Recovering From Arthritis

Arthritis & Daily Life

2011-06-05T08:12:00.000-07:00

Have not posted for a long while! I feel so good I am able to get back to all the tasks which became impossible or caused me to need at least two days of recovery. More to follow.....

Arthritis, Raw Food

2011-03-08T20:16:00.000-08:00

The mostly raw food and whole grain diet is working well. I can even have something sweet and not pay for it in pounds the next day! Once you retrain the brain that meat and dairy are not necessary to survive (I was raised on the meat and potato lifestyle along with fresh veggies and a salad at every dinner) it all feels good and you really won't miss it.

I still cook for my family and make sure that I am not starving while cooking by having a cup of coffee or snack on raw food while cooking. In fact I still use half & half in my coffee. I avoid all processed foods, MSG and aspartame. They cause inflammation along with hydrogenated and enriched products.

On a few occasions I have had the organic beef from my freezer and keep it at about 4 oz. per serving, lean chicken and turkey. Ground beef with taco seasoning has resulted in puffy hands the following morning. Probably MSG due to the fact that I had grabbed something at Taco Johns etc.

When I get the excess weight off I will most likely eat meat a few times a week, because I love a good steak! However, my attitude toward food is making a change for the better. I am more interested in trying whatever I can lay hands on in the produce section and find a way to prepare it. My family is also getting more adventurous with new foods.

There has been a slight re-occurrence of Arthritis so I am taking the Minocyline 3 times per week at night. The book mentions this happening, everyone is different so you just keep retreating until it stops coming back.

Overall I am so thankful that I found this book along with www.roadback.org. There is just no way to put into words how much better life is when you feel good enough to get out of bed and take on the day knowing that it is now possible to achieve goals of all kinds rather than hope to get through the day in survival mode. It's the difference between life and death, existing and living, reasonable happiness and constant depression.

Leaving the darkness of endless doctor appointments and stepping into the light of my normal life. How refreshing it is to know that I don't have a cupboard full of prescriptions that worked for awhile. Afraid to throw them away just in case...
No longer having to adapt my life and activities to the encroaching disability that is Arthritis.

Start you own journey, you won't regret it. I am here to support any way I can so feel free to email me at the contact if you like.

RA, Raw Food, Diet

2011-02-08T05:38:00.000-08:00

Here is a wealth of knowledge concerning degenerative diseases and how they can be cured with the right diet. I have stopped playing around and decided that I can live without meat and dairy long enough to give fresh food a chance to completely recover my health.

I have needed to take the anti-biotics three times per week. The stiffness, swelling and fatigue started coming back. Most noticably in the morning upon waking I had that old familiar feeling of exhaustion even though I spent 7-8 hours sleeping.

I learned quite a few years ago that when pain becomes part of your bodies system. It deals with it while you are sleeping, hence we grind and clinch our teeth. Therefore, they crack and need root canals along with expensive crowns. My parents taught me well about oral hygiene and I practiced it! Yet, until a dentist five years ago suggested that my cracked teeth were related to pain I never knew the cause.

I have no end of apreciation for professionals who take the time to educate themselves in matters related to their profession, such as teeth/jaw pain or jaw pain/neck. These guys aren't going to make any money from referring their clients to another healthcare provider. They just want you to get better!

We all have skills and God given talents that we can apply to helping others. Even if it is your profession, give it away to those who need you... it may be that no one else in your field will offer the help.

Back to the diet:
I have taken out dairy and meat for a day or so and I feel better. Joints don't swell, no stiffness, fatigue etc. So I just going to do it! Check out the Gerson Institute. Charlotte Gerson's father Max Gerson, MD figured out how to cure TB in 1928 with diet. He later cured cancer and his daughter had dedicated her life to continuing his work.
After all Dr. Gerson was buddies with the physician who figured out that if a doctor washed his hands in between delivering babies women would stop dying from infection. Of course, he was laughed at... then.
Dr. Gerson, also laughed at. If your income depended upon expensive "therapies" for cancer, RA, MS,Lupus and pretty much all degenerative disease that plagues and eventually kills people only after their bank account is empty..... wouldn't you do everything in you POWER to discredit the threat to your wallet?

Arthritis, Weight Loss

2011-02-03T07:51:00.000-08:00

So I find myself 5' 3/4" inches tall and 197 lbs! Almost as wide as tall. I have been toying with a raw food diet to get this weight off, but with a freezer full of delectible organic Angus beef I have put it off.

I have now completed the first 24 hours of raw food, plus half & half in my coffee and have lost 2.8 lbs. That's pretty amazing. I walked for an hour on my treadmill, not out of the ordinary for me. Going to continue because I felt good when I woke up this morning! Starting the day with a six month old Golden Retriever who has immediate energy upon rising I need to feel good.

The Arthritis symptoms are still non-existent. I did go back to 1 capsule of 100 mg. Mynocyline 3 times per week (this week). I was starting to feel tired and a little achy and stiff. The book states that recurrence can happen and the remedy is to go back on the antibiotics until the symptoms disappear. Every case is different and you just learn when you need to re-treat yourself until the need to re-treat is no longer necessary.

Netflix is a wealth of information concerning food, farming health. The documentaries are contemporary and will educate you about the future of our food supply. Here is my list of must see titles:
The Future of Food
The Beautiful Truth
Babies

You won't regret watching these documentaries.

Artificial Sweetners, Diet Changes

2011-01-13T18:37:00.000-08:00

Two days ago I decision to take some things out of my diet permanently. Artificial sweeteners and all forms of MSG. Now that the arthritis has been conquered I have realized that more changes need to be make to be more healthy and energetic. Until recently I held the opinion that Sweet & Low must not be dangerous since all the elder members of my extended family used it and none were diagnosed with cancer. Having just watched "The Beautiful Truth" on Netflix and finally absorbing information that has been out there concerning food additives and artificial sweeteners; I must test a new way of using food for body fuel and seek the best fuel available.

Watch this documentary and you will be amazed at the possibilities of food.

