Alternative Help for RA Community Group

This group is intended to help those who either want to take less of the conventional drugs they are taking, or to gain more control over their illness through alternative therapies. This group is mainly focused on alternative medications, alternative supplements and alternative foods that I have found beneficial for RA through both research and trial and error.

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Allergies & Immunity
/ Alternative Help for RA Support Group

Minocycline results

deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi everyone,

I am following the AP Protocol taking 100 mg of Minocycline Tues, Thurs and Sat. I've had dramatic results already and it has only been 1 day and a half. I just feel like shouting it to the world. I am having the Herx reaction but it is not like RA pain at all for me, it feels different, like really achy. Last night I was able to almost make a complete fist and nearly straighten my arms. Normally by night time I can't function at all and my husband has been having to do everything until the Pred kicks back in. I also tapered down in the Pred 5mg last night... I am doing all this alone without a doctor..... It was amazing to be able to take care of my baby last, I didn't have the usual horrible stiffness and the swelling in my fingers and wrists went down so much even my husband noticed and can't deny there is something happening here. I am in shock to be honest that I have taken 1 pill and I feel like this after going through so much...

I know there are risks involved like drug induced lupus but it seems like most RA drugs are risky anyway, and also this is a common medication prescribed for acne...

I hope everyone is feeling well, I will keep everyone updated. I want to really pay attention and write down how I am reacting to this new treatment so that I can give others a really clear picture if they ever want to try it.

Take care

M
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Rachael,

Just wondering, what time do you take your pred? I've been taking it at night as it helps me sleep, but have done quite a bit of research into how it can interfere with cortisol rhythms (lowest in the few hours after falling asleep, to let the immune system do its fighting and repair work, highest a few hours after waking). I've read that the best time to take it is the morning - but for some reason it doesn't help me much when I do this. Just wondering how you get on with it... :-)

Tonight I start taking the mino at bedtime rather than mid-morning. Hope it helps with the night flaring, last night was bloody horrendous after I decided to reschedule my pred for the morning!

Kam x
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hey Kam,

I take the Pred at 7:30pm and then I take the Minocycline 1 hour after at 8:30. I am not sure if that is the correct way, but I did read something about the Pred reducing inflammation which helps the Minocycline better penetrate. I like taking the Pred at night because then I don't feel stiff in the morning, my stiffness hits about 6pm-ish which is better for me because then my husband can help me out. It's strange because when my RA wasn't severe and I was just taking Naproxen, I had the morning stiffness, but now the stiffness depends on what time I take the Pred. Really hoping the mino kicks in for you soon, take care.

Rachael
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Rachael,

Just wondering how you're going?

I've had my meeting with my LLMD and my GP, and am about to start aggressive multiple AP for Lyme + two co-infections that came up in the testing. They've also doubled my mino, so now 2x100mg MWF. I have some REALLY good days, 90% good (still with pain meds tho), but some rotten ones too. It's all a bit surreal tbh, my labs were not raging +ves, but not clear enough to disregard either. Could this really be the cause for my RA? Will keep you posted :-)

Kam
deleted_user
deleted_user
Wow, I'm so happy for you, that is such good news. I definitely want to take that blood test when I get to Australia and see if there is anything going on. I am really happy with how things are going with the Mino, I have improved so much and also herxing less lately. I am also down to 7.5 mg of Prednisone. Last night I noticed that I didn't have pain but just the stiffness. I am really happy about that and can't wait for the stiffness to also lessen. The stiffness doesn't last for as long anymore, just a few hours. I know what you mean, it really does feel surreal, I just wish more people would give it a go. I think it's kind of a conspiracy, maybe doctors don't want to endorse antibiotics to treat RA because it could possibly become a world health problem if too many resistant strains of bacteria develop? It seems like antibiotics can help for many auto-immune diseases.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Minocycline is alright, unless your R.A. is severe. Then no good, so Doc. says?:)
deleted_user
deleted_user
I would rephrase that Janebee - minocycline works well if it "fits" your RA pathogenesis. It didn't work for me, but many people with severe RA are doing well on AP... Kam
deleted_user
deleted_user
I would rephrase that Janebee - minocycline works well if it "fits" your RA pathogenesis. It didn't work for me, but many people with severe RA are doing well on AP... Kam
2scicrazed
2scicrazed
Recent research has shown the Minocin inhibits the inflammatory chemical Interleukin 6. Which is also the target of some of the newer biologics.

Also, name brand time released Minocin has been found to have more consistent results since it maintains a steady concentration in the body. Minocin also builds up in synovial fluid unlike other antibiotics.

If any of you are still checking this board, an update would be nice.
2scicrazed
2scicrazed
Janebee, my mother had advanced RA and twisted hands within four years of onset. Minocin put her in total remission with just six months! It kept her in remission for the next 20+ years.

So it can work for advanced RA.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi there, it's Mazensmummy here. Just wanted to post an update, I went into full remission after starting the antibiotic protocol the first time around within a few months. I had to stop the Minocycline due to pregnancy and did experience a partial pregnancy remission. The RA came back with a vengeance after giving birth so I resumed taking the Minocycline however I haven't responded to it as fast as I did overseas. I don't know if it's because I'm taking a different brand or if my RA is just much more progressed now. It's been a year since I started taking it the second time round and while I feel it's working, it's a really slow progress although I am functioning quite well. My CRP has reduced by 50%. I've recently added bcm-95 turmeric capsules to my protocol and am doing some research at the moment on herbal antimicrobials because I do think mycoplasma and possibly co-infections is the underlying reason for my RA. It's widely accepted that mycoplasma causes arthritis in animals and there are clinical studies out there showing that mycoplasma is present in some RA patients.