Upper left of this page; Click on "About", "Diet", and "Suggested Menu". These are other pages with more information.
Before you read my story below, my current status. I continue my diet and have been RA pain free since December 2014 (stopped taking any pain pills then) and RA in remission since March 2015. Started taking Minocycline October 2014, after 2 months I was pain free. After 6 months all my blood work was good. Continued for another 6 months just to be sure we got all of the bugs, then I stopped taking Minocycline. So, I took Minocycline for one year October 2014 to October 2015. It took me about one year to get my strength & endurance back to 100%. I had zero side effects with this medical treatment.
I took for 12 months "Minocycline" 100 mg. Two capsules MWF or six caps per week. The other
days I took probiotics to keep the bowels right.
FYI "Minocycline" 100 mg cost me $10.00 per month. W/o insurance $40.00. I paid $120.00 for one year of medical treatment & I’m done.
I have had zero side effects with this medical treatment and feel great!
AP (antibiotic protocol) = A way of treating certain infections with certain antibiotics. So, the idea is that a chronic infection in the joint fluid is causing the inflammation, pain, & fatigue. Some Doctors actually believe that the immune system is attacking the joints to get at the infection in the joint fluid. Maybe not for all RA auto-immune patients but for a certain percentage of the patients. So, all of the standard meds are just treating symptoms & not getting to the root cause of the problem.
Dr. Thomas McPherson Brown (1906-1989) treated 10,000 plus RA/auto-immune patients with AP (antibiotic protocol). Dr. Brown's medical practice 1939 - 1989.
So that is about 200 new patients each and every year for 50 years. From the book "The New Arthritis Breakthrough" and testimonials I have read, Dr. Brown treated mild early stage RA, moderate RA, and longstanding severe RA. Some people with RA who had it for many years, 10 - 20 years.
His patients were young children, teenagers, young adults, and adults of all ages. 10,000 people, that is a small army of patients. According to Dr. Brown an infection in the joint fluid (mycoplasma bacteria) is causing the inflammation, pain, & fatigue. Our immune system is fighting this infection and fighting so hard, that eventually it will cause damaged and deformed joints.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
“Thomas McPherson Brown” (1906-1989) was a renowned rheumatologist who, over a medical career spanning 50 years, pioneered antibiotic treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, lupus and other collagen diseases. He used them to treat over Ten Thousand patients, often inducing remission in their disease.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_McPherson_Brown
http://www.roadback.org click on Stories about 180 (Patient Testimonials) since the year 2000.
Lyme, Lupus, Scleroderma, Raynauds, Fibromyalgia, Sjogren’s,
PsA, JRA, RA, Mixed Connective Tissue,Chronic Fatigue, Anklylosing Spondylitis, etc.
Bacterial infection definition:
“The classic symptoms of a bacterial infection are localized redness, heat, swelling and pain. One of the hallmarks of a bacterial infection is local pain, pain that is in a specific part of the body.”
“The symptoms of an infection depends on the type of disease. Some signs of infection affect the whole body generally, such as fatigue….”
How many of you have these symptoms; heat, swelling, pain, and fatigue?
“A long-term infection is a chronic infection. Infections can be further classified by causative agent (bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic), and by the presence or absence of systemic symptoms(sepsis).”
That means that some days the symptoms are worse than other days.
How many of you have symptoms that come and go depending on the day or the week?
“The appearance and severity of disease resulting from any pathogen, depends upon the ability of that pathogen to damage the host as well as the ability of the host to resist the pathogen. However a host's immune system can also cause damage to the host itself in an attempt to control the infection.”
So, is it possible that over time, maybe even years, the immune system’s attack on a long term chronic infection in the joint fluid can cause damaged & deformed joints?
“Clinicians therefore classify infectious microorganisms or microbes according to the status of host defenses - either as primary pathogens or as opportunistic pathogens:”
“Some pathogens grow within the host cells (intracellular) whereas others grow freely in bodily fluids.”
Is it possible to have an infection in the synovial or joint fluid? That is a bodily fluid.
Is your immune system really malfunctioning or possibly attacking an infection is the joint fluid?
“Opportunistic pathogens can cause an infectious disease in a host with depressed resistance (immunodeficiency) or if they have unusual access to the inside of the body (for example, via trauma).”
