Re: Response from an Infectious Diesease physician.

September 27, 2009

Yes, Dr Whitman is a rheumy and he is the DR who put me on the minocin when I

was first ill....Then when I developed a lung disease...he, not my lung DRs

here....insisted on my trying a less toxic treatment that my insurance flatly

refused to pay for....he threw his weight behind my repeated requests to the ins

company, told me to go public, I did...resulting in my receiving this life

saving treatment instead of the more toxic and not proven cytoxin for my lung

disease. He does tweak the treatment as needed....I found him to be the most

brilliant, and thinking outside the box physician that I have seen...if you are

looking for touchy, feely tho....that is not him...he is to the point and gets

it done! I like that though, I show up, organized and with lists of my meds and

supplements, list of questions, list of symptoms, etc...and copies of all labs

since the last time I saw him with the most recent tests and labs on top of my

notebook...Dr Whitman also had me taking the minocin and then once a month, had

me on oral clindy...he said he felt that the oral clindy penetrated the cells

just as well as the IV....and was easier for more patients to use. DR Whitman

always sends me home with a list of labs he wants done and a summary of what he

thinks during our appt, what he has viewed during the clinical exam and the

symptoms...these are his notes for my file and he always gives me a copy of

these notes and our plan...I find him thorough and accessible....I have seen him

for 10 yrs now....

Hope this helps, Debbie in Loveland, Ohio

Original Message -----

From: Tbird2340

rheumatic

Sent: Sunday, September 27, 2009 8:02 AM

Subject: rheumatic Re: Response from an Infectious Diesease physician.

So this Dr Whitman is actually a rheumy who believes in AP? I didn't think

that existed!! So is it safe to say he is very experienced in AP and that he

truly believes in it? (IE: Won't try pushing the standard RA drugs)?

I have been thinking of trying to find a more experienced AP doc.. I feel mine

just prescribes the Mino and won't know what to do if we need to tweak

anything..

Does Dr Whitman often tweak the protocol to each indvidual?

Thanks!

> > >

> > > Fairly typical response. I have been yelled at by various Drs and

dismissed routinely... par for the course. I was on the Antibiotic Protocol for

over 2 yrs...All of my SD symptoms disappeared. ...I did quite well until I had

an unfortunate allergic, " hypersensitive reaction " to the minocin...I developed

a lung condition called OB, Obliterative Bronchiolitis. ...BOOP or OB...or

BO...depending on which DR is speaking of my lung issue...The OB could have been

caused by the minocin...OR. ..the OB could have also been caused by my RA or the

SD...I am diagnosed with both SD, scleroderma and RA...I have read of cases in

the literature where patients with RA developed OB....and this without being on

the minocin protocol...I have also read of patients, taking minocin protocol for

NOT Autoimmune disease, SD or other...but on the minocin protocol for an acne

therapy....several of these patients developed OB....To the best of my

knowledge, the patients on the

> minocin for Acne....when they developed the OB...they were immediately taken

off the minocin and the resulting lung condition dissipated.. .So....did I get

OB from the minocin or from RA or SD?? Don't know but my very learned and well

respected rheumy, DR. Hendriks Whitman took me off the minocin immediately.

....and I have not been allowed to go back on it...just more information for you,

hope this helps. I felt better on the minocin therapy than I had in

years...most, if not all of my symptoms disappeared until the lung condition

surfaced...Still, while Dr. Whitman will not allow me to try the minocin

again...because of the cases in the literature where minocin caused OB

(particularly in the acne patients) I felt that the antibiotic therapy did help

me.

> > > Good luck to you....keep searching for good Drs...they are out there...I

found DR. Whitman on this BB....he came highly recommended. ...and to this day,

we drive from Ohio to NJ to see him once a year.

> > > Debbie, Loveland, Ohio

> > > rheumatic Response from an Infectious Diesease physician.

> > >

> > > Some of you may remember my wife's name, , from a few weeks ago.

She was recently diagnosed with Lupus and Polymyocitis in April of this year. We

are new to all this and are actively looking for a physician that will oversee

her AP. If you remember, we did find a " pusher " that is willing to prescribe the

antibiotics which she has already started, but, beyond that, is non-existent.