Arthritis Recovery

2010-12-22T12:16:00.000-08:00

Feeling great! Starting to Zumba with my girls to get the weight off which I have accumulated over the past months. Still taking 100mg of Mynocycline twice a day until my skin is clear and then will stop. All symptoms of Arthritis are gone, I think for good but will continue to post any changes and updates.
If you haven't started you recovery from Arthritis don't wait another day. Your life is waiting for you!

Factor D - What About the Sunshine-Vitamin D and your Health? - NaturalNews.tv

2010-12-09T10:03:00.000-08:00

Factor D - What About the Sunshine-Vitamin D and your Health? - NaturalNews.tv

Psoriasis, Arthritis

2010-12-08T11:31:00.000-08:00

I have noticed within the past week that the lesions on my skin are improving. Twenty four years ago at the age of 22 I moved from Tucson to Portland, Oregon. Within two months the lesions started forming. Beginning on the crown of my head. I have been fortunate in that I do not have any visible patches. It has stayed on my scalp and other places that clothing covers. I did have joint pain during my teen and young adult years but was never tested for arthritis.
I did visit a doctor because of severe pain in my elbows. However, I was 18 and my employer did not offer health insurance (that I know of). I wouldn't have been able to afford my portion anyway at $4.35 per hr. The two x-rays taken cost me every dollar I had for two weeks so I declined to come back for the blood test offered for arthritis; choosing gas and grocery money instead. I should have pursued that lead!

I find it very intriguing that my skin seems to be the first to go and the last to come back to normal. I no longer believe that any form of psoriasis is an "autoimmune disorder" that is a catch all phrase for diseases that doctors cannot figure out how to cure but have plenty of dangerous drugs to alter with the bonus of side effects that could render you even more diseased or dead.

Vitamin D, Vitamin A

2010-11-30T06:45:00.000-08:00

The Good Morning America news ticker never fails to supply an abundance of false information concerning health. Today, the myth that most of us get plenty of Vitamin D and A. If we take supplements we are risking damage to our health!

The problem is that doctors are not educated in nutrition as well as vitamin and mineral needs of the human body adequately. Doctors are taught to view vitamins and minerals as drugs.They don't have the documentation to back up their myths! Completely natural, not synthetic drugs; vitamins are the stuff that our bodies were designed to assimilate and thrive on. Last summer I was prescribed 50,000 iu of vitamin D taken daily for 8 weeks with a refill after a blood test showed that I had no Vitamin D. So why are my kidneys and liver still functioning?
I eat organic beef, fresh foods and limit sugar as well as keeping the five evil items out of my diet as listed by Drs. Oz and Royzin in "You On A Diet". They are well educated in health and nutrition. Obviously, they have gone outside the boundaries of their chosen specialties in medicine. I am in the category of "most Americans".
The truth of the matter is that we need it for a multitude of reasons. Proper immune system, bone strength, mental health etc.... The body simply dumps the excess if it cannot use it. Living anywhere other than the sunbelt states we need to supplement Vitamin D during the winter months at least.

Depression is a symptom of Vitamin D deficiency. If you a depressed, ask for a blood test. Start with a Naturopath or Nurse Practitioner, someone who is willing to listen to you. It makes all the difference to not get talked out of what you know you need. It's okay to tell your health care provider what you need if you've done your homework. If they don't listen, take your business elsewhere! Most of them view you as a source of income anyway; so fire them and move on to someone who is willing to work with your efforts in taking care of yourself. I hate the term "patients". It's condescending and sets us up to be bullied. Are you willing to pay someone to bully you?

Netflix has very educational documentaries about drugs, vitamins and the statistics of the health of "most Americans". Not able to find the specific one I wanted to reference but there is a plethora of education available.

Symptom Free of Arthritis

2010-11-29T18:39:00.000-08:00

Hope your Thanksgiving was made up of the good company of family and friends along with the joy of sharing food and fun.

I feel great! Sleeping well, no pain in any part of my body with the exception of the neck which is currently in the process of rehabilitation and doing better.

It's a road well worth travelling to get to where I am now from where I was last April 1. Some of the days were very difficult but what kept me going was the cases documented in the book featured on this blog. I had nothing to lose and everything to gain by investing the time and energy required to achieve the goal.

Feel free to contact me at: arthritisrecovery@gmail.com if you have any questions about obtaining a copy of this out of print book. I will be happy to loan or sell you one of my copies.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

2010-11-19T07:43:00.000-08:00

Still doing great! No pain to report and I have all the energy I need to start the day at 6AM. Getting back to who I used to be. Projects around my house from cleaning and organizing cupboards and closets to preparing for a large Thanksgiving family gathering. Thank God for Dr. Thomas McPherson-Brown and his dedication to the research and development of treating arthritis with antibiotics.

Just Facebooked a friend from junior high who has suffered with RA all her life. She has read "The Road Back" and is starting the process of finding a physician who will treat her. roadback.org has a printable version of the antibiotic protocol to take to the doctor. All the work has been done for them. Write the script and get you started on the road back to health.

Contact me if you have questions.

Foot Pain, Arthritis,Antibiotics

2010-11-16T06:38:00.000-08:00

I obviously decreased the dosage of the Minocyline too soon. Woke this morning with jolts of pain running through the toes of my foot. Going back to 100mg morning and night. I am going to continue this until Jan 1 and return to the doctor for a repeat of the sedimentation rate test. If the results are 3 or less I'll either decrease dosage back to 100mg per day or discontinue considering her advice also. Minocyline does not encourage resistant strains of bacteria so I am not concerned about taking this until the arthritis is completely cleared.

Wouldn't life be easier for those of us with illness if everyone had a Dr. House available. The beauty of the character is that he doesn't even talk to the patient if he can avoid it. With that he cannot form any opinion of them or come to any conclusion without lab results to confirm his diagnoses. Why don't all doctors work this way?

My observations have determined that many doctors are bored and have determined what they are going to do for you before all of the information is gathered. The best doctors I have met, are still curious and willing to learn, even from their patients.

Arthritis Antibiotic Therapy

2010-11-14T16:33:00.000-08:00

Reduced my dosage to 100 mg. per day. Still pain free and feeling good. Sleeping well at night also. I seem to be at the point mentioned in the book that people get to (pain free) and cannot believe it's going to last. It's here and I am working this new way in my head.

