Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ostoarthritis

Hi, here's some info on arthritis and glusosamine in the news, hope
its somewhat informative. Also I have a question, I hope someone can
offer some insight...in this article near the end it states that
people who are diabetic need to discuss with doctor before taking
glucosamine. There is a possibility that I may be diabetic, I will be
getting tested this week, I do use glucosamine and it works well for
me. Does anyone know if there are any contradictions with using
glucosamine and being diabetic, and if so why? Thanks.
Catherine
November 19, 1999
Arthritis and Glucosamine
Everyone's talking about the dietary supplement
glucosamine. Some people swear it helps their
osteoarthritis, while others report no benefit. A
new study hopes to find the truth.
Ask an osteoarthritis sufferer what the newest
arthritis drug is and there's a good chance they'll
mention something that isn't a drug at all.
Glucosamine is a natural, glucose-like molecule,
found in all animal life forms, but some arthritis
patients are calling it a new miracle cure.
Glucosamine has been studied since the late
1950s in Europe and there is growing evidence
to suggest that it may be an effective treatment
for the arthritis caused by worn or damaged
cartilage.
Taken in capsule form, glucosamine, which is
extracted from the outer covering of shell fish,
appears to work by providing the body's
cartilage-forming cells with the basic building
blocks to enable it to repair and maintain itself.
Cartilage was once thought of as an inert,
Teflon-like substance coating the ends of our
bones that once worn or torn, was beyond
healing. As we now understand it, cartilage is a
highly active tissue. Although cartilage suffers
from wear and tear, we now know that it can
also repair itself. Cartilage is almost unique
amongst body tissues in that it has no arteries,
veins or nerve supply. Instead, its health is
dependent upon the liquid which exists between
the cartilaginous surfaces, called synovial fluid.
More than just a lubricant, this synovial fluid
feeds the cartilage and, more importantly,
removes worn out particles.
In osteoarthritis, the synovial fluid becomes thin
and loses its nurturing and shock absorbing
powers. At the same time, the cartilage becomes
worn, roughened and eventually breaks down.
This in turn exposes the ends of the bones in
the affected joint and allows them to rub
together, resulting in inflammation and pain. For
many people with osteoarthritis, encouraging
the body to repair its own cartilage seems to
equal a reduction of the pain and swelling of
arthritis.
Supplementing the depleted synovial fluid has
been used to relieve arthritis symptoms. This
treatment is often described as viscose
supplementation therapy and is marketed under
the brand name Synvisc. What might loosely be
termed synthetic synovial fluid is injected into
the affected joint to replace loss of the natural
substance. In fact, these injections consist of
hyaluronan, a key ingredient of natural synovial
fluid. Boosting it in this way restores its
elasticity, viscosity, shock absorbing powers and
nutritional properties.
This treatment consists of a series of three
injections which in some cases can provide
excellent relief for up to six months. While it is
not a cure, it is a very logical therapeutic
approach. It is interesting to note that while it
takes three to seven days for an injection to
take effect, often months after the hyaluronan
has broken down, the joint still remains
improved. This suggests that it may work as a
nutrient, helping the cartilage regenerate. The
downsides to this treatment are the cost, the
fact that it must be administered by a physician
and the temporary effect.
The next step would appear to be to identify a
substance that could encourage the body's own
synovial fluid to become replenished which in
turn would continually nurture and regenerate
the cartilage. Researchers are hopeful that
glucosamine may turn out to be such a
substance.
As a result of the intense interest about this
substance, a double-blind study is currently
being conducted on glucosamine hydrochloride
at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. Double-blind
research involves two equal groups of people -
one takes glucosamine hydrochloride and the
other takes placebos (sugar pills) but none of
the participants know which group they are in.
Results of this work should be available in a few
years. This study is being followed by a series of
animal and human studies in the United States.
The safety level of glucosamine seems good. It
occurs naturally within the human body and
there have been no reports of significant side
effects in the world literature since studies
began in 1950. Although glucosamine is
available over the counter in pharmacies and
health food stores, no one, particularly people
with diabetes and pregnant women, should start
taking it without discussing it with their doctor.
Glucosamine has not been linked with
interactions to any other medications, so you
don't have to stop taking your NSAIDs or other
necessary drugs. Anecdotal reports are very
positive, but not everyone appears to benefit, so
it's important to work with your doctor and not
abandon other anti-inflammatories without
consultation.
Glucosamine can be purchased at almost any
pharmacy or health food store. Be careful,
however, that you are in fact buying
glucosamine. There is no support for the addition
of any other agents into glucosamine
preparations. As well, some confusion may arise
in that there are two main forms available on the
market: glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine
hydrochloride. The majority of the European
work was carried out with the sulfate, purely
because funding was available for this form.
Chemically, both break down into glucosamine in
the stomach, but more of the active ingredient is
available with the hydrochloride as the sulfate
has to be stabilized with filler. If at all in doubt,
talk to your pharmacist first. The standard
dosage of glucosamine is 500 mg three times a
day.
No one really knows yet exactly how
glucosamine functions and who it's best for, but
as many physicians will tell you, it's certainly
worth a try!
Dr. Alan L. Russell is the Director of the Brampton
Pain Clinic.
Osteoarthritis news The effectiveness of
glucosamine is under investigation at the Mount
Sinai Hospital, in Toronto, and until the trial
results are available the benefits of this
substance remain unproven, says Dr. Arthur
Bookman, Medical Advisor to The Arthritis Society
of Ontario. Yet there are some recent research
findings that are worth noting.
-One more reason to lighten the load. Weight
does effect the development of osteoarthritis of
the knee. More weight equals more stress on
the joint, and that has a direct impact on
osteoarthritis.
-Get thee to a physiotherapist. The weakness of
thigh muscles correlates with the amount of pain
experienced from osteoarthritis of the knee.
Strenghthening the thigh muscles helps to
reduce joint stress.
-Go easy on the stomach. Acetaminophen works
as well as ibuprofen for osteoarthritis of the
knee and gives less stomach irritation as well.
-Take the long way home. Regular walking and
exercise programmes improve the ability to walk
faster and for greater distances.
-Good news for truck dodgers. Running does not
cause osteoarthritis of the knee.
Brand awareness
Pharmacist Sherrie Hertz provides the following
cautions when purchasing glucosamine or any
other natural product.
-Look for products which have been prepared
according to internationally recognized
standards. These will be labeled "standardized".
-Check that the product you buy has an expiry
date and that it's still fresh.
-Some natural products have been given a Drug
Identification Number or DlN. If you see this on
the label you can be sure that you are indeed
getting the full amount of product specified.
-Remember that the quality of natural products
may vary greatly. Wild herbs, for instance, are
sometimes difficult to properly identify and must
be gathered by someone familiar with their
differences.
-Potency will depend upon a variety of things
such as soil conditions, climate and genetic
diversity within the plant itself.
-If you have any doubts about what to
purchase, ask your pharmacist

Hi all, I have a question or two. When I found out I had
osteoarthritis about 5-6 mths ago I started to use glucosamine sulfate
and chondrotan every day. Within weeks my pain went down a lot, I
responded very well to it. The last couple of weeks I have had a bad
flare up of the pain and I started to use Bromelain(pineapple plant)
to help boost the effectiveness of the glucosamine. Within one week
the pain went down again, which is great. However, this is my pattern
of how my body works with supplements and herbs, they work great for
about 2-4 months and then they don't work as well, I think my body
just gets used to it. So I have to switch to a different brand or try
something else. I still want to continue to take the glucosamine but I
want to take a product that has glucosamine, chondrotain and MSM in
it, I have seen a few of these combo products. I have never tried MSM,
I have heard good things about it. Is anyone on this list using it, if
so has it been affective, and does anyone have any information on MSM?
Thanks for listening and any information would be apperciated.
Take care,
Catherine

Hello, I have just joined this list on behalf of my sister, who has
severe arthritis, especially in her back and knees. On 12/8/00 I
watched on KGW Channel 8 TV broadcasting from Portland, Oregon, the
last part of an infomercial on a topical gel product called "Blue
Stuff". I ordered a jar of it's sister product: "Super Blue Stuff"
and some auxilliary products. On December 12 my Visa account was
charged for the full amount of the order, but now almost a month (and
3 phone calls) later, I still have not received my order or any part
of it. I called today and was told their computers had been down all
day and it was suggested I call back tomorrow. Question: Does
anybody on this list know anything about the product (if in fact it
exists), or have had any dealings with or other knowledge of the
company? Thanks in advance for your response.
Mac