> > >

> > > I thought I would share a letter from an Infectious Diesease physician

that I recently (9/25) presented her records to in order to request his

assistance. The following is his response I just received in email form today:

> > >

> > > Dear Mr. _____,

> > >

> > > while I am impressed by the incredibly diligent documentation of your

wife's illness and am truly sorry for the devastation that your wife's illness

must have caused both of you, I am unfortunately not a good choice as a

physician to accompany your wife through this ordeal.

> > >

> > > While I agree that infections are a likely trigger for many autoimmune

illnesses, there is clear evidence that treatment of any such triggers will not

affect the course of the subsequent illness other than through placebo effect.

Let me give you an example from another field: While it is clear that smoking

induces mutations that cause lung cancer, the treatment for the cancer is

chemotherapy not a nicotine patch and smoking cessation. The same is true for

autoimmune diseases.

> > >

> > > Physicians who continue to adhere to Dr. Brown's theories often offer

other " quack " theories and treatments as well, many of which are perfectly

capable of draining patient's wealth or causing major side effects without any

significant improvement. However many of these have appropriately lost their

licenses, more seem to pop up at any given time, willing to take advantage of

desperate patients.

> > >

> > > Your wife needs significant immunosuppresive therapy guided by an

experienced rheumatologist and not antibiotics. I can assure you that the

protocol suggested is not benign and can have significant and potentially fatal

side effects, with, in my view, no reasonable chance of improvement. Please

remain vigilant.

> > >

> > > With regards and best wishes for the health of your wife

> > >

> > > ____________ _________ __, MD

> > >

> > > Division Chief

> > > Division of Infectious Diseases

> > >

> > > I will say this, he is prompt and direct. Anyway, ....... on to the next

physician.

> > >

> > > Rick

> > >

> > > BTW, sorry I missed the chat. Found out too late and still had a problem

registering. The process is not very clear.

> > >

September 27, 2009

You are very welcome. When I was first diagnosed, (10 yrs ago) many on this BB

helped me in so many ways. Ethel, SocJog and always and others...Now that

I have researched and read and visited many of the AP Drs...it is my turn to

pass it forward as they did and do...

rheumatic Response from an Infectious Diesease physician.

> > >

> > > Some of you may remember my wife's name, , from a few weeks ago.

She was recently diagnosed with Lupus and Polymyocitis in April of this year. We

are new to all this and are actively looking for a physician that will oversee

her AP. If you remember, we did find a " pusher " that is willing to prescribe the

antibiotics which she has already started, but, beyond that, is non-existent.

> > >

> > > I thought I would share a letter from an Infectious Diesease physician

that I recently (9/25) presented her records to in order to request his

assistance. The following is his response I just received in email form today:

> > >

> > > Dear Mr. _____,

> > >

> > > while I am impressed by the incredibly diligent documentation of your

wife's illness and am truly sorry for the devastation that your wife's illness

must have caused both of you, I am unfortunately not a good choice as a

physician to accompany your wife through this ordeal.

> > >

> > > While I agree that infections are a likely trigger for many autoimmune

illnesses, there is clear evidence that treatment of any such triggers will not

affect the course of the subsequent illness other than through placebo effect.

Let me give you an example from another field: While it is clear that smoking

induces mutations that cause lung cancer, the treatment for the cancer is

chemotherapy not a nicotine patch and smoking cessation. The same is true for

autoimmune diseases.

> > >

> > > Physicians who continue to adhere to Dr. Brown's theories often offer

other " quack " theories and treatments as well, many of which are perfectly

capable of draining patient's wealth or causing major side effects without any

significant improvement. However many of these have appropriately lost their

licenses, more seem to pop up at any given time, willing to take advantage of

desperate patients.

> > >

> > > Your wife needs significant immunosuppresive therapy guided by an

experienced rheumatologist and not antibiotics. I can assure you that the

protocol suggested is not benign and can have significant and potentially fatal

side effects, with, in my view, no reasonable chance of improvement. Please

remain vigilant.

> > >

> > > With regards and best wishes for the health of your wife

> > >

> > > _______________________, MD

> > >

> > > Division Chief

> > > Division of Infectious Diseases

> > >

> > > I will say this, he is prompt and direct. Anyway, ....... on to the next

physician.

> > >

> > > Rick

> > >

> > > BTW, sorry I missed the chat. Found out too late and still had a problem

registering. The process is not very clear.

> > >

September 27, 2009

yes Dr. whitman was trained by Dr Brown. There ia a book written by a lady who

suffered from very sever scleroderma and was treated with by Dr. Whitman.