For so long I have lived with limited physical energy, lack of creative energy and no inspiration lasting past the thought process. It is going to take relearning how to live a normal life. Friday I completely reorganized my bathroom and deep cleaned everything.
I have some projects that need to be finalized before my daughter comes home for Thanksgiving and I am sure now that I can get them done and still be able to function the following day.

Emotional and mental health have greatly improved. I am able to deal with the problems and perils of raising a preteen, teen and one in college without feeling completely overwhelmed and inept. This life requires all the strength we can muster at times. Getting healthy is adding to all aspects of life quality. I am very thankful to have the opportunity to share this treatment for arthritis. My hope is that more people find the blog and use it.

Arthritis,Exercise, Neck Pain

2010-11-10T21:57:00.000-08:00

Being someone who just doesn't have the ability to ease into anything, I walked my minimum 3 miles @ 3mph. Kept the incline to novice levels and experienced some pain in the left foot the last 30 minutes. Took off the shoes and walked on the treadmill barefoot. Little stiff this morning but felt good.

Almost finished with my PT miracle work for the neck. Feeling pretty good about no longer needing a neck transplant! A joke my neurologist used to make. Haha......
My PT also shared with me a stretch. Laying on your back, arms overhead gently twist opposite directions (arms to waist). My brothers used to do the same stretch in karate class. So, no more sciatica (literally a pain in the ass!). AMAZING!!

A classmate of mine died last night, she had just celebrated her 46th birthday. We just cannot know how much time we have in this life. Being as healthy as possible allows the energy to give to others and share the love we have. Life is temporal, eternity is forever.

Arthritis Treatment

2010-11-09T15:09:00.000-08:00

The magic number for me has been 7 months. Almost exactly seven months ago I started taking 100 mg. of antibiotic (Minocyline) twice a day for Psoriatic Arthritis. I have been pain free for over a week and will cut back to 1 per day. How great it would have been to learn this 12 years ago when the pain started! Not to mention all the time, money and frustration spent on the myriad of treatments that didn't work.
Total cost:
2 office visits @80.00= $160.00
Generic antibiotic x 7mos= 70.00
How about that!
Benefit: Priceless

Back to exercise daily and living a normal life. Will continue to update just to reinforce for anyone who would like to start living their life by eliminating Arthritis.

Arthritis, Neck Pain, TMJ

2010-11-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

I have a great dentist. On a routine cleaning/exam today he referred me to a Physical Therapist who specializes in neck and head issues. I have never heard of a connection between jaw and neck pain. Mine are both in need of serious help or replacement. I will report after I see him next Tuesday.

As for the antibiotic therapy, overall I am getting results. The process is obviously going to be a gradual process without dramatic changes. This week has been tough, not feeling rested in the morning. Puppy work is getting easier, couldn't live without him now.

Arthritis Support, Facebook

2010-11-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

Facebook page: Arthritis Recovery Now
posted on discussion board in response to inquiry for support:

Please use the discussion board to lend support and let others help you. www.arthritisrecoverynow.blogspot is my ongoing recovery from arthritis guided by "The Road Back" by Dr. Thomas McPherson-Brown. He treated thousands of arthritis patients in his clinic at Arlington, Va. The book was published in 1998 but not recognized by the mainstream medical establishment.
So much money is spent in the industry of Arthritis that a treatment which is effective and inexpensive could not be accepted. The science is in the lab results, the research was done in the 1930's when arthritis was treated as an infectious disease.
Read the book and learn the history of how arthritis was affected by the development of steroids. Double blind studies are more political than scientific. However, that is the only standard which mainstream medical industries recognize. Why, because they can be manipulated to show whatever results will bring a new drug to the market quickly. We have seen the results! People die or suffer worse health problems from the proper use of a drug. It's okay since we were warned! How does "do no harm" figure into this equation?

Inflammation, Barometric Pressure, Sed Rate, Autoimmune Disorder

2010-11-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

Being that the results of my sed. rate test were 6 which is just below the middle of the scale 1-15. Clearly there is still inflammation present. Since I do not have a previous lab to compare with I will have another test done in six months. I expect the results to be much lower then. Our weather has been overcast and rainy for a few days and I have not felt any worse. I am taking that as an indication that the inflammation level is truly lower.

My new Physical Therapist (former mechanical engineer) has given me results that I never would have expected. I was very sceptical and only went because my trusted Dentist referred me. A few exercises to rehabilitate the tiny muscles closest to the spinal cord get damaged from injury. Without the proper rehab. the larger muscles covering them compensate and the result is pain, spasm and constant discomfort. I have slept better and generally felt better with two treatments than all of the other therapies I have tried.

According to my PT the neck is not trashed as I had been previously told. Believing that I was just going to be managing pain from degenerated discs and vertebrae combined with Arthritis for the rest of my life. Never again to sleep well or wake up without some form of neck pain or headache........ It's a new day.

Jaw pain is directly related to neck pain. If you clinch you jaw, grind your teeth or have jaw pain. I would highly recommend contacting Advanced Rehab Services for a referral. The treatment time is surprisingly short, so travelling here to be treated is possible.

Generally I am feeling consistently better. There are just twinges of discomfort now in my foot. All swelling is minimal and I no longer have pain in my hands, hips or shoulder. Requested another 90 supply of antibiotics from my doctor. After that is finished I should be able to stop the Minocyline and be Arthritis free. According to the book some people never need further antibiotics and some have a minor recurrence and go back on the prescription for a short term. Once the symptoms disappear the treatment ends.

Antibiotics makes so much sense for Arthritis. The immune system is designed to react to infection. I refuse to believe the "auto-immune" explanation ever again. Taking drugs that can either kill you or leave you completely vulnerable to die from the flu, tuberculosis, liver problems etc. just is crazy.

My husband is only home these days for about 12 hours before he is gone again for 1-2 days. We are very thankful that he is working steadily after 5 years of inconsistent work. We will be joining the gym ASAP to restart the workout routine. Winter is the high time for those of us who are not snow sport enthusiastic in Montana. Focusing on getting or staying in good condition to take advantage of the sun and warmer weather is our style.

