Guest guest Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 Hi everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself, my name is , I have yet to be diagnosed with anything, other than something autoimmune. My symptoms began last summer, 2 months after I gave birth to my second son. It started as extreme flu like symptoms and then severe muscle pain and stiffness, especially in my forearms, they would throb after any kind of activity. My first thought was Lyme, but two tests came back negative. Other testing for Lupus, Scleroderma, and RA came back negative as well. Nothing was helping my symptoms, not even pred. Still convinced it wasn't Lyme, I practically begged my Doc for an antibiotic to no avail. However, I was able to get an rx for Amox. from a friend and within a week of taking it my muscles loosened up and the pain and stiffness were waning. I was feeling fantastic, but then around Christmas last year my joints started bothering me. I have pretty severe pain in my hands especially. So after some online research I have found this group and AP. I am wondering about the diet that I've seen people posting about, as well as if anyone could guide me to the correct dosage and brand of antibiotic. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 Hi , Don’t know if this will help. It is from the facts and questions page. 12. WHAT LAB TESTS SHOULD BE DONE TO MONITOR MY PROGRESS? Laboratory tests are done to help in the diagnosis of the disease and to provide a baseline from which to measure progress after antibiotic therapy has begun. These include a complete blood count (CBC), rheumatoid factor (RF), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C reactive protein (CRP), antinuclear antibody (ANA), antistreptolysin-O titer (ASO), and mycoplasma complement fixation (MCF). These tests can be repeated at your doctorÕs discretion to follow your progress. Testing for strep before starting this therapy is extremely important. According to Dr. Brown and others, running the ASO titer can produce a 'false negative.' In such cases, either the Anti-DNAse B (strep) test, also called the 'ADB' test, and/or the Streptozyme test would be better. All strep tests can yield false negative results, so the combination of both the ADB and the Streptozyme test may be necessary in certain patients. The reason for this is that the ASO test measures just one streptococcal enzyme, whereas the other strep tests measure several different streptococcal enzymes, thereby increasing the chances of detecting patients who are 'carriers' of strep. When active streptococcus is present, even at low levels, it must be treated. If a patient had a history of strep, Dr. Brown would prescribe amoxicillin or ampicillin even in the absence of a positive titer. According to published research oral clindamycin is superior to either penicillin or other antibiotics because clindamycin best inhibits the 'encapsulated' form of streptococcus. Also you might do the tests fro RA, Lupus and Lymes again. Sometimes it takes a while for tests to be reactive. Good luck . Hope this helps. cooky From: rheumatic [mailto:rheumatic ] On Behalf Of ksuebach Hi everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself, my name is , I have yet to be diagnosed with anything, other than something autoimmune. My symptoms began last summer, 2 months after I gave birth to my second son. It started as extreme flu like symptoms and then severe muscle pain and stiffness, especially in my forearms, they would throb after any kind of activity. My first thought was Lyme, but two tests came back negative. Other testing for Lupus, Scleroderma, and RA came back negative as well. Nothing was helping my symptoms, not even pred. Still convinced it wasn't Lyme, I practically begged my Doc for an antibiotic to no avail. However, I was able to get an rx for Amox. from a friend and within a week of taking it my muscles loosened up and the pain and stiffness were waning. I was feeling fantastic, but then around Christmas last year my joints started bothering me. I have pretty severe pain in my hands especially. So after some online research I have found this group and AP. I am wondering about the diet that I've seen people posting about, as well as if anyone could guide me to the correct dosage and brand of antibiotic. