a few questions before beginning AP

[Guest guest]

I finally have located a doctor in our remote area who said he will

prescribe AP. I have had RA for nearly 20 years and will turn 40

this year. I have excessive deformity (both ankles, curled hands,

extremely painful hip that probably needs replaced), but a strong

will. Other than RA, which is a biggie, my health is good.

I refuse to think that it's too late for me, though that thought

tickles the back of my mind regularly. I have three children

aged 5-11 who need their mommy and a husband of 15 years who never

complains but would, I'm sure, enjoy a healthier wife. I've been

able to function and mostly ignore the pain until the last year or

so. I'm ready to take care of myself.

Blah blah blah. Enough of that and onto my questions:

I've taken lots of prednisone and am pretty certain I already

struggle with Candida. I began taking digestive enzymes along with

supplements to repair leaky gut (L-Glutamine, Olive Leaf Extract &

Slippery Elm) along with a multi-vitamin & extra vit. C to ramp up my

immune system. I haven't begun probiotics.

1. How imperative is it that I have Candida & Leaky Gut under

control before I begin AP?

2. How will I know if Candida and Leaky Gut are under control?

The arthritis is in a constant flare right now and moving into my

upper spine, which frightens me. Spinal involvement means eventual

paralysis in my mind. My point: I don't want to wait much longer.

I started AP six or seven years ago, then stopped & had baby number

three...before most of this deformity. Baby was born with a brain

defect and special needs. I tell this only to explain why I've

waited this long, realizing now that I should have re-started AP

immediately. Hindsight is 20/20 and all that.

My doctor wants me to take doxy instead of Minocin, saying that it

remains in the system longer and therefore can kill more of the

buggers. Observing my body as I've taken enzymes, it seems as though

my body needs ample opportunity to detox. With that in mind...

3. Would you recommend Minocin or doxy?

4. Am I understanding the difference correctly: that the Minocin

dose loses it's potency more quickly than the doxy dose?

My appointment is April 25, at which I expect to receive the AP

prescription.

5. Do you have any suggestions as to what else I can do in the next

two weeks to be ready?

A month or two ago I read a thread on this group about hormone

imbalance. I have also addressed that and am enjoying those

improvements.

Thanks in advance for your time,

S. --not the same who has been posting recently