Sedimentation Rate, Neck Pain

2010-10-29T07:07:00.000-07:00

Received. lab results and the sedimentation rate was 6. The range given was 1-15. This test indicates the presents of inflammation. Would have liked to be able to compare this recent lab to a previous but learned that the rheumetologist never ran this test. I guess that confirming the presence of a disease is not all that important after all. I find that very odd considering my blood was drawn every month to check for liver problems and was asked repeatedly if I had a persistent cough (tuberculosis) or mouth sores. The rheumetologist never mentioned the possibility of painful sores in the nose or flu symptoms on a daily basis. All these are the results of the drugs completely disabling the immune system to turn of the symptoms which are the body trying to tell the doctor to treat the cause. It doesn't appear that medicine has progressed beyond "blood letting" or drilling holes in skulls to release the problem. We just have a less messy and much more profitable system in this century. In 1998 Dr. Brown stated in "The Road Back" that Americans were spending 6 billion dollars annually for Arthritis treatment. How much more now?

I daydream about every individual who is looking at a lifetime of trying to enjoy life with Arthritis and imagine each of them discovering that there is a life without it. The impact on that person is profound. I did not see myself getting past 65 before I read this book and started treating my Arthritis the right way. Probably would have been a flu victim, or tuberculosis, MRSA or dead by any number of infections. Never again will I let someone state "autoimmune disorder" without talking about it. It makes absolutely no sense that a persons body would throw the immune system into overdrive unless there is an infection present to activate it.

My dentist referred me to a Physical Therapist who specializes in head and neck rehabilitation. The dentist always notes my jaw issues and stated that jaw and neck problems are related. I didn't get excited about it but made the appointment. Three of my healthcare professionals including this new PT are in their second career. They have each taken the knowledge and experience from their first career and applied it to healthcare. The best care I have received has been from these providers. I believe there is something to this trend.

Amazingly, I have results from one appointment. We had an anatomy lesson about all the small reflex muscles closest to the spine, the reasons for spinal curvature, posture, whiplash injuries etc. He put the disc on the left side of my jaw back in place, performed some manual therapy on my neck, gave me some great tips on working at a computer and just a few take home items. Wednesday evening I could feel that "workout pain" in my neck but slept better than I have in years. Funny thing, this former mechanical engineer has been in the same building as the neurologist I have been seeing for six years. MRI's, pain meds, anti-sezuire meds etc. were the treatment while I walked right past the help to spend a lot of money and time that I cannot get back. Living in pain changes a person and not always in the sense of making you stronger. Yeah, to tolerate pain! The other changes are not good except that you have unlimited empathy for others in pain.

I highly recommend a new documentary titled "Food Matters". Watched it just the other night on Netflix. All the statistics about health, disease and especially deaths related to the proper use of prescription drugs has me looking toward a raw food diet. Maybe not forever but to get a fresh start at life while cleaning the arthritis out of my body. Taking my 40% off coupon to Borders today for a David Wolfe book.

Arthritis Related Depression

2010-10-19T05:26:00.000-07:00

No part of life goes untouched by Arthritis. We suffer physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Relationships are affected. We don't want everyone we talk to each day hearing about the pain that is ever present. We wonder "why me" when the depression is hard to manage. The disease begins to change who you are how you look at life and long for heaven when there will be no pain to deal with ever again.

The answer to all of this lies in "The Road Back" authored by Thomas McPherson-Brown, MD and Henry Scammell. Written in 1988 this book lays out all the explanation you will need to treat Arthritis once and for all. The process takes time just as the disease takes it's time to claim you.

I will loan copies while waiting for permission from the publisher to sell as an E-book. You can also still buy used copies on Amazon.com for reasonable prices when they are available. Now out of print it will get more difficult to acquire in the future.

Rhuemetologists and drug companies do no want you to know that this disease can be dealt with inexpensively and without the dangerous side effects of the latest wonder drug. The wonder wears off one way or another. Wouldn't it be nice to live your life without monthly office visits to specialists rather than existing and waiting for the results of your lab tests, then scheduling the next round?

Labs, Sedimentation Rate

2010-10-19T04:04:00.000-07:00

I have been on Phentermine for 2 weeks and have managed to start carving some weight off. Right about 6 lbs. without exercise. Getting back to daily workouts is not yet happening. Still waiting for several pain free days and no sign of inflammation. If I had an elliptical it would be a go but my space for gym equipment is full and I do enjoy what I have. The impact of walking still increases swelling and pain of my foot.

Saving my daytime energy for puppy wrangling! Anyone who thinks that a puppy is easier than a baby has never had a baby! Exception being a baby with colic. I was lucky enough to have babies who slept well and have admired parents who can endure a crying baby in pain for hours at a time. I would have lost my mind for not being able to fix the problem.

Going for a blood draw this morning to check thyroid, cortisol and sedation rate. The first two may have some bearing on weight increase. Sedation rate will give an indication of the improvement of the Arthritis. The number indicating the rate at which your blood shows sedimentation is directly related to the severity of the disease. I am interested to compare the results to those from the rheumetology days. I will post them ASAP.

Vitamin D, Arthritis

2010-10-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

Arthritis is directly affected by the weather! Lack of sunshine and higher barometric pressure results in an increase in stiffness, pain and even depression (a proven symptom of arthritis). The depression is chemical not just psychological. I highly recommend investing in a good light box which gives the Vitamin D boost we need when the weather turns overcast.

One side effect of Mynocylin is hyperpigmentation. My skin tanned evenly for the first summer ever! The downside is that it can darken the enamel of your teeth and freckle your face. Another antibiotic can be sub

Occupational Therapy

2010-10-16T16:44:00.000-07:00

I have had three consecutive days of very little pain. Stiffness is still present though. Not going to start exercising until there is no swelling left in my foot. My hands are also pain free, not swollen and only slightly stiff. Going to keep track and will post if there is any recurrence of swelling or pain.

Need to get back to painting projects finishing outside before it gets too cold. Lots to do inside as well. Acquiring a puppy will side track all but feeding, watering and poddying! Time to get back on track.