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 Hi , I don't know what Lyme tests were done on you but I recommend the Igenex Western Blot test. I too had 'negative' results for Lyme's until I took that test. If you told your doctor that the antibiotics helped you and he still wouldn't prescribe them then it is time to find a new doctor! If you will tell me the state you live in I will see what doctors are in your area that are receptive to the antibiotic protocol (AP.) El _____ From: rheumatic [mailto:rheumatic ] On Behalf Of ksuebach Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 2:10 PM rheumatic Subject: rheumatic Introduction =) Hi everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself, my name is , I have yet to be diagnosed with anything, other than something autoimmune. My symptoms began last summer, 2 months after I gave birth to my second son. It started as extreme flu like symptoms and then severe muscle pain and stiffness, especially in my forearms, they would throb after any kind of activity. My first thought was Lyme, but two tests came back negative. Other testing for Lupus, Scleroderma, and RA came back negative as well. Nothing was helping my symptoms, not even pred. Still convinced it wasn't Lyme, I practically begged my Doc for an antibiotic to no avail. However, I was able to get an rx for Amox. from a friend and within a week of taking it my muscles loosened up and the pain and stiffness were waning. I was feeling fantastic, but then around Christmas last year my joints started bothering me. I have pretty severe pain in my hands especially. So after some online research I have found this group and AP. I am wondering about the diet that I've seen people posting about, as well as if anyone could guide me to the correct dosage and brand of antibiotic. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 I need help, too. I live near ton, SC, and have RA. My rheumatologist and his group do not believe in using antiobiotics or LDN to treat RA, but they do want to put me on Orencia as soon as I will agree to it, which I am hesitant to do. I have read much about treating RA with antibiotics and believe that would help. But I don't know how to find a Dr. near me that would be willing to treat RA with antibiotics, specifically Minocin, and/or LDN. How can I locate a Dr. in or near ton, SC, or North ton, SC, or anywhere in that area who is willing and does treat RA patients with antiobitics and/or LDN? I have no clue how to find this doctor, but very much want to try this. I have had RA for about 3 years now, but also have had OA for many years and have had both knees replaced in the last 5 years due to the destruction the OA caused. Please help me if you possibly can.  Thanks so much,  Bonnie G. Knight bonniegknight@...  From: ehgooding <ehgooding@...> Subject: RE: rheumatic Introduction =) rheumatic Date: Thursday, March 10, 2011, 7:57 PM  Hi , I don't know what Lyme tests were done on you but I recommend the Igenex Western Blot test. I too had 'negative' results for Lyme's until I took that test. If you told your doctor that the antibiotics helped you and he still wouldn't prescribe them then it is time to find a new doctor! If you will tell me the state you live in I will see what doctors are in your area that are receptive to the antibiotic protocol (AP.) El _____ From: rheumatic [mailto:rheumatic ] On Behalf Of ksuebach Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 2:10 PM rheumatic Subject: rheumatic Introduction =) Hi everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself, my name is , I have yet to be diagnosed with anything, other than something autoimmune. My symptoms began last summer, 2 months after I gave birth to my second son. It started as extreme flu like symptoms and then severe muscle pain and stiffness, especially in my forearms, they would throb after any kind of activity. My first thought was Lyme, but two tests came back negative. Other testing for Lupus, Scleroderma, and RA came back negative as well. Nothing was helping my symptoms, not even pred. Still convinced it wasn't Lyme, I practically begged my Doc for an antibiotic to no avail. However, I was able to get an rx for Amox. from a friend and within a week of taking it my muscles loosened up and the pain and stiffness were waning. I was feeling fantastic, but then around Christmas last year my joints started bothering me. I have pretty severe pain in my hands especially. So after some online research I have found this group and AP. I am wondering about the diet that I've seen people posting about, as well as if anyone could guide me to the correct dosage and brand of antibiotic. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 Hi Bonnie, you'll get plenty of help with this group....and I'm sure they'll be a AP doc near you (I don't have a list). You'll hear back from many. How are you with knee replacements? I have to get hips done because of RA. Perhaps being on AP (7 months) I'll be spared the knees. Best to you Bonnie and keep us posted. Sally rheumatic Introduction =) Hi everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself, my name is , I have yet to be diagnosed with anything, other than something autoimmune. My symptoms began last summer, 2 months after I gave birth to my second son. It started as extreme flu like symptoms and then severe muscle pain and stiffness, especially in my forearms, they would throb after any kind of activity. My first thought was Lyme, but two tests came back negative. Other testing for Lupus, Scleroderma, and RA came back negative as well. Nothing was helping my symptoms, not even pred. Still convinced it wasn't Lyme, I practically begged my Doc for an antibiotic to no avail. However, I was able to get an rx for Amox. from a friend and within a week of taking it my muscles loosened up and the pain and stiffness were waning. I was feeling fantastic, but then around Christmas last year my joints started bothering me. I have pretty severe pain in my hands especially. So after some online research I have found this group and AP. I am wondering about the diet that I've seen people posting about, as well as if anyone could guide me to the correct dosage and brand of antibiotic. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 Sally, are you going to a rehab after your hip surgery? I went to one and it really helped me get back to walking. Take care. Eva From: ehgooding <ehgooding@...> Subject: RE: rheumatic Introduction =) rheumatic Date: Thursday, March 10, 2011, 7:57 PM Hi , I don't know what Lyme tests were done on you but I recommend the Igenex Western Blot test. I too had 'negative' results for Lyme's until I took that test. If you told your doctor that the antibiotics helped you and he still wouldn't prescribe them then it is time to find a new doctor! If you will tell me the state you live in I will see what doctors are in your area that are receptive to the antibiotic protocol (AP.) El _____ From: rheumatic [mailto:rheumatic ] On Behalf Of ksuebach Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 2:10 PM rheumatic Subject: rheumatic Introduction =) Hi everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself, my name is , I have yet to be diagnosed with anything, other than something autoimmune. My symptoms began last summer, 2 months after I gave birth to my second son. It started as extreme flu like symptoms and then severe muscle pain and stiffness, especially in my forearms, they would throb after any kind of activity. My first thought was Lyme, but two tests came back negative. Other testing for Lupus, Scleroderma, and RA came back negative as well. Nothing was helping my symptoms, not even pred. Still convinced it wasn't Lyme, I practically begged my Doc for an antibiotic to no avail. However, I was able to get an rx for Amox. from a friend and within a week of taking it my muscles loosened up and the pain and stiffness were waning. I was feeling fantastic, but then around Christmas last year my joints started bothering me. I have pretty severe pain in my hands especially. So after some online research I have found this group and AP. I am wondering about the diet that I've seen people posting about, as well as if anyone could guide me to the correct dosage and brand of antibiotic. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 Bonnie, tell your rheumy that Minocycline is now accepted as treatment for RA, it is in the new Arthritis book, the last mentioned medicine to be used for RA. If you can find a new book you may be able to show it to your doctor. Eva From: ehgooding <ehgooding@...> Subject: RE: rheumatic Introduction =) rheumatic Date: Thursday, March 10, 2011, 7:57 PM Â Hi , I don't know what Lyme tests were done on you but I recommend the Igenex Western Blot test. I too had 'negative' results for Lyme's until I took that test. If you told your doctor that the antibiotics helped you and he still wouldn't prescribe them then it is time to find a new doctor! If you will tell me the state you live in I will see what doctors are in your area that are receptive to the antibiotic protocol (AP.) El _____ From: rheumatic [mailto:rheumatic ] On Behalf Of ksuebach Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 2:10 PM rheumatic Subject: rheumatic Introduction =) Hi everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself, my name is , I have yet to be diagnosed with anything, other than something autoimmune. My symptoms began last summer, 2 months after I gave birth to my second son. It started as extreme flu like symptoms and then severe muscle pain and stiffness, especially in my forearms, they would throb after any kind of activity. My first thought was Lyme, but two tests came back negative. Other testing for Lupus, Scleroderma, and RA came back negative as well. Nothing was helping my symptoms, not even pred. Still convinced it wasn't Lyme, I practically begged my Doc for an antibiotic to no avail. However, I was able to get an rx for Amox. from a friend and within a week of taking it my muscles loosened up and the pain and stiffness were waning. I was feeling fantastic, but then around Christmas last year my joints started bothering me. I have pretty severe pain in my hands especially. So after some online research I have found this group and AP. I am wondering about the diet that I've seen people posting about, as well as if anyone could guide me to the correct dosage and brand of antibiotic. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 Hi , Mine also began after the birth of a child (my first). My first notable flare was around 6 mos post partum. I was diagnosed with sero negative RA within 3 months. I am so sorry you are experiencing this. I just had my second child (4 months) (first born is 2.5) and am just starting to come out of my pregnancy induced remission. I do have an established rheumy, but she doesn't believe in AP, so I have found another Dr. He is the one that is suggesting a diet along with supplements. So, I feel good that I am at least on some type of path of discovery and recovery. Once I stop breastfeeding, I will start the AP. Be persistent/aggressive and get the tests you need! Hugs, Carey On Thu, Mar 10, 2011 at 10:11 PM, Eva Holloway <holloway-eva@...>wrote: > > > Sally, > are you going to a rehab after your hip surgery? I went to one and it > really helped me get back to walking. Take care. > Eva > > > > From: ehgooding <ehgooding@...> > Subject: RE: rheumatic Introduction =) > rheumatic > Date: Thursday, March 10, 2011, 7:57 PM > > Hi , > > I don't know what Lyme tests were done on you but I recommend the Igenex > Western Blot test. I too had 'negative' results for Lyme's until I took > that test. If you told your doctor that the antibiotics helped you and he > still wouldn't prescribe them then it is time to find a new doctor! If you > will tell me the state you live in I will see what doctors are in your area > that are receptive to the antibiotic protocol (AP.) El > > _____ > > From: rheumatic [mailto:rheumatic ] On > Behalf > Of ksuebach > Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 2:10 PM > rheumatic > Subject: rheumatic Introduction =) > > Hi everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself, my name is , I have > yet > to be diagnosed with anything, other than something autoimmune. My symptoms > began last summer, 2 months after I gave birth to my second son. It started > as extreme flu like symptoms and then severe muscle pain and stiffness, > especially in my forearms, they would throb after any kind of activity. My > first thought was Lyme, but two tests came back negative. Other testing for > Lupus, Scleroderma, and RA came back negative as well. Nothing was helping > my symptoms, not even pred. Still convinced it wasn't Lyme, I practically > begged my Doc for an antibiotic to no avail. However, I was able to get an > rx for Amox. from a friend and within a week of taking it my muscles > loosened up and the pain and stiffness were waning. I was feeling > fantastic, > but then around Christmas last year my joints started bothering me. I have > pretty severe pain in my hands especially. So after some online research I > have found this group and AP. > I am wondering about the diet that I've seen people posting about, as well > as if anyone could guide me to the correct dosage and brand of antibiotic. > Any help would be greatly appreciated! > > Thanks so much! > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 Carey< Congratulations on the new baby, and I am so glad you are breastfeeding. Have you considered LDN(low dose naltrexone), google it. It is considered safe even in pregnancy, and may give you some relief so that your little one can get breastmilk for longer. ( a whole year if you can manage it) I breastfed both of mine long term, but didn't know I had arthritis until after I weaned. I always thought I broke my toe, and then it didn't heal right so arthritis set in. It was only one toe and one metatarsal joint at the time. WHen it started to spread, I had to look for systemic causes. Mine also started at 3months post partum with baby #2. Kinga rheumatic Introduction =) >> >> Hi everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself, my name is , I have >> yet >> to be diagnosed with anything, other than something autoimmune. My >> symptoms >> began last summer, 2 months after I gave birth to my second son. It >> started >> as extreme flu like symptoms and then severe muscle pain and stiffness, >> especially in my forearms, they would throb after any kind of activity. >> My >> first thought was Lyme, but two tests came back negative. Other testing >> for >> Lupus, Scleroderma, and RA came back negative as well. Nothing was >> helping >> my symptoms, not even pred. Still convinced it wasn't Lyme, I practically >> begged my Doc for an antibiotic to no avail. However, I was able to get >> an >> rx for Amox. from a friend and within a week of taking it my muscles >> loosened up and the pain and stiffness were waning. I was feeling >> fantastic, >> but then around Christmas last year my joints started bothering me. I >> have >> pretty severe pain in my hands especially. So after some online research >> I >> have found this group and AP. >> I am wondering about the diet that I've seen people posting about, as >> well >> as if anyone could guide me to the correct dosage and brand of >> antibiotic. >> Any help would be greatly appreciated! >> >> Thanks so much! >> >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 Thanks for the info - can you tell me the author's name for that book so I can find it somewhere? Thanks!   