(that lady went to complete remission after 5 years and as far as I know she is

still doing good after 15 years).

she called Dr. Brown (many years ago when he was alive) to discuss her condition

with him. when Dr brown found that she was treated by Dr. Whitman, told her she

was in a good hand. Dr. Brown was his trainer in AP.

I see Dr Whitman every 3 months in NYC. He is really good. he listens to me

and upon my request to try new antibiotic and LDN, he prescribed them. when the

inflammation is very high, he may prescribe prednisone or other similar

medication. seems high inflammation doesn't allow minocin penetrate into the

cells. I highly recommend him.

From: pictisch <tisch29@...>

Subject: Re: rheumatic Re: Response from an Infectious Diesease physician.

rheumatic

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2009, 8:20 PM

Did he really study under Dr Brown???

____________ _________ _________ __

From: DEBBIE GIBSON <Debbullwinkle@ fuse.net>

rheumatic@grou ps.com

Sent: Saturday, September 26, 2009 10:46:54 PM

Subject: Re: rheumatic Re: Response from an Infectious Diesease physician.

Yes, that is him!!!!! :>)) he came highly recommended by other patients on this

BB and I first saw him when first dx approx 10 yrs ago....DR W has saved my

life, literally, several times...and he has helped educate my insurance company

as to what treatments I need and what should be paid for and helped me fight for

them...He is very experienced with the antibiotic protocol and I believe he

trained with DR. Brown...He is well worth the drive....I have no idea where you

live, he is a good 12 hr drive for us, but well worth it....if you go, plan on

bringing copies of all labs, tests, etc...anything your wife has had done...come

prepared...come with a list of meds your wife is on...I type up these as well as

symptoms.... the better to maximize the first hour long appt...I adore

him...absolutely adore him!!

Debbie

rheumatic Response from an Infectious Diesease physician.

> >

> > Some of you may remember my wife's name, , from a few weeks ago. She

was recently diagnosed with Lupus and Polymyocitis in April of this year. We are

new to all this and are actively looking for a physician that will oversee her

AP. If you remember, we did find a " pusher " that is willing to prescribe the

antibiotics which she has already started, but, beyond that, is non-existent.

> >

> > I thought I would share a letter from an Infectious Diesease physician that

I recently (9/25) presented her records to in order to request his assistance.

The following is his response I just received in email form today:

> >

> > Dear Mr. _____,

> >

> > while I am impressed by the incredibly diligent documentation of your wife's

illness and am truly sorry for the devastation that your wife's illness must

have caused both of you, I am unfortunately not a good choice as a physician to

accompany your wife through this ordeal.

> >

> > While I agree that infections are a likely trigger for many autoimmune

illnesses, there is clear evidence that treatment of any such triggers will not

affect the course of the subsequent illness other than through placebo effect.

Let me give you an example from another field: While it is clear that smoking

induces mutations that cause lung cancer, the treatment for the cancer is

chemotherapy not a nicotine patch and smoking cessation. The same is true for

autoimmune diseases.

> >

> > Physicians who continue to adhere to Dr. Brown's theories often offer other

" quack " theories and treatments as well, many of which are perfectly capable of

draining patient's wealth or causing major side effects without any significant

improvement. However many of these have appropriately lost their licenses, more

seem to pop up at any given time, willing to take advantage of desperate

patients.

> >

> > Your wife needs significant immunosuppresive therapy guided by an

experienced rheumatologist and not antibiotics. I can assure you that the

protocol suggested is not benign and can have significant and potentially fatal

side effects, with, in my view, no reasonable chance of improvement. Please

remain vigilant.

> >

> > With regards and best wishes for the health of your wife

> >

> > ____________ _________ __, MD

> >

> > Division Chief

> > Division of Infectious Diseases

> >

> > I will say this, he is prompt and direct. Anyway, ....... on to the next

physician.

> >

> > Rick

> >

> > BTW, sorry I missed the chat. Found out too late and still had a problem

registering. The process is not very clear.

> >

September 28, 2009

Rick, he will see new patients. I haved been seeing Dr. Trentham in Boston

for over two years now, but I feel so very rushed when I go there, ever

since my first visit, where he spent so much time with me. I have made an

appoint ment to see Dr. Whitman on December 7th. He did have appointments

available before that time, but I will be in New Jersey for a wedding that week,

so thought it would be perfect. From what I understand he is very open to

different things other doctors do not seem to be, and I would love to

introduce Clindymyacin and LDN to my treatment - currently just taking 100 mg.

minocycline twice daily.