Hello everyone. Flax seed absolutely helps our kind
of disease and has many other benefits. It has
recently been shown in case studies at Harvard, to
help burn fat, balance blood sugars, lower blood
pressure, and cholesterol. You can combine its great
effects, by taking it in an Omega3 and Omega 6
formula. The different oils combined compliment
eachother. I have seen tremendous results and have
been taking it for a year. Last month I ran out and
went into the biggest flare of my life after not
taking it for a week. After 3 days on it, I was fine
again. Also consider colostrum which can cure leaky
gut and help with healing your internal inflammation
and other benefits. I have been considering becoming
a holistic practitioner as I have experienced nature's
great benefits. Unfortunately they sometimes get a bad
name because people take them before educating
themselves on there full effects. If you do your
research, they can be life savers!
Roseanne*

Hello all. I use the Vitamin World's Low Carb.
Essential Oils formula. It contains the Omega 3's,
Omega 6's and fish oils. The source in it for Omega
3's is flax seed oil. My holistic Doc. said that the
oils are more easily assimulated by our body. She
also said it gets to the joints faster. I like the
Vitamin World's Low Carb Essential Oils because it has
everything in it. It also has high, pure potency
levels because it is specifically for dieters.
Dieters often are depleted in these oils as are those
of us with the autoimmune diseases. If you don't have
a vitamin world close to you, you can check their
website out at www.vitaminworld.com I love
them!!Other benefits of these oils include, Increased
circulation, support of the brain, nervous system, eye
support, and they help to burn those fat cells!
I take 2 softgel capsules a day.
Roseanne*

--- In gallstones@egroups.com, Kalexan328@a... wrote:
Since regularly taking the flax seed oil 3-4 months ago, I have found
a side benefit of it curing my joint pains. I have inherited bad
hitys and play a lot of basketball... so many aches and pains... I
have reduced my aches by 90%!
Has anyone else had a similar experience with flaxseed oil?
The highschool basketball players were at my house for a party 10
days ago and two of them were complaining about shin splints. One of
them was missing practices because of them. I gave him a cup of
flaxseed oil and told him to take a little each day for a week. I
saw him two nights ago and his shin splints are 100% cured. The
other player still has shin splints!
Let me know if you a similar experience. A well reknowned health
doctor told me flaxseed oil is natures analgesic!
ken
--- End forwarded message ---

Hello. My name is Christal Terry. I know of a product which provides
the nutrients required for proper bone growth and neurological
function. It's key ingredients include many of the vitamins you talk
of on your main page: Vitamin d3, Vitamin K1, Calcium(as phosphate),
Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Manganese, Chromium, Boron, Vanadium, MSM,
Glucosamine Hydrochloride, ipriflavone, and many other trace
minerals. It's special liquid formulation provides the most bone and
joint building nutrients to your body in the most efficient way known
to science. Tablets and Pills are difficult to swallow, and according
to the physicians desk reference(1996, pg. 1542), the body only
absorbs about 10-20% of the nutrients in pill form. Liquid formulas,
on the other hand, are proven to have up to 98% absorption rate, and
are easier to digest. I do not have arthritis myself, but often read
of the success people are having with this product within my company,
and thought I would pass this info along. At a cost of only costs
35.00 a month, I think it's a product everyone should take into
consideration. I wish you all the best success and a speedy alterna-
recovery.
Christal

Please remove me from this list.

How effective is apple cider vinegar on arthritis? I have tried
S & W's but do not seem to be of any help. How about Bragg's?

Rich, Do you have to be a Physician to get in Tyler.com? Colleen

a site run by a 19-year-old with arthritis, www.creakyjoints.com is a
good place to go.

Rich, do you know anything about Chinese Medicine? Constitional

Medicine?

I have a book called Between Heaven and Earth and it tells you about 5

different constitions. All of us are all 5 but we dominate in 1. Mike is a

Wood and woods have a problems withtheir liver, muscles and tendons and

arthritis is the big one they usually have problems with.

I'm a Metal. My problem is my lungs. I tend to get broncitis, shortness

of breath and other related problems. I'll probably never get arthritis.

So according to Traditional Chinese Medicine it depends on which

constition you are if you'll get this type of arthritis. Its hard to explain

unless you undertand TCM.

Thats where Thi Chi comes in.
There's Wood, Fire, Metal, Earth and Water.

Its very interesting - if you have the time, you should read that book.

It explains why some people get arthritis and some don't.

Diet helps control whatever it is you're prone to get it just doesn't totally get

rid of it. Know what I mean?

Colleen

Hi all, thanks for replying to my questions on RA for my husband. I appreciate

it. That was my reason for joining this list to share help.

Right now Mikes had alot of help thru our Chinese Medicine Dr. with the

herbs and acupunture. She works strictly on his liver.

One knee is all better and the other one is left stiff. Can't bend it at all but

I'm sure that'll come. The great thing is there is no pain.

We know a great Homeopath and was asking around as to Mike going to

him to detox his liver. Does anyone have any ideas on that?

The answers I've gotten so far are not to good. We were told its too

aggressive and he would have alot of aggravations. In other words flare

ups. He's just getting over this one so he needs to wait but I'll tell you I

really believe he needs to do that. He spent almost 2 yrs in Vietnam

and was vaccinated 3 times. The military just put these mega doses

of vaccs in all the guys and I know our son almost died from his baby

vaccinations. I don't even get them for my dog! She gets blood tests to

check her immunity. Plus he came home from Vietnam with a skin

disease. So I know he has something there that needs to be cleaned

out we're just afraid it'll be to aggressive. Has anyone done detox with the

liver regarding Homeopathy? Colleen & Mike

I read it on the archives at egroups.

I believe it was in the November archives. Colleen

Could someone tell me where to get Joint Advantage. Thanks, Colleen

Hello all, My name is Colleen Byrd and My husband Mike has RA.

He's 52 yrs old and has it in both his knees.

First off we have not went to Medical Doctors at this point. My husband

was afraid to. He wanted to do something natural.

His flare ups as we call them come and go throughout the years but

for the past month its going back and forth from knee to knee.

Trouble is we don't know what to do at this point.

He has to work. We are self employed and I'll tell you he's worked

one week for the past 30 days. I'm scared.

It use to be he'd get the flare ups and they'd last a week and he'd be

on his way but thats not whats happening now.

I'd like to know if he goes to a medical dr. what kind of medication

would be best for him? Just until we can get a handle on this.

I looked on the internet and saw Celebrex (I think thats what it was)

Any advise on that?

We've done McDougals diet, Chinese medicine, herbs, enemas etc.

Sorry this is so long.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Colleen

Hi All -

I have to catch up on my past mail so hope this isn't redundant. This guy is selling something but it sounds interesting.

Gloria.

Any one got info on this ?

Lets all look at the good news folks... Isnt it wonderful with all our
aches and pains, that we dont develope "Rhuematoid Brain"??? ;-)

Have you received this yet and what do you think ?

Rheumatoid Arthritis
My second set of blood tests have come back and my Rheumatoid
Arthritis level is 80. I do not know how these levels work? Can
anyone help me out?
Thanks.
Claire :-(

To whomever has used this for a yeast infection, please contact me at my
address, keywest@.... I have a question for you. Thanks SO much!

Has this been posted yet ?

NO, not the Atkins ones. The vitamin world brand is
cheaper and has the exact same ingredients. They are
like 1/2 the cost too. I have tried both and they
work the same. BUT why pay more if you don't have to.
HAHAHA finally something cheap with RESULTS!*Roseanne*

I use Vitamin World's Low Carb. Essential Oils..
After just 4 days of using them, I have so much
mobility in my hands. Swelling and pain has decreased
some to. The flexibility blew me away though! I
tried other brands of oils but did not have the same
reaction. I guess this combination (brand) works for
me. I am not low carbing but I like all the oils in
this brand. They include: Vitamin E, Alpha-linolenic
acid, linoleic acid, flaxseed oil, borage oil,
gamma-linolenic acid, fish oil, EPA, and DHA. It says
take 1 or 2 a day. I started taking 1 and WOW. I
will not let myself run out of this stuff. If you want
this brand and don't have a vitamin world near you,
they have their own website. Just wanted to pass on
the info. in case it will help someone else.
Roseanne*

Hello Debi. The website address is
www.vitaminworld.com I have not been on their
website because I can visit their store at my local
mall. On my bottle, it gives this website address to
order by mail. My bottle was on sale for $8 because
it was half off, and it will last me 2 months. If
it's not on sale at their website, I could buy it for
you and send it to you.. I'm not sure where you're
from or if it would be cheaper with shipping or not.
You may want to check the website out first and then
let me know*
Roseanne