Arthritis,Scleroderma,Fibromyalgia

2010-10-12T07:55:00.000-07:00

Arthritis attacks more than just your joints! The infection damages connective tissues. Collagen is a vital factor in connective tissue. It gives us mobility and flexibility. Scleroderma is a serious form of collagen loss. Contact me for a book that will help you with Scleroderma. While I have not yet read it, I have no doubt that the authors who also wrote my guide to Arthritis "The Road Back"; no doubt it is the best source of information and treatment for Scleroderma.

Back to muscles and Arthritis. I was misdiagnosed for about 6 years as having Fibromyalgia. I had been prescribed anti-depressants. Again, I am going to harp on the use of prescriptions for Arthritis. All they do is cause your brain and body to ignore and be distracted from the real problem. While you think the disease is being controlled it is actually getting much worse!

From mid April until the end of July I felt just how bad the Arthritis had gotten. Not only did I not have a drug to mask it; the Herxheimer (healing crisis) made it impossible to ignore. Crisis is truly what it was and I was so glad when it ended. Although necessary that was an extremely difficult period. I only got through it because I believed and had evidence that it would end.

Spouses and family members should also read "The Road Back" because they need to understand how this disease works. Arthritis is a very fickle, elusive and pesky illness. Some days are good and the next you can barely function. I have spent countless days doing either the absolute minimum or nothing! I have wondered what my family has thought of my behavior at times. Since you cannot see the inflammation and pain, most people don't talk much about it.

We have had a Golden Retriever puppy now for three weeks. He is my current full time job. When he reaches one year I will start training him for Search & Rescue service. We live close to Glacier National Park and S&R dogs are in demand. My neck has been an absolute wreck on the left side for the past two weeks. Thought it was from scraping paint but discovered that it is the result of bending over and lifting the puppy. Muscles without enough collagen are sub par! They are always sore, stiff and inflamed. My neck, shoulders and back have been hard as cement for years. No amount of massage therapy, chiropractic or physical therapy have given me relief for more that a few days at best. Resuming activity starts the process over again. Who can just do nothing and not go crazy to stave off pain?

Read this book! I will send it to you and hopefully soon will have a E-book available.

ArthritisNews Today

2010-10-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

Good Morning America reported today that 22 million americans are suffering with arthritis and 1 million new cases are diagnosed each year. This has been true for more years than we know. Dr. Brown reports in "The Road Back" that arthritis is the oldest disease among human beings. Six billion dollars a year were being spent in the 1980's when the book was published. Given the huge increase in the cost of doctor office visits, referrals to specialists, lab tests and prescription drugs; that number has no doubt increased substantially.

Watch the commercial on TV for the latest arthritis drug being pushed. They want you to believe that it is the treatment you need to live a normal life. In fact that drug suppresses the immune system and leaves the body open to infection like tuberculosis, liver disease and sometimes death. The effects burn out and the person is left with more serious arthritis and waiting for the next wonder drug.

Don't put yourself in a position to be a guinea pig for the latest money maker drug. Take control of your health. Contact me and I will help you get started. The treatment in the book I have mentioned has worked to 10's of thousands of Dr. Browns patients, it's working for me now. Why wait any longer to get on the road back to health.

NSAIDS & Weight Gain

2010-10-05T15:16:00.000-07:00

I'm rather disappointed in my doctor. I guess if you go in the first time knowing what you need they think you're going to figure out everything else. She almost let me walk out with nothing but advice to be more disciplined concerning my weight gain. It took the threat of a 500 calorie diet to convince her to prescribe Phentermine. I do notice that I can eat quite a bit less. As for the energy boost, not happening. I don't think that it will be able to override the current effects of arthritis.

It is very clear at this point that the process is going to have ups and downs, good days and not so good days. When a disease has lived in your body since childhood it doesn't seem unreasonable that the end result is a ways off. There really are no other alternatives to consider, so sticking with antibiotics makes more sense than going back to drugs that just cover up the progression of disease.

My husband travels for work and is gone about half of the time. With that my son Corey and I do a lot of projects together. Sometimes I end up doing things I really shouldn't and end up paying in pain. We scraped the garage to prepare for painting and now I am paying for it. Stiffness that wakes me up at night as well as
fatigue. I can hear the crunching in my muscles and tendons. Collagen is destroyed by arthritis. Generally we think of arthritis affecting joints but it does in fact damage connective tissue and muscle. The upside is that when the disease is gone the collagen regrows and function returns with muscle strength.

My letter to the publisher of "The Road Back" was returned to me undeliverable. I am hoping that the publishing house is still open and I will be able to find them. My goal of having a PDF of this book available on the blog is not going to be as easy as first thought.

My husbands cousin has a daughter who is 12 yrs. old and has been suffering from Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis most of her life. A copy of Dr. Brown's book to her parents and am hoping that she will be able to get on this program. I will post an update on the decision that is made for her.

Naprosyn, Arthritis,Methotrexate

2010-09-30T17:17:00.000-07:00

Had an appointment with my physician yesterday. She was not in agreement that Naprosyn contributes to weight gain but I am going to stick with the experience of myself and others for now. It is tougher to live without it in regard to pain from inflammation but I will trade that for growing in girth anymore! Just using ibuprophen for pain so it's more annoying than debilitating. There is a virus moving through my family and I may be on the front end of it. Not much energy and tired as well as headache all day. It seems to only last for about 5-7 days. This still beats feeling like I am developing the flu everyday. Just one unpleasant side effect of Methotrexate, yet not one of the worst!

Got an Rx for Phentermine, a diet pill to help pare off some of this weight. Also, it seems that being in the mid 40's of life means the metabolism slows and more exercise is required to lose weight. The time I have put in the past of one hour a day of cardio apparently is just going to be for maintenance. I'll be watching that to see if that is part of my deal.

As for the arthritis treatment (cure) with the antibiotics; the progress is within acceptable limits. The book explains that the amount of time it takes to recover depends upon how long the infection has been present and active as well as every individuals biology. I have always been one to heal fast but swelling from any type of procedure is much greater than others experience. I am prepared for this process to take up to one year.