I would rather live my life as if there is a God, And die to find out there isn't, than live my life As if there isn't, and die to find out there is.  " Love is not what you say, but what you do. " - Hammerstein From: ehgooding <ehgooding@...> Subject: RE: rheumatic Introduction =) rheumatic Date: Thursday, March 10, 2011, 7:57 PM  Hi , I don't know what Lyme tests were done on you but I recommend the Igenex Western Blot test. I too had 'negative' results for Lyme's until I took that test. If you told your doctor that the antibiotics helped you and he still wouldn't prescribe them then it is time to find a new doctor! If you will tell me the state you live in I will see what doctors are in your area that are receptive to the antibiotic protocol (AP.) El _____ From: rheumatic [mailto:rheumatic ] On Behalf Of ksuebach Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 2:10 PM rheumatic Subject: rheumatic Introduction =) Hi everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself, my name is , I have yet to be diagnosed with anything, other than something autoimmune. My symptoms began last summer, 2 months after I gave birth to my second son. It started as extreme flu like symptoms and then severe muscle pain and stiffness, especially in my forearms, they would throb after any kind of activity. My first thought was Lyme, but two tests came back negative. Other testing for Lupus, Scleroderma, and RA came back negative as well. Nothing was helping my symptoms, not even pred. Still convinced it wasn't Lyme, I practically begged my Doc for an antibiotic to no avail. However, I was able to get an rx for Amox. from a friend and within a week of taking it my muscles loosened up and the pain and stiffness were waning. I was feeling fantastic, but then around Christmas last year my joints started bothering me. I have pretty severe pain in my hands especially. So after some online research I have found this group and AP. I am wondering about the diet that I've seen people posting about, as well as if anyone could guide me to the correct dosage and brand of antibiotic. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 The knee replacements are great! No pain there, although I can feel the RA getting around the knees, it cannot get into them. Ha Ha! They are almost as good as brand new, real life knees. Painful surgery, but well worth it if you need it done. However, don't let anyone do both knees at the same time - it is very dangerous due to the possiblity of blood clots, and would be much too difficult to come back from having both knees done at once. I had mine done 2 1/2 years apart and would do it that way again if need be. Physical therapy is necessary, difficult, but well worth the work since it's the only way to really get back to real life.  BK I would rather live my life as if there is a God, And die to find out there isn't, than live my life As if there isn't, and die to find out there is.  " Love is not what you say, but what you do. " - Hammerstein From: ehgooding <ehgooding@...> Subject: RE: rheumatic Introduction =) rheumatic Date: Thursday, March 10, 2011, 7:57 PM Hi , I don't know what Lyme tests were done on you but I recommend the Igenex Western Blot test. I too had 'negative' results for Lyme's until I took that test. If you told your doctor that the antibiotics helped you and he still wouldn't prescribe them then it is time to find a new doctor! If you will tell me the state you live in I will see what doctors are in your area that are receptive to the antibiotic protocol (AP.) El _____ From: rheumatic [mailto:rheumatic ] On Behalf Of ksuebach Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 2:10 PM rheumatic Subject: rheumatic Introduction =) Hi everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself, my name is , I have yet to be diagnosed with anything, other than something autoimmune. My symptoms began last summer, 2 months after I gave birth to my second son. It started as extreme flu like symptoms and then severe muscle pain and stiffness, especially in my forearms, they would throb after any kind of activity. My first thought was Lyme, but two tests came back negative. Other testing for Lupus, Scleroderma, and RA came back negative as well. Nothing was helping my symptoms, not even pred. Still convinced it wasn't Lyme, I practically begged my Doc for an antibiotic to no avail. However, I was able to get an rx for Amox. from a friend and within a week of taking it my muscles loosened up and the pain and stiffness were waning. I was feeling fantastic, but then around Christmas last year my joints started bothering me. I have pretty severe pain in my hands especially. So after some online research I have found this group and AP. I am wondering about the diet that I've seen people posting about, as well as if anyone could guide me to the correct dosage and brand of antibiotic. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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