Re: Microdose Therapy & risks & benefits of cortisone

[Guest guest]

[Note to Moderator: I tried to post a slightly longer version of

this message last week but it didn't work for some reason, so here it

is again - thanks!]

Hi Charlene:

Thanks for pointing out the Microdose website. (www.microdose.com)

It looks like this therapy mainly combines the antibiotic protocol

using minocin (mincycline) with intermittent " pulses " of oral

cortisone (prednisone) to control flares. One of the quotes about

the theory on cortisone " pulses " (posted on the web site) states:

" B. Irwin, MD, Medical Director, Inflammation Institute,

University of North Dakota (a one-year demonstration

clinic) " Microdose Therapy is a new system for treating arthritis

using tiny amounts of hydrocortisone, thus avoiding its side effects.

It is built upon the idea that the arthritic's body produces an

inadequate amount of hydrocortisone when the body should stop natural

inflammation, and hydrocortisone should be given only as needed to

terminate inflammation and not at other times. "

The proponents of the Microdose therapy say that, because there is no

prolonged exposure to cortisone, there are none of the usual harmful

side effects. Although I wouldn't want to take prednisone

indefinitely, I'm somewhat interested in this therapy as a temporary

measure, as I have just started the antibiotic protocol. I

understand that, under the antibiotic protocol, it's acceptable to

occasionally use oral cortisone to control flares, especially in the

beginning (e.g. during a herx reaction), as the minocin can take up

to a year or more to take effect. The cortisone helps with the pain

while waiting to see if the antibiotic protocol will work.

Also, the Microdose theory parallels my own experience with cortisone

injections. My PA first manifested in my hands, as trigger fingers

(frozen, swollen fingers). As I had not yet been diagnosed with PA,

I was referred to a hand surgeon, who was able to " cure " each

swollen, frozen finger by injecting cortisone into the soft tissue

near the joints. Every 10 months or so another finger would swell &

freeze -- this has happened to 6 fingers so far. The injections were

almost miraculous with no side effects. I went from extreme pain &

immobility, to almost zero pain and total mobility in the injected

fingers. On occasion, two or three injections were necessary to cure

a finger, but most of the injected fingers have remained perfect

(some for over 3 years now) with no further injections necessary in

those spots.

As the PA progressed to my toes, ( & hips, shoulders etc) the hand

surgeon injected the toes, with the same amazing result. However, he

referred me to a rhematologist as well, as he suspected some

underlying arthritis. The rheumy took 3 years to diagnose PA, and

has steadfastly refused to inject any cortisone. His explanation is

that there has been no bone destruction evident so far in my x-

rays. He also uses this excuse to support his reluctance to

prescribe the stronger DMARDS (as you might have guessed, I'm looking

for another rheumy). I don't think he takes pain seriously -- he

needs to see physical evidence in the bones. Meanwhile, I keep

returning to the hand surgeon for injections. The rheumy says he's

more " conservative " than the surgeon and keeps recomending pain

management techniques and orthotics. If it weren't for the surgeon's

injections I'd have been hobbling around with useless hands for the

last 3 years.

Anyway, my suspicion is that a short oral course of cortisone might

knock out the other flares (shoulders, hips) that can't be injected

with cortisone. The microdose theory supports that idea.

Any input on this would be appreciated!!

Sharon

> Hello Everybody!

>

> A voice from the past has arisen! Has any one heard of a

> program/treatment called Microdose Therapy? They are advertising it

> on the radio here in the Phoenix area. There's a web site

> (www.microdose.com) that gives a little info about it. It

apparently

> involves eliminating diet allergens, antibiotic therapy and self-

> monitored hydrocortisone therapy. It appears to be pricey - $3500

for

> 6 months.

>

> Charlene