We have a new puppy and he is a sweet distraction. I am his full time human so trips outside and walking are good to. It's been a long time since we had a dog and I am excited about training a Golden Retriever. We named him Beau ahd he is already loyal and learning to be a faithful companion.

Naprosyn, Bloating

2010-09-28T11:54:00.000-07:00

Have already lost a few pounds since tossing Naproxyn in the trash. No longer have that bloated feeling in the evening as well. Pain however is more noticeable. It's probably better in the long run to be aware of the pain in order to track the progress of the Minocyline accurately. My Pharmacist has informed me that Naprosyn causes the body to retain electrolytes but did not attribute this to my number of lbs. gained.

We picked up our Golden Retriever puppy named him Beau and life is much like having a baby in the house again. I find myself getting as much done during his naps as possible and scheduling regular playtime outside. He loves to romp in the grass and play with anything he can get in his mouth.
Back to treadmill today but only three miles instead of six being that the mysterious weight gain has been stopped.

NSAIDS, Insomnia

2010-09-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

Monday night I was wide awake at 1AM having just been asleep for two hours. This has been going on for quite a while and I thought it was just due to the fact that I have been a light sleeper since our first baby. I decided to read and grabbed a copy of "The Road Back" hoping to get back to sleep.

There are several case studies of people who were treated by Dr. Brown and recovered from RA. I was reading the case of a physician and noted that he gained 50 lbs. over 4 mos. while prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs. I too have gained 40 lbs. over the past 7 mos. I thought it was due to no longer exercising because of the RA moving into my foot.

The internet gave me some leads on weight gain related to these drugs. Even though Naprosyn is a non-steroidal drug it does cause weight gain. I found the link which contains a discussion board dating back to 2006. Many users of Naprosyn saw the same kind of weight gain I have experienced.Sometimes a pound a day! This side effect is not mentioned in the paperwork that came with the Rx. Insomnia is also a side effect of Naprosyn.

My bottle went into the trash yesterday morning. Just going to have to deal with inflammation as it comes during this process. At 5'1" and 190 lbs I look a Weeble and feel like a whale! Going to keep on the walking three miles a day and use Tiger Balm on the foot along with ice packs.

www.topix.com/forum

Arthritis, Barometric Pressure

2010-09-21T06:21:00.000-07:00

I had to re-read a certain part of "The Road Back" to connect the dots. There is a scientific explanation behind that past several days. About the time I started walking again the weather changed. Cloud cover built up and the rain started. Barometric changes directly affect RA. I've been more stiff, less energenic, all affected joints are swollen and painful! Naprosyn seems to have no effect as well.

The science in this book is all good. I love science! It takes away the crazy factor from having RA and restores peace of mind. Even though I feel terrible it's just easier to cope knowing that there is a scientific reason behind it, the process of the antibiotics is not being disrupted and this set back is going to pass.

I believe that this disease was held back by the fact that I grew up in Arizona. My family moved to Tucson in 1972 because my father (being only in his early 40's) was told by his physician that if he wanted to avoid a wheelchair that is where he needed to be. My parents moved us from Oregon and my Dad's "spinal arthritis" was virtually non-existent in the sunny Southwest.
I truly believe that Vitamin D and the immune system strength related to living in the sunny climate of Arizona was hugely responsible for the health I enjoyed. Within three months of my leaving Tucson to return to Portland at 23 years of age the symptoms started appearing in the form of skin psoriasis. I am not a scientist, but what I love about science is that it's logical. "Knowledge is power" has taken on a profound meaning for me since reading this book.

When you read the book and learn how we contract arthritis you will be very surprised. The teaching that it is genetic or hereditary is widely taught but not true. It's not logical either! So borrow the book from me, and you will be amazed at how much better you will feel just having the clear understanding about how this disease happens, works and can be cured.

Winter is coming on fast this year in Montana, but for the first fall in a very long time I am not dreading it. Gloomy days are much better dealt with by lighting my candles, turning on a few lights and living. The days of not being able to drag myself off the sofa are over for good.

TMJ,Cracked Teeth, Arthritis

2010-09-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday and today not doing so great. Not sure if I am walking too much which is causing increased swelling and pain in my foot or if this healing process is kinda of roller coaster. I'll be asking questions when I see my physician on the 27th. Having read short documentations of others who have been treated with antibiotics for RA I was always wondering how long the process actually took and what the daily living was like. Going to back off a bit on the walking and check into renting an elliptical to reduce the impact. Now that I can move again it feels good and don't want to stop.

The rest of my body seems to be getting pretty good results. My neck doesn't wake me up anymore. Both shoulders are hurting less and I am able to do what I need to. I was experiencing radiating pain in my jaw which seems to be affected by RA as well as years of night time clinching. That is due to pain, you don't realize you are doing it though. The clue is cracked teeth which need to be crowned and in my case root canalled as well.

Generally results are good. It is a slow process. I am expecting this to go on for the next six months.

Antibiotics, Arthritis Treatment

2010-09-16T08:12:00.000-07:00

Having not used antibiotics in the past I have overlooked the need to replace the good bacteria! So now I am adding acidophilus and bifidus in the late afternoon for now and will check with my doctor later in the month to confirm if this is the best time of day for that. Also, I originally began taking Minocyline in early April. At that point I was so anxious to get results I took it upon myself to suppliment my prescription of 100 mg antibiotic with another 100 mg of another anti-inflammatory prescription that was in my cupboard. A few weeks into it the Herxheimer effect kicked in along with alot of gastro-intestinal bloating. This went on for six weeks.

As of my first posting in Aug. I had discontinued the extra dose, confessed to my doctor and had been taking only the 100 mg. prescribed currently. I was under the impression that I wasn't getting any results and had wasted most of the summer. Not so, I just didn't realize that the Herxheimer effect had started so quickly and lasted for about three months!

It is so important to be as educated as you can be concerning whatever disease you are having to deal with. Being the "patient" of a doctor in our culture assumes that you are turning yourself and the disease over to the doctor. To recover from disease you have to take charge, educate yourself, teach your doctor if you must. Just don't do what I did and take over without informing your doctor what you are thinking. A good doctor will listen to what you have learned and work with you not simply demand you take the drugs he is offering. Drugs cover the symptoms of RA! And while you enjoy the temporary masking and risking the side effects that in some cases are fatal; the disease is growing in strength.