Hello everybody. I am sad to see so many personal
attacks going on. There has been alot of criticizing
in this group for some reason. Knowledge,
intelligence, and a strong opinion is not an excuse to
bash other people's beliefs. Can't we all "CHOSE" to
respect each others treament choices?? I see a real
problem if people are reacting to other people's
treatment info. with "That's Not Right" attitudes.
Just post what worked for you WITHOUT attacking the
other person's choice. Words like "always" and
"never" have no place here because NONE of us have the
answer to everybody's disease. I am a nurse so I am
extremely aware of all the genetic and chemical
differences from body to body. There is not 1
treatment that works or 1 cause for this disease.
Unless you created human beings, you can't know what
chemically will work for somebody with a completely
different chemical make up! It is VERY arrogant for
anybody to think they have the "ONLY" cure or
treatment. Lets all do what this group was meant to
do-educate and support!
Hope we can change if needed, Roseanne

Hi Y'all, Today I got phone calls from two different friends that they
heard part of a news report on ABC about a new arthritis "cure" just
discovered. It is a blend or concoction of several existing drugs?
Anyone here know anything about this?
Mike(in Texas;-)

Thank you,
I feel like this (LGS) is worth pursueing , I feel in my "gut" drugs are NOT
the answer...I do
understand leaky gut...as of now I have adopted the Spec. Carb Diet (for now)
this way of eating is
designed to starve candida therby healing the gut....no grains are allowed nor
sugar...only
monosacharrides....no refined foods.
Once I get all the info (testing) then I will again eat only non-reactive foods
and test others
s-l-o-w-l-y.....
I will definately check out the website for the testing Elisa IgG IgE ....LGS
Have any Canadians used Smoky /Imuno labs???
Thank you very much Rich,
Was losing hope, but now have faith and do believe I will figure out how to be
well again.
Debi in AB Canada
PS how do you keep this ALL in your head, I keep reading/researching..but it
all becomes mixed
up...gotta slow down perhaps????

Okay now I am confused...most of the literature I have read ...implies that ALL
persons with RA have
Leaky guy....
I did the E-diet.... I did not notice any specific reaction/s to any
food....... when I re-introduced
them...... so either I did the e-diet wronge or I don't have LGS...but still
have RA.
I am getting boggled.....All I know for certain is I DO have RA and I DO want to
do ALL I can to get
into a remission or better still...find the cause of my RA and battle it with
the right elements.....I
want to save what I have..I want to live the rest of my life without RA taking
more from me ......but
there are so many many different aspects/opinions/theories...how do I find MY
truth..........the more I
learn it seems the less I know sigh.....
Debi

Hi group:
My name is Dexter Mahadeo from Trinidad, West Indies (Caribbean). I am
male, 38 years old. I'm new to the group, though I have communicated a bit
with the extremely helpful, Chris Adlard. I need some help with diagnosis.
In October last year I started having rapidly travelling joint and muscle
pain: knees, ankles, finger-tips, toes with EXTREMEE fatigue. However, no
swelling or inflamation at all. I went to my GP who suspected RA (my
grandmother has been bedridden with it for the past 15 years) and sent me to
do SED rate, Rheumatoid Factor and CBC tests, etc and referred me to a
Rheumatologist. I saw the rheumatologist in November when my symptoms
increased with dry eyes, mouth and a feeling like I was thinking through mud
(brain fog I guess). Also a blotchy red rash had appeared below my skin on
the soles of my feet. The Rheumatologist sent me for some x-rays and said
it was too early to diagnose. In December I cut out sugar and refined foods
and in January I went on an elmination diet. I started feeling well again,
but altogether lost about 20 pounds (I am already underweight: 5'11" and now
137 lbs) I'm not sure if it was the diet, the disease or both.
About two weeks ago my hands started swelling and becoming red and very
tight (difficult to make a fist) and dry. My dry mouth worsened with inside
my cheeks feeling as if I drank acid and my lips became dry and a bit
blistered; around my mouth started feeling a bit tight as well. The rash on
the soles of my feet rose to the surface becoming rough dark and very itchy.
Both my hands and feet have to be creamed at least 3 times a day to keep
them moist.
I went back to the rheumatologist early last week and he said he suspects
either Reiter's or Scleroderma and sent me to do an ENF and and ENA test.
Within the last three to four days the symptoms have started to subside.
The acid feeling in my mouth and blisterd lips have subsided, though I still
have a bit of dry mouth. Though I am feeling much better now than a week
ago. The fatigue has greatly eased up. The swelling from the hands are
gone, but the skin on the tips of my fingers have become very stiff and
there are some minor "blood-clotish" marks under the skin on a couple of my
fingers. Also, the rash on the soles of my feet has subsided, but you can
still see the dark blotchy marks below the skin. And the skin on both my
palms and soles burn when pressure is applied. The skin defintely feels
'firm' and 'smooth' on my palms. It is fifficult for me to hold items with
my fingers.
For a second opinion I visited another rehematologist yesterday (Wed 11 Apr
- there are only 3 in the country). He seems more clueless than the first
one. He agrees that I should do some more testing: ENF and ANF. He
doesn't think it's scleroderma though, but think that it could be Reiters or
Reactive Arthritis.
His reason:
1. Scleroderma is rare and even rarer in men;
2. The symptoms (dry mouth, swollen hands, tight skin, etc) would not ease
up as in my case, but continuously worsen.
He did not even feel my hands or my feet. Is he right? Or does scleroderma
"flare" up and down like RA? What are the symptoms of Reiters?. I really
need to know what I have. The blood tests will take about 3 weeks to
process as they have to be sent to the US. regardles of the disease you can
rest assured that I will not take any of the traditional medical approaches.
I will pursue diet (healthy colon, anti-leaky gut foods, etc) first and if
it doesn't respond I will try the AP. I already found a doctor who stated
he will assist me in this regard, but I must have a confirmed diagnosis from
a specialist. [I think that's fair enough as he would want to treat someone
with imagined illness].
Thanks to anyone who can assist.
Dexter Mahadeo
Trinidad, West Indies.

Can anyone tell me where to find the list of Dr's using AP. I saw
them somewhere but can't find them today. Joan also needs to know the
addresses and phone no's etc of the John Hopkins Clinic and the Mayo
Clinic to hopefully pass onto the Dr's. Thanks in advance.
Also Thanks so much to everyone who answered the last message Joan's
RA. I have printed them all off and taken them to her. It makes so
much difference to have support of people who know. I'll try and get
back to you all later. It helps me to as I am at a loss as to what to
do on my own
Fran

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone knows if Minocycline ESI Lederl is the "good stuff." The capsule is half clear and half light green and the pellets are yellow. For some reason I seem to remember the pharmacist saying it was a generic of Minocin. But my bottle says ESI Lederl.

Thanks,

Kimmie

My name is Rusty. I have suffered with arthritis for over 15 years. 7
years ago I lost a kidney because of the medications the doctor was
giving me for my arthritis. Tow years ago I had cancer. I won the
battle with the cancer but the Chemo made my arthritis much worse.
Because of the loss of a kidney I can no longer take any type of anti-
inflammatory. Since there was nothing my doctor could do for me I
went to a nature pathic doctor who recommended CMO. That was 7 months
ago and I have been pain free for over 6. My dad and several people I
know have had similar results. I am so impressed with this that I put
up a web page with some of the medical documentation. This page is
for information only there are no links on it to purchase products.
http://downlinebuilders.net/rusty/documentation/cmo/
Rusty

I have to lend my support to what Linda has been saying about antibiotics
for RA. Last January when I was diagnosed at age 44 I was using a cane most
days just to hobble from room to room and I was exhausted all the time. My
kids were beginning to see me as a permanent invalid, and I was afraid I was
headed for a wheelchair. I started to take minocycline along with prednisone
and Vioxx in January. By May I was off the prednisone. By September I was
off the Vioxx. Currently I take 200mg minocycline daily, also acidophilus
and milk thistle. I try to remember to drink lots of water. Some days my
feet ache a little, and I don't think I could go on any long strenuous hikes
(yet!), but I have walked two miles at a good pace recently and bicycled 20
miles. My energy level is much improved. I have no morning stiffness
anymore, and no crippling pain in any joints. I recently agreed to be the
4th grade homeroom mother, something I could not have even considered a year
ago. I no longer have to worry that I won't be able to keep my commitments
due to joint pain or fatigue. In short, I have my life back. Antibiotics are
cetainly overused generally and can be harmful if used improperly, but they
DO have a place in RA and other connective tissue diseases. There is a
wealth of anecdotal evidence that is increasingly backed up by research
which supports this therapy, and my own experience bears it out.
Mary Jean