How many of you were diagnosed with RA/JRA/JIA etc. after an injury (trauma), (overworked) weak immune system, maybe after some type of illness, an operation, or a major stress event in your life?
That’s when “Opportunistic pathogens” can attack your body.
I believe in my case I had an infection in the joint fluid caused by “mycoplasma” bacteria, in multiple joints. I also think that genetics and my diet were also a factor. “Mycoplasma” is a nasty bacteria involved in many diseases that can lay dormant in your body, sometimes for many years, until some trauma, stress, or an over worked immune system gives it the opportunity to attack your body.
British Journal of Medical Practitioners, March 2009, Volume 2, Number 1
Bacterial Infections and the Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Conditions
Abstract
Bacterial infections are associated with many autoimmune diseases involving chronic inflammation and demyelination. The possible mechanisms of bacterial involvement as aetiological agents or in the exacerbation of these diseases have been investigated intensively.
Bacterial infections in rheumatoid conditions
A wide variety of bacterial infections have been associated with rheumatoid conditions. Rheumatic diseases might have a manifold aetiology with varying genetic susceptibility, but bacteria-related autoimmunity might be an important factor4.
Mycoplasma infection, e.g. by M. pneumoniae, M. salivarum, and M. fermentans, has been strongly associated with RA (rheumatoid arthritis)5-8. There is often systemic infection of more than one species8. Mycoplasma antigens induce both cell-mediated and humoral immune responses. Enhanced levels of antibodies against MAM (Mycoplasma arthritidis antigen) have been found in sera from RA patients in comparison with antibodies against Staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B. Also antibody titers were higher in RA serum than in systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, Reiter's syndrome, or healthy controls.
Bacterial infection associated with other autoimmune conditions
Bacterial infections have been identified in association with other autoimmune conditions besides RA.
https://www.bjmp.org/files/march2009/bjmp0309sherbet.pdf
I wasn’t tested for “Mycoplasma”, but I wanted to try the AP (antibiotic protocol) treatment. If it worked then great, nothing to lose by trying. I think the test would have cost more than what I paid for my one year of medical treatment. From Dr. Brown’s video; He injected “mycoplasma" into a tissue sample and ten minutes later he couldn’t find them. In his book he also said “Just because you can’t see something doesn’t mean it is not there.” So, “mycoplasma” can hide and mimic cells, very illusive bacteria. Maybe testing is not always 100% accurate 100% of the time. If after taking antibiotics, a patient has the “Herxheimer” reaction, then you know the antibiotics are killing the “mycolplasma” and you have the infection. Toxins are released by the bacteria when they die off.
My plan was to start with Minocycline & if that didn't work then I would try Minocin the brand name. After the first two week's I was feeling much better, then the next 2 or 3 weeks I felt like I had the flu and my ears were bothering me. That was my "Herxheimer" detox reaction. That means that the bacteria were dying & that was the side effect of that & that the Minocycline was working. After that I just kept feeling better & my RA went in remission after only 6 months.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarisch%E2%80%93Herxheimer_reaction
In May of 2014 is when the symptoms of RA hit me.
Update on my journey with RA. I have seronegative RA. Back in May 2014, these are all of the places I had pain; shoulders, back of my neck, feet-toes, elbows, fingers and knuckles-both hands, right knee, right wrist. Constant pain, at those places listed. The pain would move around from joint to joint or hurt multiple places at the same time. Fingers swollen both hands. I was afraid to shake someone’s hand. Swelling of ankles some days. I didn't want too take to many pain pills, worried about my liver, so I only took the minimum to help with the pain. I took two aspirin or advil to help with my daily nap, otherwise I couldn't sleep. Woke up at about 2:00 am every night, stiff and sore all over, full body pain, had to take two aspirin or advil to help get thru the night. Did not sleep well at all most nights. My shoulders hurt so much I only could sleep on my back. If I tried any other position on my side, even for a few seconds, too much shoulder pain. Other symptoms; extreme fatigue, weakness all over, especially in the hands. I had to use two hands to pick up a gallon of milk to move it, sleeping more than normal. I could not pick up a gallon of milk with one hand. Had to use the rubber helper to open bottles and could not cut the grass for five months. My eyes were also bothering me. I went to the Eye Doctor. My eyes also had inflammation. So, I took prescribed eye drops for two months.