It take some guts to start up conversation with a doctor and feel like you are prepared to make your wishes known. It's worth it! Your life and health are priceless. My next visit with a Neurologist who has been treating me for about six years is going to be my last. I don't need him anymore! The migraine headaches are gone, I won't be needing anti-depressants anymore or pain meds. He's a great doctor, he talks with me, not at me and I have always been able to share my latest and sometimes wacky attempts at resolving my pain issues. On a personal level, I'll miss him. Maybe we can play poker!

Oct. 15 I will take a copy of "The Road Back" for him to read, I think he will be interested. Many of his patients die from brain tumors and incurable disease. Having a simple, no bad side effects treatment for RA will be something he may want to offer.

I am also going to loan a copy to my former family physician who was extremely concerned years ago when I told him that I had started taking Hydrocodone for pain. At the time it was no problem for me! To be able to take a pill and be able to function, what's the problem? After six years of taking Hydrocodone 500 mg. I packed it up and got rid of it. It didn't work anymore and the side effects!

Recovery, Arthritis

2010-09-15T08:20:00.000-07:00

I am striving to maintain a balance here to document my experience truthfully with no sugar added. Our three mile walk yesterday felt like I had a nail in the bottom of my foot for the last half! I did notice more swelling after walking the day before but was determined to get out there. When your toe looks like a sausage it's impossible to avoid checking the size frequently!

Flathead Valley winters are very gloomy! We all go a little crazy when the sun shines. For the past six winters I have been extremely depressed. The combination of lack of sunlight and the clinical type depression which accompanies arthritis; it has been ugly!

Due to the fact that I have not been active for about six months now, walking briskly left me needing a little pick me up about 3PM. So, I had a few cups of coffee! I think I went to sleep about 4AM and missed this morning and did not feel great when I finally crawled out of bed.

Going for another walk today....it doesn't hurt that much more than staying in one position (on the sofa) for more than 20 minutes and then getting up. Will make sure Danny loosens all of my new jars before he leaves town for work today, just in case.

Waiting to hear from the publisher of "The Road Back" about the possibility of offering it as an Ebook on the blogsite for a reasonable price!

Hip Pain, Arthritis, Walking

2010-09-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's walk had to end at 3 miles. My foot and hips started to ache a bit. Bought new athletic shoes on the way home. Somewhat stiff today but to be expected since I have not been very active for several months (35lbs to prove it!). Going for another long walk today. Feeling pretty good in the morning too. Used start the day with an ice pack for my neck, medication for a headache and half of the day to get moving! Those days seem to be behind me now.

I have to give credit to my husband Danny. For the past 12 yrs. he has been as patient as anyone could be with my pain. When you're not bleeding or in a cast your pain can be difficult for others to process or even remember that it exists. I seem to have a knack for covering it. I don't like sympathy, empathy in small doses if I am feeling isolated. I have a good friend who has had her own challenges with pain and MS. We have been very supportive of each other. It helps to have someone to talk to when you need to relate and not be treated as though you are just seeking sympathy.

Weather, Arthritis, Exercise

2010-09-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful ,sunny, 70 degree day and my husband and I are heading out for a long walk. Have had about 7 days of virtually no foot pain. Took a 3mph 1 hr. walk on the treadmill 3 days ago. The next day my foot was more painful but no where near what it used to be prior to getting results from the Minocycline.

Am able to accomplish some painting in my house without needing a day to recover from overhead work and muscle stiffness and pain from the repetitive motion of painting. I am looking forward to my next visit with the family doctor. Going to ask for some blood tests to document improvement. Sedimentation rate or sed-rate is a marker of arthritis.

Contacting the publisher of "The Road Back" to find out if I can place a PDF file of the book on my blog. I really want to see easy access to this life changing information at a reasonable price.

Energy Levels, Arthritis

2010-09-07T10:19:00.000-07:00

Had a dream this morning of jogging. My favorite form of cardio in better days; which are on the horizon. I am sleeping better as my neck is beginning to loosen up and I am able to sleep on a pillow. For the past several years I have been forced to sleep on my back, legs elevated, no pillow. Have found myself wishing for a contraption that could hang me in the air while I sleep completely free of any form of pressure on my joints! There was a novel "Coma" which displayed what I thought I needed on it's cover.

NEW ADDITION: Library Access

I have ordered seven copies of "The Road Back" in order to secure availability of the information for future blog followers who want to become "former patients" of physicians who cannot help them get on the road back. I am going to maintain a library of as many copies as I am able to acquire. Believe it or not a used copy of this out of print book sells for 20.00-999.00 on Amazon.com I had to double check it! What I would like to do is take a deposit for a copy and refund part of the deposit when the book is returned. Patrons of the library will have the option of donating their refund to help stock the library with additional copies as well as fund the advertising for the blog. More details shortly. When the books are in I will check their condition and rate them to protect deposits.
I was very happy to see that an ad placed on Face Book is producing traffic on the blog! If the library is a success I will be able to continue to advertise and reach more people who are suffering. I believe that it is both healthy and a moral obligation to share this information with anyone who is seeking what I am finding. As I feel better and have more creative energy and resources to dedicate to this cause I certainly will with all willingness.

Arthritis,Herxheimer, Prescriptions

2010-09-06T19:46:00.000-07:00

It seems I have past throught the Herxheimer effect. Thank God! It started back in June I realize now that it has past. My spirits are brighter, my limp is gone and I am going to get back to my excercise routine tomorrow. It has been four days of nearly pain free days of walking and minimal swelling of my foot and hands.

I have another copy of "The Road Back" authored by Scammel & Brown. The book is no longer in print but can be ordered on Amazon.com. I have had two copies both used and are in excellent condition. I cannot say enough as to how important it is to read this book. You will learn everything you need to know about the cause and mechanics of inflammatory arthritis. Mainstream medicine has not taken hold of the scientifically proven method Dr. Brown treated tens of thousands of arthritics with the desired result of a cure.

http://www.roadback.org/

Anti-inflammatory

2010-08-30T20:02:00.000-07:00

Received my prescription of Naprosyn over the weekend and it sure helps. Can move better and sleep without needing to get up for ice packs to relieve headache and stiff neck muscles. The sore throat and congestion is gone and today I felt pretty good.