Dear Gary,
One thing that I learned is the most of the probiotics sold are junk.
Either the count is too low to be any good, or most of the product is
dead from sitting on the shelf too long before getting to you. Then
again many strains die off when they come in contact with stomach
acid, and if they make it into the intestines they have to battle
against bile and other factors that will wash them through before
they have a chance to adhere. One product that interested me the most
was lactobacillus GG. This is survivor bacteria that have been
cultured from humans, not milk products. It is one of the most widely
researched strains for its ability to withstand all the above factors
and to adhere to the intestinal lining. I believe it has even been
patented. This one is also known to survive certain antibiotics. I
read one study where patients who were taking erythromycin and
suffering severe diarrhea were able to clear up their symptoms with
this probiotic while continuing to take the antibiotic. I buy mine
direct from the distributor, so I know it's fresh. www.culturelle.com
is their website. There is another good product that helps restore
intestinal flora while you're taking antibiotics, but it won't work if
you are taking any of the anti-fungal drugs because it is a yeast
product. Yes, it's a beneficial yeast that's perfectly safe. It's
been used in Europe for 50 years, and like Culturelle, it has been
thoroughly tested. The product is called Florastor and their website
is www.florastor.com The flax oil you're taking is good for
developing PGE1. Be sure you're getting enough Omega-3's. It takes
quite a lot. As the Minocin treatment continues to work you can
gradually make other changes that will help restore your immune system
Linda

http://www.netaddress.com/?N=1

Hi Group,
This is something I wanted to share with you, because it seemed like
the most logical intelligent explanation of how autoimmune disorders
happen. It's a study that was done by Dr. Alan Ebringer and a group
of researchers in England, Spain, and Japan on a genetic link that
produces a protein molecule in collagen, a component of cartilage,
that mirrors--or almost copies--a protein on the surface of certain
bacteria. The antibodies that are produced to attack the bacteria,
then attack those specific collagen molecules because they look
almost identical.
In RA patients the genetic link is HLA-DR1/DR4 which reacts with the
antibodies formed against the Proteus bacteria, which is a bacteria
quite commonly found in the intestines. In AS (Ankylosing
Spondylitis) patients, the link is HLA-B27 that has been found to
react with antibodies formed against Klebsiella. If you want to read
the whole article, you can find it at
www.kickas.org/mollecular_mimicry.shtml
When my son was diagnosed with AS, he was told that not everyone with
HLA-B27 had AS, but everyone with AS had HLA-B27. Why did some of
the
group with this genetic marker get it, and some not? Klebsiella
Pnumoniea is another bacteria that is commonly found in the
intestines. We have many such potentially pathogenic bacteria, such
as Klebsiella and Proteus, that seem to exist without harm as long as
the GI tract is in good health. Why? The immune system is literally
wrapped around the intestinal tract because that's its greatest arena
of activity. New bacteria are introduced daily through food and
drink
and other things that are placed in the mouth. As long as the
battleground against these microbes remains in the GI tract, the
immune activity is safe and insulated from the rest of the body.
However, if it leaks into the bloodstream, it is susceptable to
systemic responses. It reasoned that there were 2 factors to my son
developing AS (and the same is true for RA)--there was the genetic
factor HLA-B27 (HLA-DR1/DR4 for RA), and an environmental factor that
allowed the Klebsiella (Proteus for RA), or parts of Klebsiella
(Proteus) that had been killed--but still generated antibodies, to
enter the bloodstream where it caused a cross-over autoimmune
reaction. Just having the genetic factor alone, was not responsible
for the disease. But it made him susceptable to the environmental
factor which was caused by Leaky Gut Syndrom. This is why it's so
important to treat LGS. This is also why people have noted
improvement in their arthritis when taking products that help repair
the GI tract. Often times they don't even know that what they are
taking is benefical to the intestines. For example, cod liver oil is
a folk remedy that's supposed to "lubricate the joints." Actually,
cod liver oil contains a high ratio of Omega-3 fatty acids that help
build the mucosa lining that protects the walls of the GI tract and
prevents pathogenic organisms from adhering to those walls where they
can penetrate and cause damage. As the leaks get repaired, the
patient feels better, but unless the job is complete, he'll never get
completely well.
There is a lot of good information on this newslist about how to
treat
LGS. It's not just caused by Candida, although treating candida
albicans is a good idea, because it's usually a factor. Other
factors
include pathogenic bacteria and parasites that burrow into the cells
of the intestinal walls, NSAIDs including asperin, steriods,
antibiotics, DMARDs and other immune suppressing drugs. I do not
advocate stopping all medication on this list immediately, because
some things are useful as temporary measures in treating the illness.
Others are necessary to cope with the pain. Every case is different
and has to be looked at individually. However, the goal should be to
wean yourself off of these medications as your condition improves.
Once you can see the relationship between LGS and the illness, it
becomes clear what you have to do.
There are other theories out there about mycoplasmas and limax
ameobas
which are microbes that have no cell wall. Some people are having
excellent results with antibiotic protocol treatments against these
microbes. The antibiotics and antiparasitic drugs they take will
also
help rid the intestines of pathogenic factors, but I think they will
not really effect a complete cure unless they also address completely
restoring good intestinal health.
Sincerely hope this is helpful,
Linda

Hi All -

I received this from another newsletter and didn't know if it would interest anyone.

Gloria.

Hi Rich,
I looked into Prolotherapy and even received a response from a clinic in Canada
They said Prolotherapy was NOT an option for me as "quote" I was not in stable
health due to having
Rheumatoid Arthritis...thereby an affected immunse system..
They did say Prolotherapy would be beneficial if I had damage to a joint not
caused by RA ...but could
not be treated till my health was "stable"
What do you think???
Debi (RA)
AB Canada

Hi all, I'm a little confused about these pain relievers for
arthritis. I keep hearing and reading different things about them,
which ones are helpful and which ones are harmful. Does any one have
any information on this, hopefully accurate info. Thanks.
Catherine

Hi Rich, sorry its taken me a long time to write you back. My endo
pain was bad for awhile, and I had exams, and a friends wedding, but
things are less hectic for now, and my pain is a bit better, yeah!
How
are you doing? I had whole bunch of blood tests done and everything
came back normal and also my DHEA level went up a bit which is good,
from taking the DHEA supplement. Also it seems that my hormone levels
are more stable, but I know that blood tests are not that accurate
for
hormone levels. I haven't had my stool checked yet, I need to get
that
in to the lab very soon. Hopefully the stool test will be able to
show
if I have candida or not. My urine tests came back normal. I am going
to go back on the candida protocol sometime soon, but right now is
not
a good time with everything else going on, but soon. I started using
the Glucosamine Sulfate and Choldtrin (sp?) about two weeks ago and I
already notice somewhat of a difference, I'm going to continue to
take
that. I also swithced from flax seed oil to fish(salmon) oil to help
with the inflamation, and I'm still seeing the chiropractor. I looked
into the prolotherapy and it is very expensive, it is not covered by
OHIP(ontario health insurance), how much did you pay for it, or was
it
covered? I don't think I can do this well at least at this time, I
have very little money, I'm a student and not working at this time. I
also had two more amalgam fillings removed today, I have three more
to
go from the orginal 11. I felt horrible after I had the removal done
today, but when I came home I took the homeopathic remedy arnica
stavia and I felt a lot better, then went to the gym and sat in the
sauna for detox and that helped. I also have a few specialist
appointments coming up, more doctors appointment, such a drag. I have
an appointment with an endochronolgist to check all my hormones more
accuratly. I have an appointment with a ear,nose,throat doctor for
the
ringing in my left ear, dizziness and swollen lymph node in neck. I'm
also going to make an appointment at the environmental clinic but
this
will take about 6 mths to get an appt. Then my GP may send me to a
gastrointolgist, but going to wait for the stool tests to come back.
I
think that's about it, but that's enough, I hate all of these doctors
appointements, it seems to be my life. I'm doing a bit better from
the
last time I posted but I could be doing better, hopefully in time. I
hope you are doing well. Take care. Catherine
which
I
whenever
I
responsible
FOR

