Thank you Pip and all | Arthritis Information

Just wanted to post my experience, even though I know there is a separate AP thread. I was diagnosed in January with Polymyalgia Rheumatica which was so painful and debilitating that I had to go to emergency room. After going on Prednisone, I did feel better (not great but at least I could walk) Then in May due to swelling in my fingers and wrists and ankles and knees, my doc said I had RA also. Everytime I tried to get off Pred symptoms got worse. In May or June after reading posts on this forum I tried Minocycline but it made me so sick I stopped it (before Pip told me about herxing) Doc put me on Plaquenil and Methotrexate which didnt seem to help much. Two weeks ago I started trying the Minocycline again. Almost immediately the swelling went down in my fingers and my ankle. As of today, I feel I am getting better every day, even tho I still have two stiff fingers and sore shoulders, I am definitely better. Last week I tested positive for c. pneumonia. I dont know if all this had anything to do with that or not; I just know that with the antiobiotics I am better. My doc also gave me clarithimycin to start in a week or so, I am almost afraid to take it because I am getting so much better with the Minocycline. Anyway, sure hope it continues. I am totally off everything except 2mg of Pred each day that I am scared to give up. THank you Pip and everyone who gave me advice about the AP Protocol, I sure appreciate it. I'm so happy for you! Did your dr. say the clarithimycin is for the c. pneumonia? If that is the case, I think I would definitely want it, to hit it as hard as possible to make sure you get it all.

If this helps, my daughter has been on multiple antibiotics more than once, with no problems. She takes Zithromax for AP, but has been on it with several other types at various times when she has had other infections that required additional antibiotics that Zith doesn't cover. That could be the case for you with the c. pneumonia, too. Good luck!

Thank you Suzanne. I actually asked for the clarithimycin after I found out that I had tested positive. Havent started it yet, its on order. Thank you for letting me know about the Zithromax and multiple antiobiotics, was a little worried about taking multiples. But according to the CPN website for c. pneumonia, I will have to be on them for long term. I thought maybe after six months or so I could get off all (hoping?) I also asked for Flagyl but he said lets wait on that. Thanks for your good luck wishes, I am sure knocking on wood.It sounds like your dr. is being careful, which is good - not overdoing, but doing what he thinks is right to get you well. I think that is great!

I don't like the thought of tons and tons and tons of antibiotics; we got ear tubes for both our girls, to avoid that, as a matter of fact. But, when more antibiotics have become necessary, I put it in perspective based on my experience - I took the types of antibiotics used for AP daily, in stronger doses, for teenage acne. If I got a sick and needed something else to treat it, it wasn't a big deal. I've been on these meds and they don't scare me for my daughter now. They keep her pain free and active. They do more for her, at a lower dose, than they ever did for my pimples LOL.

Paula -

I saw this and am sorry I didn't respond. Maybe it was cowardly of me, but everytime somebody posts a 'thank you' to me, the kind of garbage we have with Lev starts up again. I would have sent a PM but my box is full with people who need a response or some info and I can't get to it now so you could not have responded. Again, thank you for your kindness but all I do is put the info out there.

I'm glad you're feeling better - but expect to herx. There is no way around it. Sigh. Do you have the book? Just keep putting one foot in front of the other until you kill off the critters.

Hugs,

Pip

Oh Pip, hon dont worry about it. I just wanted to say thanks. Today is the first day I am not doing so great, I just wonder if it is the doxy I switched to two days ago. I was doing better on the Mino, but my doc wants me to take the doxy for the c. pneumonia, then the clarithimycin (sp), so I am going to try it because I hate the thought of that nasty little cp bug in me. But I eventually plan to go to back to the mino because it was definitely helping me. I did take 3mg of Pred this am because my shoulders and hands were really letting me have it! Anyway, thanks again (oh I almost forgot I dont have the book)

I read a copy I borrowed from the library before I ordered my own on amazon. Maybe your local library has a copy. Reading the book is helpful. It's easy to read, too.
Copyright ArthritisInsight.com