I have Diffuse Systemic Scleroderma, Sjogrens, Raynauds, along with a

thyroid problem and growth on my thyroid, with possible MS

September 28, 2009

Thank Onyx. As we are trying to gather together all our options this is good to

know.

Rick

>

> Rick, he will see new patients. I haved been seeing Dr. Trentham in Boston

> for over two years now, but I feel so very rushed when I go there, ever

> since my first visit, where he spent so much time with me. I have made an

> appoint ment to see Dr. Whitman on December 7th. He did have appointments

> available before that time, but I will be in New Jersey for a wedding that

week,

> so thought it would be perfect. From what I understand he is very open to

> different things other doctors do not seem to be, and I would love to

> introduce Clindymyacin and LDN to my treatment - currently just taking 100 mg.

> minocycline twice daily.

>

> I have Diffuse Systemic Scleroderma, Sjogrens, Raynauds, along with a

> thyroid problem and growth on my thyroid, with possible MS

>

September 28, 2009

Sorry...hit wrong button....since his first surgery...I have lived on

the internet trying to find a solution to 's health issues. We

have refused to take the Methahex until a clear diagnosis. He has an

aptm. with Dr. Franco in November...We went through hurricane Ike last

year. We have discovered alot of mold in our home in the last two

weeks. We had to have an environmental company do testing. We are

waiting for the protocal for the remediation. In 's study, they

found a high concentration of a bad mold...we moved him in there during

the summer to recover from his knee surgery...separate issue....torn

ligament years back....therefore, he recovered in a bed set a little

lower for him to get in and out of....his health began to deteriate

quickly over the last 5 months. I called Dr. Francos office this

morning to let them know about the horrible mold exposure he has been

living in for the last year...as well as confined to for the last 4 0r 5

months....

Dr. Franco's office wanted the environmental report on the molds

discovered...I wasn't sure if I should find an environmental

immunologist/allergiest....there is a protocal just for fungal/mold

problems...however, Dr. Franco's office said they would treat for that

problem if needed and to send his blood and any reports....

This has been a very difficult time consuming journey....I live on the

internet...I almost feel like I could become a microbiologist

researcher....we too have the looks of you don't know what you are

talking about...our own internist said however, until there is a clear

diagnosis...he would not get on the Methahex...or immune suppressant

drugs...

I stumbled upon your group....I am sooo relieved to see so many people

helping each other. I had a few Dr.'s names ...who will try AP...even

an obgyn about an hour and a half from here...but, I thought we would

start with Dr. Franco....so sad that in a city as large as Houston

another hour fifteen away...we haven't been able to locate an AP

doctor....there are a couple of places...but, wants an MD, DO, or

ra.

We have got rid of sugar, and wheat...have him on supplements for

arthritis, flushing with water, and definately probiotics. We have

moved him out of the house...remediation should begin in the next week

or so. I am constantly searching for new info. Ya'll have been so

helpful and amazing. Plus...new names of Dr.'s. It makes it easier for

and his family realize that this isn't some quack treatment.

Thank ya'll for sharing your personal stories...I will continue to let

ya'll in on our journey. It still amazes me that a top Ra doctor in

Houston at one of the large teaching schools told that he never

heard of antibiotic treatment for RA or any immune problems...but, I

have uncovered an large amount of info regarding this treatment. Why

are the doctor's so against trying the antibiotics? I know...I know

they are part of the insurance, and drug co.'s....but, it is

discouraging...what problems can arise from taking the low dose

antibiotics? I have only just this week learned about discoloration of

skin, teeth, and possible fungal issues. Are there other longterm

health issues possible from over doing antibiotics? I know what the

immune suppressant drugs can do to him.

I will close for now. Thanks again for ya'lls imput...and it's nice to

have others who are going through the same problems.

Best wishes...Cathie

>

> Rick, he will see new patients. I haved been seeing Dr. Trentham in

Boston

> for over two years now, but I feel so very rushed when I go there,

ever

> since my first visit, where he spent so much time with me. I have made

an

> appoint ment to see Dr. Whitman on December 7th. He did have

appointments

> available before that time, but I will be in New Jersey for a wedding

that week,

> so thought it would be perfect. From what I understand he is very open

to

> different things other doctors do not seem to be, and I would love to

> introduce Clindymyacin and LDN to my treatment - currently just taking

100 mg.

