Re: Auto - antibodies Lab Results (ANA) for those considering LDN

[Guest guest]

My ANA also is now negative. Although, not as high as yours was -

1:160 -- mine is now '43' and considered negative.

My TPO antibodies (thyroid) have also dropped considerably --

although still too high at 167 -- normal is below 34. I'm due for

more testing and I hope they've dropped more.

I've been taking LDN since Feb 08. I was on LDN for about 3-4 mos

when my ANA went negative.

Jann

[Guest guest]

Jann,

Interesting! I was on LDN right at 3 months when my ANA tested

negative. Keep us posted when you get updated TPO results.

Great news & blessings this holiday season.

Abby

>

> My ANA also is now negative. Although, not as high as yours was -

> 1:160 -- mine is now '43' and considered negative.

>

> My TPO antibodies (thyroid) have also dropped considerably --

> although still too high at 167 -- normal is below 34. I'm due for

> more testing and I hope they've dropped more.

>

> I've been taking LDN since Feb 08. I was on LDN for about 3-4 mos

> when my ANA went negative.

>

>

> Jann

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Abby,

Well.... I just got my lab results back -- and I'm bummed

(disappointed). Not only did my TPO (thyroid antibodies) test higher,

but also my ANA jumped back up to 132 -- which makes me 'positive'

again.

I'm trying to identify what I did differently this testing round and

the most significant change was that I changed from daytime LDN dosing

to night-time dosing. I can't imagine that this change in dosing

schedule would cause an INCREASE in antibodies --???-- I was expecting

the opposite since so many of the MS folks say that the LDN night-time

dosing produces MORE endorphins.

I also take a lot of supplements. This last testing round I also was

NOT as consistent about taking the extra selenium and niacin that I

had been taking in previous testing rounds --- so perhaps that's a

factor. --??? -- Selenium is known to reduce TPO, however, I had the

reduction in TPO early in my LDN trial before I started taking extra

selenium...so the reduction I had clearly wasn't just related to the

selenium.

The truth is that there are SO MANY variables that affect antibody

production that the increase I experienced may have NOTHING to do with

supplements or the LDN. I do know that this last month I've had

increased body aches...and am now thinking that it may be due to the

increase in antibodies....???.... geeeeez ~who knows. ??

ANYWAY....just thought I would share my latest results.

Best wishes,

Jann

[Guest guest]

Dear Jann,

How were you doing with day time dosing? Many Thyroid people have reported doing much better with morning or day time dosing. The only thing I can figure is that their body schedule is different perhaps.

I have had one person with MS do actually better with day time dosing. But other than that it seems to only be people with Thyroid issues.

All my best, Aletha

[Guest guest]

I too have Hashimotos, as well as Microscopic Colitis, and have done

better with morning dosing. I just take it as soon as I get up,

usually 3mg, but occasionally I feel the need to take 4.5mg for a few

days.

The sleep issues continued for me when I took it at night, so I just

decided to try mornings instead and I did not suffer at all with the

change. If you do well taking it in the morning, stick with it. LDN

is by no means an exact science, and everyone reacts differently. You

need to do what works for you, and you are the best judge of how you

are feeling.

Regards, Nettie

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi Abby,

>

> Well.... I just got my lab results back -- and I'm bummed

> (disappointed). Not only did my TPO (thyroid antibodies) test

higher,

> but also my ANA jumped back up to 132 -- which makes me 'positive'

> again.

>

> I'm trying to identify what I did differently this testing round and

> the most significant change was that I changed from daytime LDN

dosing

> to night-time dosing. I can't imagine that this change in dosing

> s

458

chedule would cause an INCREASE in antibodies --???-- I was expecting

> the opposite since so many of the MS folks say that the LDN night-

time

> dosing produces MORE endorphins.

>

> I also take a lot of supplements. This last testing round I also

was

> NOT as consistent about taking the extra selenium and niacin that I

> had been taking in previous testing rounds --- so perhaps that's a

> factor. --??? -- Selenium is known to reduce TPO, however, I had the

> reduction in TPO early in my LDN trial before I started taking extra

> selenium...so the reduction I had clearly wasn't just related to the

> selenium.

>

> The truth is that there are SO MANY variables that affect antibody

> production that the increase I experienced may have NOTHING to do

with

> supplements or the LDN. I do know that this last month I've had

> increased body aches...and am now thinking that it may be due to the

> increase in antibodies....???.... geeeeez ~who knows. ??

>

> ANYWAY....just thought I would share my latest results.