Healing Crisis, Depression, Arthritis

2010-08-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

The last four mornings I have awakened with some sinus congestion and a sore throat. Flu like symtoms are more of the Herxheimer reaction. Still have the swelling in joints as well as pain. Ice packs really help at the end of the day and during a project such as the one I am into right now. Painting the exterior of our home is a great change for the house but hard on the body. My balance is way off with only one good foot so I move pretty slowly on stepstools and try to avoid the ladder.
I have also noticed that the affected joints are warm. Depression can also be a feature of this process.
I have a had just a few bad days so far emotionally. I must say that blogging is cathartic, it helps to get it out. I mainly want to document this process to help others who decide to treat their arthritis and get healthy. Knowing the day to day process can be a guide. We all tend to forget the severity of pain when it is no longer present. I want to remember it well enough to remain committed to getting the word out on this therapy. I gave away my copy of Dr. McPherson-Browns book, "The Road Back" but have ordered another copy from Amazon.com. It is out of print so I will be holding onto this copy.

Arthritis,Night Time Pain

2010-08-23T14:31:00.000-07:00

Nights are quite difficult when it comes to pain levels increasing. Swelling increases and my foot throbs, burns and keeps me awake. My neck is never happy at night when I try to sleep (usually on an ice pack instead of a pillow). Called my doctor and will be prescribed an anti-inflammatory which is recommended to use during this process.

I have learned over the years that pain is not only difficult to deal with first hand but for my family and friends as well. My husband would love to do something to help but cannot. My kids certainly don't need to take on more responsibilities than appropriate because of me or listen to complaints. I have let many friendships go and just don't talk about being in pain because no one can do anything about it and I really don't want to be pitied.

Chronic pain is isolating, depresses the creative thinking and causes me to live in survival mode. I look forward to all of that changing and becoming the person I was meant to be.

Fair Week in NW Montana

2010-08-21T09:43:00.000-07:00

It's fair week and although my daughter has been very active I have to limit my involvement. Later in the day and into the evening I am much less stiff and the pain level decreases which has turned me into a night owl; by nature I am a morning person but arthritis has changed that for now.

I will be sure to post when I notice a change; the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction continues. There are days which are better than others with less pain and swelling in joints but no definite pattern. Looking forward to being able to exercise again having gained 30 lbs. since the arthritis moved into my feet.

"The Road Back"
Author: Thomas MacPherson-Brown, MD
paraphrase:
Depression is a major component of inflamatory diseases. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among arthritis suffering individuals..........

Please visit www.roadback.org for complete information on treating inflamatory arthritis.

Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction

2010-08-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction

This is where I am now and have been for about 10 days. It's not fun and makes life more difficult than it should be. However, it is a clear indication that the antibiotics are working. The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction is a temporary worsening of symptoms which can last days to months depending upon the individual and length of time the disease has been present in the body. It indicates that the infection is being affected by the antibiotics causing toxins to accumulate and therefore pain and inflamation increases.

Past therapies such as Methotrexate and Low Dose Naltexone mask the pain and inflamation symptoms but do not remove the cause which according to the late Thomas MacPherson-Brown, MD is mutated bacteria called mycoplasma. I highly recommend that you purchase Dr. Macpherson-Brown's book "The Road Back". http://www.roadback.org/ has all the resources including the book, testimonials and protocols which can be printed and given to your doctor to begin antibiotic therapy.

Reading this book is going to give you a complete understanding of rheumatic diseases and the history of treatment as well as the politicizing of treating people who are suffering apparently unneccesarily. You will be enlightened and empowered. I have discovered that in this day and time we have to be our own health advocate. What that means to me is gaining an understanding of my disease and what to expect from a therapy rather than hoping that my current doctor knows the answers and I am going to get healthy.

Psoriatic Arthritis,Antibiotic Therapy

2010-08-14T05:43:00.000-07:00

I am just three weeks into antibiotic therapy with the goal of curing Psoriatic Arthritis. Until this past April I have experienced many forms of pain which include:
joint pain of the hips, elbows, neck, spine, hands feet. In short my entire body at one time or another in various combinations. Migraine headaches requiring ER visits for treatment and for the past six years I have been a pain management patient which in less socially acceptable terms is one who could easily freak out when Friday afternoon brings the discovery of a dwindling supply of Hydrocodone, no refills left and the doctors office is either closed or the policy has been made clear that refill requests will not be dealt with on short notice. Especially on Friday!

Having been diagnosed incorrectly more than once. The worst was that of Fibromyalgia. At that time it was still considered the disease of the highly emotional woman who must be psychosymatically manufacturing the pain because she needs the attention of physicians who can only provide her with kind words and encouragement.

As recently as April of this year I was back to the internet doing my own research. Treatment from a Rheumetologist had run it's course as well as what I thought was going to be the final protocol with a Naturopathic Physician. Having punished myself thoroughly for neglecting to seek naturopathy prior to mainstream medicine; after only eight months of treatment I was once again back to dealing with debilitating pain daily.

Thinking that I needed to do something drastic (that's who I am). I was searching for a special diet that would perhaps aleviate some of the pain. I gave up Hydrocodone completely in Sept. of 2009. Afraid I might get too brave and start supplimenting with a nightly glass or two of wine as a booster I really didn't want to be found dead on the couch one morning. The problem with pain medication is that your disease eventually works it's way around the effectiveness and therefore the dosage has to continually increase until you are left with the most potent option: Oxycontin.

I found this website:
http://www.roadback.org/ and thus began my roadback. Join me and share this blog with anyone who is affected by joint pain, Psoriasis and various other rheumatic diseases. I promise not to just whine about my pain but to do my best to accurately document the process of recovering from arthritis. My goal is to educate others and contribute to the eradication of a disease that is the leading cause of debilitation, loss of quality of life and suicide in America.

The cure is apparently simple, complete and bonus inexpensive, therefore accessible to all who desire it.