I went to a Rheumatologist at the Cleveland Clinic in early August 2014. After my first exam the Doctor said, "Looks like symptoms of RA. Take 6 to 8 advil per day to help with the pain and inflammation. Get blood work done and come back in two weeks." I said to myself, "No way am I taking that many pain pills". She also said, "We don't know what causes RA and there is no cure." That didn't sound to hopeful. I asked, "Does diet have anything to do with RA?" She said, "No."
My second Dr. exam. This my Drs. summary of my lab work. “Overall, your symptoms with the elevated markers of inflammation are most consistent with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis (seronegative means that the antibody tests are negative, which can be seen in up to 30% of RA patients).” I read about the AP treatment on-line before my appointment. I asked the RA doctor if she used antibiotics for RA treatment, she said “No”. I said “I will get back to you after I check the side affects of methotrexate and prednisone.” On-line I found The Roadback web-site. I wanted to try the antibiotic treatment, so I e-mailed Roadback and found an AP Dr. in my area to start my treatment.
I started medical treatment in October of 2014 and stopped medical treatment October of 2015, these are the results; no pain anywhere (all the pain is gone), (after two months of treatment, no aspirin or any pain meds). All of the swelling of the joints, gone (after the first week of treatment). I was really surprised when that happened. My strength and endurance are back to normal as of October 2015 and I am at 100% of what I was before any of the RA symptoms hit me. Now I can pick up 2 gallons of milk with one hand. I did change my diet totally and my Dr. believes that did help a lot. Also my need for sleep is back to normal. Most nights one bathroom visit and that is it. I feel great now and can almost forget how bad I felt May of 2014. It took about one year to get my strength and endurance back to 100%.
Blood work done 9/17/15. CRP= 0.30 ESR = 2.0 All of my blood work is good and no indicators of inflammation. (0 - 20) Standard Range
Blood work done 2/23/15. CRP = 0.30 ESR = 1.0 All of my blood work is good and no indicators of inflammation. (0 - 20) Standard Range
Old blood work 8/8/14: CRP = 3.9 WSR = 25.0 Indicates inflammation.
Standard Range (0.0 - 1.0) (0 - 10) Standard Range
I have had zero side effects with this medical treatment.
You have to change your diet in order to give this medical treatment its best chance to work for you.
I changed my diet five months before I started taking the antibiotics. In my case, I did see some improvement with the diet change, but not enough. Something else was going on.
I asked my Doctor this question on March 2, 2015. (after six months of medical treatment)
So, I asked my Doctor: "Am I in remission?" She said "Yes, I am very happy for you"!
I asked the Dr. "Can I stop the meds now, since my blood work is all good?" she said, "Take the antibiotics for another six months, to make sure we got all of the bugs." That's what I did, and I am still in remission. I have continued my diet and never want to feel like I did back in 2014.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story.
Thomas
Most Rheumatologist's don't believe in the AP theory and won't prescribe antibiotics, even if you ask for them.
Typical comments: This medical treatment only helps a very small percentage of RA-autoimmune people and is not worth trying.
Your condition is too severe and it won't work for you.
Nope, doesn't work.
A 2017 Facebook post: “The closest Rheumy is in Duluth, 60 miles away. We went to him once. He was rude and flat out told us that he knew all about Dr. Browns treatment and that it worked, but that is not how they make money. He is a doctor in a "teaching" and "researching" hospital and he puts clients on whatever they are currently researching. He was very truthful and told us we would never find a doctor to do that treatment anymore. We told him we had already found someone and had completed one treatment. He said the doctor wouldn't get paid.”
A 2018 Facebook post: One newly diagnosed patient asked the Rheumatologist a question that many have asked. “When I was diagnosed I asked if anyone was working on a cure for RA and if there was anything on the horizon. She laughed and said there’s no financial incentive in curing any ailments. Pharmaceutical invest in medication that manage conditions as that is where the best investment return is. I appreciated her honesty.“
The only way to find out if AP works for you or not, is if you try it.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
“Thomas McPherson Brown” (1906-1989) was a renowned rheumatologist who, over a medical career spanning 50 years, pioneered antibiotic treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, lupus and other collagen diseases. He used them to treat over Ten Thousand patients, often inducing remission in their disease.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_McPherson_Brown
FYI: A common result of a mycoplasma infection in the lungs is pneumonia (sometimes called "walking pneumonia". Antibiotics are used for medical treatment.