After eating the bagel yesterday, I hurt all over today. So, I spent a
lot of time
reading my Prescription for Nutritional Healing.
I'm still trying to figure out the cause of my RA. Found out these
interesting
things today:
1. Calcium deficiency can lead to rheumatoid arthritis. (p. 23)
Drinking
a lot of soft drinks depletes calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
2. Aluminum can be toxic if present in excessive amounts. Aluminum
toxicity can lead to poor calcium metabolism & anemia.
3. I'm concerned with Alzheimer's Disease as my maternal grandfather
and a paternal grandfather had it. The cause of alzheimer's is not
known,
however, many point to nutritional deficiencies as people with alzheimer
tend to have low levels of vitamin B12 and zinc in their bodies and
excess
aluminum and mercury in their bodies.
4. Now, I'm thinking about how I ate very little and drank nothing but
diet coke for years. I probably have lots of aluminum in my body from
drinking out of aluminum cans.
5. A couple of possibilities for the cause of fibromyalgia are
candidiasis and
chronic mercury poisoning from amalgam dental fillings. As fibromyalgia
is
an auto-immune disease like RA, this could also be one of the reasons
that
I have RA.
6. Candidiasis can be characterized by many symptoms, one of which is
arthritis. (p. 183)
7. Many people have suffered for years with various health problems
such as candidiasis - that cleared up after they had their amalgam
dental
fillings removed. (p. 386) This was interesting to me as I've had a
yeast
infection for 5 years.
8. A hair analysis can be done to determine if one has too much
mercury,
aluminum, or other metals in the body.
9. Chemicals such as methyl mercury chlorine bleaches are used to
bleach
flour to make it white faster. (This is probably the reason why people
with
RA shouldn't eat white flour and why I had so much trouble with the
bagel
that I ate yesterday.) It is the chemicals that were used to make the
flour
white that bothers us. (p. 386). We can get too much mercury from
everyday products such as cosmetics, fabric softeners, inks, paints,
plastics, solvents, and wood preservatives.
10. Arthritis can be a sign of B6 deficiency. Carpal tunnel syndrome
has
been linked to B6 deficiency. (p. 16). (I have carpal tunnel syndrome
also.)
11. Candidiasis can lead to malabsorption syndrome which is the failure
of the body to properly absorb vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients
from
food. Malabsorption is a significant factor in the overall aging
process. As
we age, the intestinal tract gets "out of shape". This is why older
people
need to consume greater amounts of nutrients and why it is important to
keep the colon clean.
12. A lack of calcium and magnesium can cause you to wake up after
a few hours and not be able to return to sleep. (So, drinking all those
diet cokes can lead to insomnia. (p. 350).
After studying this book for hours, I can see how my stressful lifestyle
which caused me to have a diet of diet coke and whatever I could
grab to eat has attributed to my RA. I'm going to have a hair analysis
done next week to determine if an excess of heavy metals could be
the cause of the candida.
Only by my own research, will I figure out how to make myself well.

Hi there Mike,
Okay you have my attention!
Can you tell me a few things ( I am pretty new here) first what type of
Arthritis do you have?
What treatments are you involved with besides the Coli. Silver?
I have RA and am looking into alternative therapies....including diet.
Many tahanks,
Debi, In Alberta Canada

Fox Mulder
I have been following a cleansing program for a few weeks now. I was
taking paragone to cleanse for parasites and candida and when the box
was empty, I started on cleanse smart for detoxification of the liver
and
other organs. I was feeling much better and had a couple of weeks of
pain free days.
Now, my RA has flared up again and I know that I still have the yeast in
my body as my vagina has that horrible itch again.
I've been more careful about what I eat....however, yesterday, I had
bagel
with a soy substitute for cream cheese.
Do you think that the one bagel could have put me into a relapse...&
that
I should stop the cleanse smart and go back to the paragone and make
sure that all the yeast is out of my body before moving on to the
detoxification
of the liver, etc. as I seemed to be improving so well on the paragone.
I'm hurting in my ankles, knees, elbows, and wrists. I'm still taking
arava &
methotrexate. Could taking the methotrexate cause me to have this joint
hurting? Any ideas?
This morning, I used the juicer and made carrot juice. That and water
is the
only thing that I have had so far today. I'm wondering, also, if I
should just
use the juicer today or if it would be better to eat some eggs for
protein.
Also, I was reading in that Natural Healing book that too much mercury
in
the body may be the reason that a person develops candiasis and one
needs to get rid of the mercury to get rid of the candiasis.
Please respond to me at keywest@... as I'm in a lot of pain today
and would like to hear your opinions.

Hi ,
I haven't received any post's for a while and was wondering if something is
wrong with my server or the
list is really quiet??
Thank you,
Debi
PS does anyone here take a supplement called "Perfect Food"

Hey group, it's Lisa. I just wanted to let everyone know about a
great product called RiSoTriene. It helps many illnesses and
diseases. It is primarily being used for people with diabetes but
they have found that it works for arthritis as well. My arthritis
has been so bad over the past year and this product is making it
easier for me to do things I haven't been able to do before. I think
you guys would love RiSoTriene. If you have time, you should check
out the website and request their free tape and doctors report. At
first I was skeptical, but a doctor actually called me at home (he
works at the Center for Advanced Medicine in California) and he told
me he personally uses this product and for his patients. Anyway, if
anyone is interested just go to the site and fill out the form at the
bottom to get more information for free.
http://homestead.juno.com/slaf9999/Experiences2.html
P.S. In the middle of the website, their is a list of all the
diseases/illnesses it helps and on the sidebar on the left of the
site at the top, there is a link to a page where you can see what the
product is actually made of and what vitamins/nutrients it contains.
Feel free to email me if you guys have any questions, but I don't
sell the product so I can't answer questions on how/why it actually
works, you'll have to ask for the free info at the bottom.
Best of luck, Lisa

Gostaria de convidar os participantes para visitarem minha nova Home
Page www.reumatologia.cjb.net e que me enviassem sugestões e
críticas. Um abraço !
Dr. Adalberto Arruda, reumatologista, Guaratinguetá, SP

Dear Rich,
Can not get Peaches here this time of year frozen ones are BAD...do you think
I can substitute
Nectarines....or should I just be content with Pears?
Thank you,
Debra

they wont give me any pain meds and this really hurts. at the top of my leg
where it connectsz to the hip, it is a sharp friggin pain and hurts so much
i cant walk far or often and they wont even give me any pain meds nd i am SO
mad at them.
i am sceduled for an MRI of my back, i already know i have degeneration of
L4 and L5, and that i have scoliosis of the lower lumbar, and they want me
to get physical therapy, too.
and that's all well and good but this HURTS.

Rich, What is the number or email address for the
Great Smokies Labs that test for candida?
Thanks, Roseanne

Hi ,
Can someone clear this for me...I was under the impression that Inflamation is
indicitave of joint
damage....in RA..that we need to stop inflamation.
Yet the article I read on Prolotherapy..indicates the injection is used to inuce
inflamation therby
promoting healing...I am confused, am I reading this wronge???
thank you,
Debi (RA) and endlessly curious!

Is anyone using Prolotherapy??
Sounds extremely intriguing..I wonder IF it works for RA???
Found 2 Dr's that utilize this therapy in my hometown (BC Canada)
Debi (RA 9.5yrs.)

Debi
Just found a website that lists the ingredients. Gonna keep searching to see
if I can get any info on buying it anywhere around here.
Hives are driving me nuts & now I'm thinking of bacon & scrambled eggs. Must
be because I know I'm going on this diet soon....
Lyn

To the new person with RA,
PLEASE check out these web sites: www.rheumatic.org www.roadback.org.
If you are indeed fiercely independant, there is information here that can
save you from a life of disability.
I was diagnosed with RA last January after having first been diagnosed with
palindromic rheumatism. When my symptoms worsened, my rheumatologist
minimized them and patronized me. Last year at this time I could barely
walk. By January, when I got the RA diagnosis from a new rheumatologist, I
was using a cane just to hobble from my kitchen to my living room. The
fatigue and depression were overwhelming.
The new rheumatologist was inclined to start me on plaquenil, but he also
mentioned that some people, particularly those in the early stages of the
disase, had had success with antibiotics. Given the choice, and considering
the potential side effects associated with plaquenil, I asked to try
antibiotics first. At this point I knew nothing about this therapy, only
that I wanted to start with the least harmful meds. It's been a steep
learning curve, but now I can confidently say I'm better versed in the ins
and outs of this therapy than most docs.
Today I am 95% improved. I no longer have the crippling morning stiffness,
have only occasional and very minor foot pain, my energy level is up and I
am living a fairly normal and active life. I am not taking NSAIDs any more,
only low dose antibiotics, acidophilus for yeast and milk thistle for liver
support (these last two on my own). I hope and fully expect to be 100%
someday, as my improvement, though gradual and subtle at this point,
continues.
You are likely to hear both dire warnings about the harmful effects of
long-term antibiotics and dismissive derision from physicians who believe
that this therapy is nothing short of quakery. By all means, explore these
claims for yourself. I have spoken with people who are commited to the
"natural" (no allopathic meds) route, and those who are on standard RA
therapies.
I respect their choices, but I am getting better and many of them are not.
This therapy is based on a theory, increasingly bolstered by research, that
RA has a bacterial origin (specifically, mycoplasma). The sites I have
referenced have information about recent studies (including the MIRA trials
at NIH) and also first-person accounts from folks who have gotten their
lives back because of this treatment.
Please don't hesitate to email me privately if you would like to discuss
this further. I am so grateful for my own good health, and wish the same for
you.
Mary Jean

Hi,
Can I ask .."what is prolotherapy"?
Also If I take, say paragone or similar product along with Acidolphilus and I
don't have yeast....is
this okay?? My Dr. does not put much validity in yeast being a problem or
contributing to autoimmune
conditions.
Another question...can Lymes disease lie dormant for many years then surface?
Debi

new person, here--just learned today that i have RA. had been
misdiagnosed twice before by other doctors as having Lupus.
lots of emotional trauma over THAT one. but now that i know it is RA,
i have lots more optimism.
so, i'm being put on plaquenil, but what else can i do for myself? i
am fiercely independent and need to know the facts from people who
have RA.
thanks.

