New Kid on the Block

[Guest guest]

From: MeekrSeekr

Babs56p

Hi Babs,

First of all my name is and I apologize for not giving out more

information about myself in my first message.

I was first diagnosed in July of 95 on my 50th birthday, happy birthday to

me. My disease progress real well in 6 months time I was pretty much bed

fast went back to my GP (he had sent me to a Rheumatologist) . Needless to

say changed doctors and was put on methotrexate and plaquinil immediately.

Stayed there a year and was doing wonderful got completely off all meds. and

continued with life.

In 98 I took a physical and they found a mass in my lung and had surgery,

this turned out to be histoplasmosis (excuse the spelling). I keep wondering

if that could be due to the methotrexate I took, my doctor said no so I have

to get this thought out of my mind now because I know I may have to go there

again.

Spring of 99 I started having a set back on and off went back to my doctor

and he started me back on Relafen which helps sometimes depends on the day. I

was taking 750 mg of Relafen and 2 extra strength Tylenol twice a day and

seeing my RA doctor every 12 weeks.

In Jan. we were in Florida and I was given The New Arthritis Breakthrough. I

got so excited I could not wait to get home and discuss this with my doctor.

It was the only thing I had ever read that made since about this disease to

me. I had appointment on Feb. 16 went loaded with ammunition and didn't need

it he was familiar with the therapy and was willing to let me try. I feel so

blessed to have a RA doctor like him. I have such a good feeling about this

therapy and also want to learn all I can about it from the people who have

been there and done that.

Today all I take is 100mg of minocycline 2xday and I took myself off relafen

and added 600mg. Ibuprofen 2xday. My best time of the day has a window of

about 7 hrs of very little to no discomfort at all. Yes, I am blessed.....

Thank you for your response and support ,

Hi : Welcome!!! Thanks for the info which I am copying to the List as

I know others are interested as well. You are fortunate to have found a new

rheumy familiar with the AP in such a short amount of time after making your

decision - good for you! Too many of us have to go around the block a few

times (crawling and crying along the way) before we find the right dr. But

it sure sounds like you have been through quite a bit and I can understand

your suspicions/concerns re: the methotrexate contributing to the lung mass.

Of COURSE your dr. would not confirm a link........ My own fears about the

standard RA drugs caused me to research alternatives, too. I am weaning off

the methotrexate and doing very well on the Minocin which I have been on

since November. At my worst, I was also bedridden and felt like something

was eating me up alive. My improvements are amazing to me - slow but

continuous.

Feel free to ask any questions! Many here are more experienced in this than

I and all are very supportive and informative. May God bless you with

continued progress, .

Babs

RA 8/98, DX 4/99, AP 11/99

200 mg. Minocin

2.5 mg. Methotrexate

112 mcg. Synthroid

2 mg. Hytrin

10 mg. Lipitor

Mestinon

Vits. & Misc. Suplmts.