>

> Best wishes,

>

b68

Jann

>

===========

Jann,

Have you been tested for lyme and candida yeast/fungus? LDN can bring

them to the forefront and positive ANA could be an indication of

infection

[Guest guest]

RE: Have you been tested for lyme and candida yeast/fungus? LDN can

bring them to the forefront and positive ANA could be an indication of

infection ?

I've had yeast issues years ago (12-15yrs ?) -- indicated by blood

tests -- and I successfully treated it with an aggressive round of

Diflucan (2wks worth) and then Nystatin (2ks worth). I also went on

the " Body Ecology Diet " by Donna Gates. The die-off wasn't at all fun

as I remember it. Back then I wasn't as " aware " as I am now...I don't

think I would take that much Diflucan again. It certainly took care

of the fungus issues...but Diflucan is a STRONG drug.

Around that same time I had a lymes disease test -- which came back

negative -- but I know it wasn't the most accurate kind as they use

now. I had been bitten by a tick (in Minnesota) the summer before all

this autoimmune stuff started...so I've always wondered if that tick

bite was the environmental trigger for the start of autoimmune disease

for me. ??? ~who knows...

....

I usually go on a low carb diet after the holidays anyways -- so I

thought I'd continue with the night-time dosing and eat as if I do

have Candida and see how I do with the next round of testing. If my

antibodies are still high then I'll switch back to day-time dosing and

see if it makes a difference. ??? [This is an experiment, after all].

I'm feeling overall pretty good -- even though my thyroid levels are

NOT optimal yet-- I'm within range, but NOT optimal. To get optimal

will require me increasing my THR (thyroid hormone replacement) meds.

And then I'll need to test again in 6wks to see if the dose increase

was effective. (Feb time frame)

I know of another thyroid woman who's been taking LDN for 3+yrs(?).

She indicated that she still has high antibodies -- that they never

came down. However, as she continued with the LDN therapy she was

able to STOP taking her THR as her thyroid levels improved enough

where she didn't need the THR anymore. This is where it's tricky for

thyroid folk...because having too much thyroid hormones feels awful --

heart racing / pounding....can't sit still...ugh....don't want to

experience that again!

Thanks for the feedback,

Jann

[Guest guest]

So far as ANA testing - I don't find it an accurate indicator for

measuring my illness. The levels do not always correspond to how I'm

feeling (in fact, the worse I felt I was only at 1:320 and then when I

was on the mend I spiked up to 1:1280 - last tests hovered around

1:640). As long as I am feeling better, I don't feel any need to

doubt the medication.

This is just my 2 cents. I've learned to mistrust doctors who put too

much importance on changing ANA levels. Most other people with Lupus

I know would tell you the same... We don't know what all causes the

fluctuations.

I have been treating Candida for months and months with Nystatin. I

was up to large doses and hoping that would be sufficient, but fatigue

and symptoms unfortunately returned after discontinuing. I've ordered

a refill and will continue, but am not sure what to do if this doesn't

do the trick either. I don't believe dieting is sufficient. It

hasn't worked for me for sustained periods of time, and we have a dog

that tests positive for Candida even though he has been on a protein,

low glycemic vegetable diet only for a few years (no starches, grains,

fruits, sugars, etc. including pumpkin, yams, etc). With a diet that

controlled and no improvement, it is very difficult for me to be

optimistic about a cure with diet and supplementing alone. I have

heard it work for some people, but it just hasn't been my experience

unfortunately.

Cami

SLE

LDN since March 2008

[Guest guest]

Hi Cami,

I know what you mean about the ANA NOT being an accurate indicator of

disease vs. well-being. It's just one of the ways that I'm measuring

if LDN is being beneficial or not. ??? I don't have any debilitating

symptoms to follow...I have vitiligo and Hashimoto's with possible

Sjogrens. So without a truely 'measurable indicator' I've just been

tracking my antibody levels.

I have to say though -- that with MY increase in ANA I did feel less

optimal than I had been feeling. Nothing all that specific...more

tired and achy -- and probably had a lot to do with the colder

weather, holidays. ie; ...just being LOTS busier...and definitely NOT

eating as well as I should. ugh.

I'm sorry you're having such a hard time with the yeast. Have you

researched 'Oil of Oregeno " ?? A holistic doctor that I follow (Dr

Becker -- he has a nationally broadcasted TV health program

called " Your Health " on cable/satelite) -- he takes calls from viewers

and quite often has shows dedicated to yeast issues. He has a book

also where he outlines a treatment plan for Candida / fungus / yeast

issues. Of course probiotics are part of his therapy recommendations

-- but he has more suggestions.

ANYWAY...just something else to consider in case you haven't looked

into it.

Thanks for your feedback...it's helpful to hear other folks experiences.

Jann