Hi, thanks for the response!
I tested pasta (made from brown rice and rice bran..no other
ingredients)...BUT after 4 hours I did test another food item..I did not
realize I was supposed to go back to onle the SAFE foods IF I thought I
reacted to a food!! I have been trying to do this correctly hope I
haven't messed up to badly!!
I also tested coffee is this okay? Coffee isn't really a food
Debi

Rich, I know some of the symptoms of CAndida
infections, but what are symptoms of leaky gut? I
have alot of stomach cramps and bouts with irritable
bowel but no ulcers or anything show up.

Rich
Thank you again for all of the wonderful articles that you've found for
this
list. Because of your posts, I'm feeling SO much better.
I started Paragone's system to get rid of yeast and parasites about 3
weeks ago.
I haven't had to take a vioxx50 for almost 2 weeks. I have pain free
days and
think that I may, finally, be getting rid of the candida. I know that I
have a long
way to go...but, I feel so much better that it's just amazing. I've
been watching
my diet and not eating anything but fresh vegetables, fruits, free
roaming eggs,
& poultry. I've lost the craving for breads and sweets that I once
had. I'm
still taking arava; however, I've been able to lower the methotrexate.
Thank you again for all of the wonderful posts.
Delaine

I am on day 13....of E-Diet....testing stage , not sure I am doing
this right.....
So far no real reactions to any foods....except brown rice pasta made me
real tired....
Anyone else on the E-diet?
Debi

There is also Caf-Lib, Inka, and Bambu - all delicious coffee substitutes.
They are grain based and great with Soy Milk.
Gloria.

In a message dated 10/02/2000 10:51:09 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
PaulaA@... writes:
<< HOW TO REPORT YOUR BAD DRUG REACTIONS!
If you have had a bad reaction to a drug, don't rely on your doctor to
get in touch with the FDA. Few actually follow up on patient reactions.
If you have had reactions or side effects from drugs you take -
including thyroid drugs -- the FDA has a new website where you can file
information on drug reactions directly with the federal authorities.
http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/

Hi everyone, I'm new to this list and have some questions and hope to
get some help. I have been dealing with chronic pain for a few years
now and was diagnosised with endometriosis in January of 2000 through
surgery. The endo has caused a lot of pain and still continues to
cause some pain but I have improved and getting better. I only use
natural treatments to control and treat the endometriosis and it
works
very well for me. I see a chiroprator to help with my lower back
pain,
and recently she did some x-rays on me and it came back that I have
osteoarthritis. I'm not happy with the diagnosis, now its two things
that are causing my lower back pain. I don't know much about
osteoartritis but have started to do some reading on it. The thing
I'm
confused about is that I'm only 29 and the reading I have done says
that typical age of onset of osteoarthritis is 40, so I don't
understand why I have this at 29. Is it common to have osteoarthrits
at a young age? Also what are the causes of someone getting this at a
young age? I'm wondering if having the surgery has anything to do
with
it, because the lower back pain I feel is different from before
surgery, the endo pain, also I have read that a physical trauma can
cause osteoarthritis, such as surgery. Also I was wondering what type
of treatments are good for this and what has helped others. I do
exercise regularly and I find this helps. I'm not into taking
medication for pain, unless its really needed, which I only take
ocassionly for my endo pain. Any suggestions and input would be
great.
Thank you for listening. You can email personally if you like. Take
care. Catherine

Hi everyone. I just finished reading a new book on Leaky Gut Syndrome By
Elizibeth Lipski called "Leaky Gut Syndrome, What to do about a health
threat that is at the root of most illness".
This confirms what I have been researching as it sites many research
studies. LGS is probably the chief contibutor to many diseases including
arthritis. As I have mentioned, LGS is caused by many factors. Most
noteable, would be Stress and Poor diet. LGS directly encourages the growth
of Candida in the intestinal tract because in the presence of LGS, food
ferments more easily and allows candida the food to multiply with. Once
candida takes hold, it can mutate into a fungus and damage the intestinal
tract even further. The small intestine cannot break down food completely
and large particles enter the blood stream intact and causes the immune
system to nuetralize the particles. This Leakage also allows the transport
of bacteria and fungus to distant tissue sites in the body and contributes
to pain and inflammation as well as breakdown of the tissue. It also
creates food intolerance because the immune system remembers these large
partilces of food so chances are, if you are eating the same foods everyday,
you may very well have already developed an intolerance to that food.
The interesting thing regarding LGS, is that it manifests itself as many
different illnesses. It all depends on the genetic predisposition of that
person. Therefore, one person may develop RA, and another may develop
Crohn's disease and a third person may develop fibromyalgia. It doesn't
matter though. The treatment is the same. Heal the LGS!!
To directly encourage the healing of the gut lining, the first and most
important therapy is skilled relaxation. Whatever it takes for you to chill
out for 20 or 30 minutes 2x a day, do it. See, when one needs to be on
alert, blood is drawn away from the abdomen and is pulled into the muscles
for fuel. This is called "The fight or Flight Response". Now, when you
force yourself into this situation often, it results in a chronic state of
"fight or flight". Almost like "the boy who cied wolf". Your body cannot
tell the difference between real stress and just being tense and upity.
Your body thinks it is in this chonic stress response so your intestinal
tract is literaly being "starved" to death. Your intestinal tract uses more
blood for regeneration than any other organ in your body. During
relaxation, blood floods to the abdomen. This is why you must practice
relaxation. It directly encourages the healing the the intestinal tract and
gets you out of a state of chronic stress.
Other steps you can take to heal your gut is to find out weather or not you
have candida. If you do, treat it! find out if you have food sensitivities
(I would be suprised if you didn't) and eliminate them for at least 6
months. This will also give your gut time to heal. L-glutamine is the
prefered food for the lining of the gut mucosa. 1-30g a day in divided
doses depending on your needs. Also, plant enzymes, Quercetin, Bromelain,
Gamma Orozanol, NAG, FOS, SeaCure, Colostrum, viamins and minerals help to
the heal the leaky gut. There is a lab test from Great Smokies Labs that
can tell your doctor weather or not this is a problem for you. It is called
the Intestinal Permeability Essay. A Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis
with Parasitology can help to identify harmful organisms, flora balance,
digestion of foods and absorption of nutrients. This would be an excelent
place to start in your pursuit to heal. Get well!
Rich

The only way to fight it is to avoid it. Drink lots of water, eat low-fat,
well balanced meals. Sweet potatoes and naturally sweet tasting fruits taste
sweeter when you are not consuming sugar. It takes a couple of weeks but the
feeling of well being is worth it, believe me. I speak from experience only.
This is what works for me. Now whenever I do on occasion have some sugar,
and it is rare, I feel awful and realize that it is not worth it. But after
a long time, another "event" comes up and I do it again. Family reunions and
holidays are when I allow myself to indulge. I formerly was extremely
addicted to sugar.

