joint damage in nearly 80% of my body, and am just now getting better from a flare that has lasted over 3 months which has left me with some new damage in my hands and feet. I can no longer hold a pen to write, and barely a spoon to eat or my toothbrush, I can still type and can still play piano but my hands swell very badly afterward. Had to give up my hobbies which were hand-oriented (needlework, crochet, bread baking) I had surg. for carpal tunnel last March and I still have trouble with that hand. Have taken many different Rx for this ailment over the years, all with varying effectiveness and side effects. I'm on a multitude of meds right now for various other ailments as well. I've been on prednisone for nearly 7 yrs. now, decreasing the dose until I'm at 5mgs, only a few times a month unless I get into severe pain and swelling. I am a textbook case of the side effects from that and while it is a "miracle" drug when I'm in a bad way, I've felt like it's a monkey on my back at times. It took a very long time of finally getting to this point in the dosage. My little GP is doing the best he can and the ortho and neuro are too, but their hands are tied since they can't find a rheum who'll take Medicaid to send me to. Anyhow, just asking about the antibiotic protocol. Not sure how these docs would react if i took the protocol into them to ask them about this course of action. Wondered what anyone else has experienced in relation to this. Thanks, American by birth, Southern by the grace of God! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 20, 2005 Report Share Posted January 20, 2005 I am on medcade and medicare to if you are on ssi why aren't you on ssd i am I called all the reumy in town untill i found one that took madicade then i booked an appoontment that is how i i found one all so i went to the university hosiptal here and they treated my first any chance you can do that Sherrie > Hello, I'm C. from Mississippi. I'm new here but I've read a few of > the messages from late Dec. and in Jan of this year and went to a few links > that were sent. Specifically, I went to one that had the Minocin protocol on > it. I'd heard about this very thing last year but didn't look into really. I > just thought it was a lot of bunk. But now that I finally got round to > looking at some of the info on the web I'm really interested in finding out if any > of you have any experience with this yourselves and could tell me what your > results are. I was dx'd back in 1983 with possible seronegative RA and > since then with osteo and possible fibro. I've had some really terrible times > since 1965 with rheumatic type ailments but have yet to have a firm dx, altho > I've been to only 2 rheums in my life, mainly because I haven't been able to > afford healthcare. Now i " m on Medicaid and SSI and have been able to get some > treatment but no rheums here will take Medicaid, so that shoots that in the > foot. I have flares when I'm in such pain that I am in tears, can't move, > even my skin hurts. I have joint damage in nearly 80% of my body, and am just > now getting better from a flare that has lasted over 3 months which has left > me with some new damage in my hands and feet. I can no longer hold a pen to > write, and barely a spoon to eat or my toothbrush, I can still type and can > still play piano but my hands swell very badly afterward. Had to give up my > hobbies which were hand-oriented (needlework, crochet, bread baking) I had > surg. for carpal tunnel last March and I still have trouble with that hand. > Have taken many different Rx for this ailment over the years, all with varying > effectiveness and side effects. I'm on a multitude of meds right now for > various other ailments as well. I've been on prednisone for nearly 7 yrs. now, > decreasing the dose until I'm at 5mgs, only a few times a month unless I get > into severe pain and swelling. I am a textbook case of the side effects from > that and while it is a " miracle " drug when I'm in a bad way, I've felt like > it's a monkey on my back at times. It took a very long time of finally > getting to this point in the dosage. My little GP is doing the best he can and the > ortho and neuro are too, but their hands are tied since they can't find a > rheum who'll take Medicaid to send me to. Anyhow, just asking about the > antibiotic protocol. Not sure how these docs would react if i took the protocol > into them to ask them about this course of action. Wondered what anyone > else has experienced in relation to this. Thanks, > American by birth, Southern by the grace of God! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 19, 2005 Report Share Posted March 19, 2005 > > > In a message dated 3/18/2005 11:15:45 PM Central Standard Time, > m.henline@p... writes: > > I have recently been diagnosed with RA. I am determined to try the > Antibiotic Protocol method of treatment. Have any of you tried it > and if so what did you think? > > > > > > I'd like to hear more about it. My options for treatment have only been > methotrexate plus either enbrel or humira. My doctor has never discussed other > options. > > Kirsten, Minnesota I just stubbled across it myself, but if you Google it you'll find plenty of info. Apparently it works quite well for some (not all) people, but those who it does work for rave about it. My thinking is " What have I got to lose by trying? " Many doctors do not offer it because they don't believe in it works, however, there are doctors out there who do - you just have to look for them. Antibiotic Protocol is based on the theory started by a doctor about 40 years ago who theorized that RA is actually caused by a type of bacteria that can be treated with a low, but constant dose of antibiotics. He had treated over 10,000 patients with this method and gotten good results with the majority of them apparently. Many going into remission. I am curious to talk to people who have tried it to see what they can tell me. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 19, 2005 Report Share Posted March 19, 2005 Hi: I have been taking Minocycline for about 5 years now to help with acne. The irony of this all is the fact that I wasn't diagnosed with RA until January of this year. Who knows....maybe I would have had symptoms earlier had I not been taking the Minocycline. I am still taking it in hopes that it will in some way help improve things. My doctor used it to treat and " cure " his RA, and he swears by it. He said it took about 6 full months before he noticed a huge difference. He told me that his symptoms are minimal and at times he forgets he even has RA. I don't know what you pay for it in the US, but here in Canada, it's quite inexpensive. I have partial coverage through my medical benefits, and only pay about 5 dollars CDN a month for 200mg a day dose. It's worth consulting your Rheumy about including it as part of your drug therapy. Take care... > > > I have recently been diagnosed with RA. I am determined to try the > Antibiotic Protocol method of treatment. Have any of you tried it > and if so what did you think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.