Dr. Franko Riveside, CA, in this video, explains that about 50% of his RA/auto-immune patients test positive certain types of bacteria that can cause chronic infections. In those patients the tetracycline family of antibiotic's can be helpful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzMz_GgdlXU
An explanation of the AP (antibiotic protocol), The types of antibiotics & dosage.
How the medical treatment is used for "Less Severe, Early Disease" and "Severe or Long-Standing Disease". http://www.roadback.org/resources/recommended-reading-viewing/pulsed-antibiotic-protocol-and-rationale/
(Roadback Website)
http://www.roadback.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Historical-Protocol-Original.pdf
(PDF Format)
The types of antibiotics used for treating young children are different than those used for treating teenagers and adults. The two links above explain all of that. Your AP doctor will know what to do.
- In children whose permanent teeth have not erupted, tetracyclines can cause staining of the teeth. This may be averted by using a different class of antibiotic, such as a macrolide.
- For children, only macrolides (erythromycin, clarithromycin, roxithromycin, and azithromycin) are used because of the potential side effects of alternative drugs (tetracycline and fluoroquinolones).” Teenagers and adults can use tetracyclines.
- Any woman who is planning to have a baby or is pregnant must avoid any antibiotic in the tetracycline class.
- Breast-feeding mothers must not take any tetracycline antibiotic as the drug passes into breast milk and can affect the bone and tooth development of a nursing baby.
Look at questions 7 & 9 and all of the other questions.
7. What are some of the common side-effects experienced while using long-term antibiotics and can these be averted?
9. What about antibiotic resistance?
Click on http://www.roadback.org/faqs/
If you decide to try AP, click on http://www.roadback.org/contact/ That's how I found my AP Doctor. Or contact an "Infectious Disease Doctor"
Two well known AP Drs are Dr. Franko Riveside, CA & Dr. Mercola Chicago, Illinois
Book about Dr.Brown & AP (antibiotic protocol) by Henry Scammell. “The New Arthritis Breakthrough" & is on Kindle. check Amazon. Some interesting testimonials are in the book.
A must read for those interested in learning more about AP & how it works.
First Testimonial in the book: Summary of her story. 1995
Lori Fillenwarth had RA for 22 years. Standard meds she has tried: gold injections, methotrexate, nitrogen mustard, cortisone, indocin, plaquenil, imuran, azulfadine, clinoril, & others. Joints replaced; both shoulders, one hip, & one elbow. Constant pain in many of the other joints. Lori used a wheelchair to get around or her husband had to carry her to manage stairs or get her into the car.
Lori heard about AP (antibiotic protocol) & decided to give it a try. She started taking minocycline, amazingly she started to heal. Eventually pain free, no longer in need of her wheelchair., & no longer exhausted. “ I can cook, shop, clean house, rake leaves, climb stairs & take walks with ease & without pain.”
http://www.roadback.org click on Stories about 140(Patient Testimonials) since the year 2000.
Lyme, Lupus, Scleroderma, Raynauds, Fibromyalgia, Sjogren’s,
PsA, JRA, RA, Mixed Connective Tissue,Chronic Fatigue, Anklylosing Spondylitis, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDRd40VK5PY Dr. Group video on Iodine.
Iodine deficiency can cause fatigue, thyroid problems, and impair immune function. "Iodine : Why You Need It, Why You Can't Live Without It" written by Dr. Brownstein. find it on Amazon. Iodine is also required for healthy reproductive organs (breast, ovaries, and prostrate.)
I have had zero side effects with this medical treatment and feel great!
Upper left of this page; Click on "About", "Diet", and "Suggested Menu". These are other pages with more information.
If you are looking for more info about RA & the infection connection to it & the AP (antibiotic protocol) medical treatment used to fight that infection join my Facebook group that has more info on this topic. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1261580930636950/
As we all know no medical treatment is effective for 100% of the people 100% of the time. So far this antibiotic protocol is working for me and that is why I am passing this information on. For me the difference is night and day! All the best to you.
Please Note: Before you try any medical treatment consult with your Doctor or other health care professional.