Hello all. I have a question-Are fish oils the same
as omega 3 oils? I am taking the Omega 3 oils and the
clerk told me that fish oils are different. Any
info.?
Hoope ervyne is having a great day! Roseanne

Hi, everybody! Does anyone have the experience of their arthritis getting worse
when they exercise, like when they go for a walk? I just went for a two-mile
walk, and my hips and knees are feeling very, very stiff and sore. Also, my
tendons on my elbows and my knees are also so, for no
reason on earth that I can think of. Is there any kind of arthritis that also
affects the tendons to cause tenderness there? I feel like I must be imagining
things, or going nuts or something....I know what I'm feeling, but I can't
figure out why it's so. I mean, I thought exercise was
supposed to loosen up the joints, that when you moved them, you'd feel
progressively better?
Thanks so much for any light anyone can shed on this.
Love, Leora

Sorry about the cut-off but I was getting disconnected so I sent what I had.
Anyway, this other treatment I want to tell you about is in regards to
allergies. The treatment is called N.A.E.T. This is a treatment used to
diagnose and eliminate allergies to just about anything from foods to
inhalents to even vitamins and minerals. The practioner uses muscle testing
to diagnose the allergy. You hold your arm up straight while you hold the
potential allergen in the other hand, if your arm goes down easily, you are
said to be allergic to this substance. Then, the practioner gives you an
accupuncture treatment while you hold the substance in order to desensitize
you and retrain your immune system not to react to the substance offensively
anymore. All that is required is that you avoid the allergen for 25 hours
and then get retested to make sure it is cleared. If so, the results are
permenant and you will no longer react to the substance anymore. It even
works for people with classic IgE reactions. ya know, the type that could
kill a person if they eat something. After treatment, these people can eat
the foods that would have killed them previously. I have receieved NAET
treatments for food allergies and they indeed work. A food allergy
assessment before and after proved the elimination of the allergen. This is
more practical than simply avoiding offending foods and it also a great way
of diagnosing food allergy. Once the allergy is cleared, your gut won't
react to it anymore and leaky gut heals faster. Jaffe-Mellor is a similar
technique and uses aspects of NAET. Jaffe-Mellor practioners are usually
trained in NAET and claim that if Jaffe-Mellor is successful, NAET is often
not necessary but it is a powerful option for you. Search for NAET on your
search engine and you will find the official NAET site which has tons of
info on it including a bulletin board to post questions. Take care.
Rich
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More information on this SAA stuff that a dear friend who is helping me
with homeopathy (he just started on my case) has sent me....
Love, Leora

Leora
I've not heard of SAA and I've misplaced my Nutritional Healing Book.
However, I'm sure that you're really scared right now. I would try to
find out as much as possible on the disease and then try alternative
medicines.
I have RA and a change of diet has helped me tremendously.
My medication with my RA doctor is $600 per month and the
prognosis was not good. But, by reading and studying the
Natural Healing Book and changing my diet, I have had many
pain free days. I'm now undergoing an internal cleansing
through Renew Life which I found in my local GNC store.
I'm very excited about this as their 4 step plan costs only
about $30 a month compared to a New York doctor's
similar plan for $600 per month.
Delaine

More information on amyloidosis (I have secondary amyloidosis, or
SAA)...
Love, Leora

Hi, Rich!
My doctor feels I have SAA based on the biopsies taken of tissue in my
bladder. (Biopsies are the only way they diagnose this, by the way, and
it's done with stains and stuff - I can send you articles about how they
determine that it's SAA, which is where fibers of protein from an
inflammatory process (like RA or tuberculosis) get laid down in various
organs and choke them out like kudzu.)
He hasn't told me I would be dead within a year, or anything, I picked
up on that by reading various articles, one of which is attached below.
Love, Leora
P.S. I will send another group of articles about it that has better
information.

Rich
I appreciated the information that you sent about the Jaffe-Mellor
technique.
I looked up all the information that I could find on it on the internet
and even
sent a letter to a person that performs the procedure. He sent a note
back
and said that he wasn't trained to perform it on RA..that he only worked
with
people that had osteo arthritis.
I am in Key West, FL. Do you have any idea how I could find someone
that
is close to me to do this? Miami is 4 hours away; however, I would
drive there.
Also, it is important enough to me to travel to anywhere to get it done.
I had a chiropractor many years ago that used the muscle reflex method
to
help me figure out what vitamins to take. This was about 1981. I was
in
Amway at the time and wanted to take supplements and wanted to know
which ones to take. After doing the muscle reflex with me, he
determined
that my body didn't need any of them except for Vitamin E and I needed 8
of them.
Well, 8 vitamin pills of Vitamin E seemed like a lot...but, it was was
only 400 mg.
Now, one can buy Vitamine E in 400 mg. caplets.
Your writing made me think of him and I was wondering if I couldn't find
someone with Jaffe-Mellor that I might try to track him down and see if
he is still in practice. The chiropractor was near Atlanta, GA and as I
live in Key West, I will have to wait a few weeks before I have time to
track him down.
So, please don't stop posting. I am one person that is very interested
in this.
Also, how did you get rid of the yeast? I've been on diflucan for 3
months now and
I still have it. I have been reading a lot and I believe that the
treatments would help
me a lot.
I had a hairdresser tell me that she had RA in her fingers so badly that
she
couldn't work with people's hair anymore. By changing her diet, her
fingers
straightened out and she has been in remission for years.
If you have any idea of who I could contact to get the treatment, please
let
me know. Also, who did it for you? Maybe it would be worth it for me
to
fly to the location of the person that helped you. I'm willing to do
anything
for a cure. I have had RA for 2 years and am taking vioxx50 and
methotrexate
and arava.
My RA doctor told me that my diet didn't have anything to do with
feeling better,
etc. I kept doing research and found a book called "Natural Healing"
and discovered
that I don't have as much pain if I don't eat dairy products, sugar,
alcohol. I told
my RA specialist about it and she still doesn't believe me.
By living in Key West, we have very few doctors to choose from. I don't
really trust any doctor and try to figure out what my body needs.
Please e-mail me at keywest@... any more information that you can
give me as I am VERY interested in what you have written.
Thanks so much, Rich, for sharing.
Delaine
Delaine

Please unsubscribe me THX

Anyone ever heard of this?

Gary

http://www.mothernature.com/ency/Supp/Pregnenolone.asp

Dear Rich and everyone -
I always get so much out of Rich's posts. However, I guess I also
thought he was
a mind reader to know that. It was because of Rich that I
investigated MSM and started using it and for the first time in 10 years I
am without excrutiating pain in my fingers. I am now pain free. I am next
going to explore the Jaffe-Mellor stuff and will get back to you all.
I agree wholeheartedly about what Rich says about drugs. So many people
are still motivated by money that it is wise if we, as individuals, take our
health concerns into our own hands. Yes, you can listen to doctors if you
want but they are not God (no more, that is, than we are all). I have
an advantage as I was brought up not to believe that Doctors have all the
answers. That is what is so wonderful about the internet. We, the
'ordinary' people, can now communicate to each other and share our
experiences. What Rich is saying is so valuable, please listen to him.
As he says himself, try these things out. You use drugs which are much more
dangerous than natual therapies. Use your own brain, and senses and values
to assess what works and what doesn't. It is your body. Your life. Your
choice.
Gloria.

Rich, I am very excited about your information and
success! I will definitely look into it and let you
know what I found out. I assume then that these
treatments worked for you? I already had hormone
level testing and mine are off. However, I am
currently trying to get everything balanced. Please
let me know about any other alternative treatments
that have worked.
For everyone, I just wanted to pass along that
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is one of the strongest,
natural anti-inflammatories you can find. I buy the
TWINLAB brand because I can get pure vitamin B5
without anything added. The B5 along with Omega 3
oils have helped my sore, achiness tremendously. My
herbalist, and rheumy said that BOTH are essential
when treating RA. If anybody wants more info., just
let me know.
~Roseanne~

for a nutritional supplement that has been mentioned in this list? It is
very popular among those supporting the use of alternative medicine
I don't have arthritis, but have testemonials from people who do and
the stories are very impressive.
Consensus will determine if I am able to post or not. Please let me
know.
Al Pasternak
Vancouver, BC
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Hello Rich. I happen to be someone who believes
strongly in alternative medicines and treatments.
However stating a possible "cure" for arthritis sounds
rather scary, like another weight loss pill claiming
you will lose 30 lbs. the first day. I am in no way
making fun, because I am very interested in both
options you spoke about and would love more
information. Herbal medicine cured me of anemia when
the best Dr.'s in Pittsburgh couldn't bring my blood
values up. SOOO I know it works. I myself have
suggested various treatments and herbs to people for
other diseases and have sometimes taken it personally
when they didn't try them. I think alot of people are
fearful of taking anything without a Dr.'s approval or
guidance. I believe that we, as the sufferers of the
disease, know MORE research than most Doctors taking
care of thousands of patients. Please continue to
post, as there are some of us willing to try the
alternative to conventional medicine. I as a nurse
know how Dr.'s can lack the research necessary to
treat diseases but often the Pt. is the most informed
of all of us, because he/she is the one suffering and
searching for a cure! The fact is we all have to
choose what we think will help us. Don't take it
personally if some people are fearful of trying your
suggestions. It really is of no offense to you, but
actually just their own feelings and choices. When
you are already taking some strong medications, it is
scary to then take anything more without a Dr. guiding
you. Alot of people don't know about alternative
treatments so it's really risky for them. However, I
would love more info. on both the treatments you
suggested. Risk taking has helped me before!
Thanks, Roseanne