> minocycline twice daily.

>

> I have Diffuse Systemic Scleroderma, Sjogrens, Raynauds, along with a

> thyroid problem and growth on my thyroid, with possible MS

>

September 28, 2009

Okay ...first time out...I've already messed up...the first part of my

text was erased....so you will have read the latter part...

My name is Cathie. My husband is . He had extremely large

ganglion cysts on both wrists...as well as a knee that needed repairing

from a previous injury. He is 52 years old and in wonderful condition.

In May, he had the first surgery on his wrist and knee. The wrist

surgeon came out and told me that he had never seen anything like all

the " gunk " he had to remove from his forearm, and into his upper hand.

He suggested that we see a Rheumatoid doctor to see if this was RA. We

set up an aptm. in Houston with a RA doctor in a prominant teaching

hospital in the major medical center. The RA doctor ordered blood work,

and all came out negative. He wanted the other wrist operated on and to

run a culture on what was removed due to a possible bacterial infection.

The other surgeon in our small city did not order a culture on the first

surgery.

The Houston surgeon also had a shocked look when he came to visit with

me...he had never seen any thing like it and ordered all tissue to be

cultured. We would have to wait 8 weeks for any results. Well, they

have since come back negative...they tested for all possible bacteria.

The RA stated that he could not clearly state if it was RA...but, listed

it as a possible diagnosis, along with a polyarthritic disease and

wanted to start on Methah. I had already done alot of research

regarding RA...other possible diagnosis...and ran across Dr. Franco. I

immediately contacted the office and we have an aptm. set up in

November.

The pathology reports from both wrists are almost identical...large cyst

found ruptured in both wrists, with yellow stuff inside, along with

abundance of material along forearm and upper hand...possible reactive

type infection or RA.

also has the cysts forming on one ankle...our local internist

ordered an MRI...because the RA doctor in houston didn't think it was

connected?...the MRI also suggests possible infection suggested surgery

for culture...but, also states could be RA. The cysts are growing on

the ankle...they do not cause pain.

Then recently is when we discovered the mold from our last hurricane

IKE...I think this is caught up...thank ya'll for listening...any

suggestions...ideas...greatly appreciated..

Best wishes...Cathie

> >

> > Rick, he will see new patients. I haved been seeing Dr. Trentham in

> Boston

> > for over two years now, but I feel so very rushed when I go there,

> ever

> > since my first visit, where he spent so much time with me. I have

made

> an

> > appoint ment to see Dr. Whitman on December 7th. He did have

> appointments

> > available before that time, but I will be in New Jersey for a

wedding

> that week,

> > so thought it would be perfect. From what I understand he is very

open

> to

> > different things other doctors do not seem to be, and I would love

to

> > introduce Clindymyacin and LDN to my treatment - currently just

taking

> 100 mg.

> > minocycline twice daily.

> >

> > I have Diffuse Systemic Scleroderma, Sjogrens, Raynauds, along with

a

> > thyroid problem and growth on my thyroid, with possible MS

> >

September 28, 2009

Hi cathy! Welcome aboard. You are on the right track. Good thing you

discovered the mold. The reason doctors don't do the A/P is because the old

school felt that by giving long term antibiotics, bacteria would become

resistant. That may be truefor strep and staph, but these micoplasmas are a

different species. They need the long term low dose antibiotic to weaken them

so the immune system can kill them off. That is why suppressing the immune

system is not a good idea. Second of all, they are indebted to big pharm. But

you already know that. I havea friend who works for a doctor. Big Pharm

companies are at their office every day, feeding everybody lunches. They bring

so much fatty unhealthy food. My friend brings home so much. She is 4'9 " and

weighs almost 300 lbs. The only thing I can deduce from that is that they just

want to keep the public sick. If we had a healthy nation, we wouldn't need so

much healthcare. You've

got a unique situation. You are wise to get the mosd cleaned up. That in

itself is a killer. Good luck! Youare very smart. Keep it up. You will teach

us all about how to deal with fungal issues. Thanks----Dolores & Mike

________________________________

From: mcrancho <mcrancho@...>

rheumatic

Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 2:21:53 PM