Hi everyone. I urge you to take seriously what I posted a day or so ago. I
thought for sure that I would be getting tons of questions about it. Some
might say I go overboard in my search for optimal health and a cure for
arthritis and autoimmune diseases but then again, I can truely say I have
been "cured" of arthritis. I exibit no symptoms of the disease and I am not
taking drugs to supress the symptoms. It's funny. In the past, I described
a wonderful technique to relieve the pain, stiffness and stop the
progression of osteoarthritis. This technique is called prolotherapy. I
reiderated it over and over again but nobody wanted to take it seriously.
That doesn't make sense to me. Here are people, talking about how they are
suffering with pain and going from doctor to doctor, medication to
medication with little or no benefits, and I am sitting over here going
"Hello, I know a way you can get rid of your pain permenantly", and the best
response I get is, "I'll look into it". That's silly! That technique can
completey stop the progression of OA and actually rebuild cartilage but
nobody was impressed. Now, I am telling you there is a way to eliminate
75-100% of the symptoms and disease process of RA and other autoimmune
problems with a non-inavasive treatment that once you achieve the results,
they are permanent and I see the same lack of enthusiasm happening. This
board is a great place for support and swapping ideas and that's great,
really great. I'm sorry for coming off like I am reprimanding the board.
Please forgive me, that is not my purpose. I just know for a fact that
everything I hear everyone doing is going to produce little to no real
benefit in the long run. Juicing does not cure RA! Detoxification does not
cure RA! Vegetarian Diets do not cure RA! Meat eating diets do not cure
RA! Embril and Vioxx do not cure RA! Some of these produce good symptom
relief but they do not eliminate the cause. That is my purpose for these
posts. RA, OA, or other autoimmune diseases are the result of multiple
factors influencing your body chemistry. Some changes you make produce just
a small change in your physiology while other changes affect your body
chemistry in a big way. I am letting you in on therapies that change your
body in a "HUGE" way. I have no vested interest in these therapies. I am
not a doctor. I am just a very well informed patient that no longer has
arthritis. That is the most imprortant fact. I want to help because I ran
around with my tail between my legs for 4 years doing everything that you
all are doing. I know first hand that it doesn't work anymore than to
supress symptoms. If symptom supression is your goal, than I applaud you as
you are using the very best methods of symptom supression. If you wish to
get rid of the disease, I have given you two therapies that go a "HUGE" way
in eliminating the disease and a few other concepts that conribute big time
to the disease. This includes candida, leaky gut syndrome, and hormonal
insufficency. I truely care and I truely believe what I am telling you will
help you far more than what you are already doing. If anyone needs a
further explaination of anything specifically I will be gald to answer. If
not, I will not be posting anymore as I do not feel I am being taken
seriously. Good luck to you all.
Rich

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone had experience with polymyositis?

monique

I'm new to this group and just wanted to say hi. I've had the diagnosis of
rheumatoid arthritis for about a yr, and before that, I was told that I have
fibromyalgia. (I think I've had the RA way back, only the doctor didn't want
to change his diagnosis - when I changed Drs was told I have both). From the
pain I have in my joints, I think it's RA. At any rate, I strongly believe
in detoxification. But as I read and read, I get more confused. Some say
juicing is the way to go, some say combo herbs, some say chelation. I know
that I will eventually know in my heart just what my body needs, but right
now, I'm not sure.
Has anybody had good results w/juicing? How about the Gerson Therapy for RA?
(such an intensive program I have my doubts about, but then my health is in
such a sad state.) I know the Gerson Therapy recommends ONLY the Norwalk
juicer (like TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS!!) and the K & K (around $800 - still
expensive). They insist that other juicers destroy precious enzymes.
Any thoughts?

Hello all! I too do not have a positive RA factor but
my Dr. is certain I have RA. Next month, I start on
Plaquenil and it is only my second visit with him. He
said aggressiveness early on in the disease is
essential. I am sooooo glad he feels that way because
I don't have to try to persuade him to try new
treatments. He suggests them to me! He's in
Pittsburgh, PA if anyone needs a good rheumy!
Roseanne

If the stiffness symptoms are symmetrical and hit you quickly, the chances
are it is RA.
The Rh Factor test doesn't always show. I also am an athlete and was hit with
RA 3.5 years ago. Get to a Rheumatologist and begin an aggressive program to
at least stall the onset and minimize joint damage. I then went to a
naturopath and got tested for food sensitivities and with these two
approaches I am still playing 50+ age group competitive sports and taking
only minimal drugs. Email or call if you want more details
Paul Knechtel 919-489-5946

Hi, everybody! I'm 39, and have been having problems with arthritis for
only about six
months now.
It's kind of strange - in the last six months, my body went from being
super-healthy to
just...falling apart. I've had UTI's which turned into chronic
interstitial cystitis
(which I'm still battling), eye infections, and have just generally felt
lousy and tired
all the time. Not normal at all. And, at the same time, I've had problems
with my knees
and off and on with my hips. I went from running 4 miles several times a
week with no
problems (been a runner all my life) to, some mornings, barely being able
to make it down
the stairs. I can't kneel without a lot of pain, my knees feel very stiff,
especially in
the morning or if I've sat in one place too long, and my hips kind of lock
up that way,
too. When I've tried to jog, it's been a disaster, I feel stabbing pains
with each jolt
in my hips and knees. My doctor did a RA factor test, and I was negative,
so she told me
it must just be osteoarthritis.
I'm still thinking it must be RA, anyway, because it happened so suddenly,
it waxes and
wanes, and RA runs rampant in my family. I've had many relatives develop
RA in their 40's
or 50's - all ending up in a wheelchair. My uncle has had hip and knee
replacement
surgery, so he's no longer technically crippled, but.....
Also, I have had no relief at all from MSM or glucosamine sulfate or SAM-E.
BUT....when I
took omega 3 oils - fish oils - I got immediate and substantial relief. I
still couldn't
run, but I could walk normally at least, and kneel (although with some
stiffness and
pain.) I took the omega-3 oils just as part of a general vitamin program
I've been trying
- I had no idea when I took them that they might help arthritis symptoms -
I was amazed
when I started feeling so much better, and I experimented - taking them one
day but not
the next, etc. and realized it really was the fish oils making the big
difference. I was
glad, because the NSAID's my doc said to take haven't done a thing for me.
Can anyone tell me, does this sound like osteoarthritis, or more like
rheumatoid
arthritis? Thank you so much for your help and advice.
Love, Leora

Anyone that lives in Florida on social security disability? If so,
and medicare does not kick in for 24 months,
what are you using for health insurance? I have Cobra but it will be
gone on May 1, 2001.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Jean

The following site may help with your questions (I have no financial
interest in this site): http://pages.prodigy.net/cushman4/index.htm Ko
Roseanne Omalacy <rosesattic1@...
Could some one give the info. on how much and all other info. on
glucosamine?
--- arthritiscured@egroups.com wrote:

Thanks for the information concerning glucosamine. I have been using
it for nearly four weeks and already have experienced impressive
results. The reduction of stiffness and increased mobility are
remarkable.

I'd like to know if anyone has had experience w/Remicade. My Mom tried
it, and had fabulous results with the first dose and the one at two
weeks. The dose which was to be given at week 6 (4weeks after the last
one) had to be stopped because of a transfusion reaction a quarter of
the way through. She had another dose four weeks later (with benadryl to
minimize the reaction), but has not experienced much benefit- we're
wondering if it's because she didn't do the suggested 0,2,6, and then
every 8 week regimine, or because it's just not helping her. It's
strange, because the first two doses brought 90+% relief- she was acting
20 years younger.
Thanks for sharing any info-
Marilyn

Should Physicians Prescribe Religious Activities?
The New England Journal of Medicine had an editorial that addressed this very
question, reviewing the facts and discussing the issue further. Some of the
things mentioned included:
· most people believe in heaven and hell, the healing power of prayer, and the
capacity of faith to aid in the recovery from disease.
· 77 percent of hospitalized patients want physicians to consider their
spiritual needs
· The National Institute for Healthcare Research, a privately funded, nonprofit
organization, has published extensive literature reviews suggesting that
religious faith and practice are positively associated with health status The
organization's World Wide Web site encourages physicians to pay more attention
to religious matters and recommends that they take a spiritual history at the
time of each complete physical examination, with any concerns raised by
patients addressed during follow-up visits.
· The National Institute on Aging and Harvard Medical School sponsor regular
meetings on th