Has anyone with elevated rheumatoid factor-- or general achiness--gotten relief with Cat's Claw?
I'm considering taking Cat's Claw (heading toward Buhner's), but I've read that you shouldn't take it if taking an immunosuppressant since it boosts your immune system.
I'm currently taking plaquenil, which I believe is a mild immunosuppressant. I have an elevated rheumatoid factor, ~80, and a rheumatologist thinks I'm "headed" for rheumatoid arthritis, whatever that means.
However, I also read there was a small study done where Cat's Claw was given to RA patients and helped relieve their symptoms.
Any info or personal experience much appreciated. Was wondering if it lowered rheumatoid factor for anyone.
Posts: 30 | From CA | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
Dear May, One of the most important quests you could take for RA is taking a look at the material Im about to provide you.
I had a radio show in a large metroplex area and one of my guests was DR.Katherine Poehlmann on RA and auto immune diseases.She not only led me to her book and website but several other astounding books and scientists that have found RA and many autoimmune related issues to be microbial related and may improve with antibiotics.
Here are some sources for you,
www.roadback.org Dr thomas Mc pherson Brown put THOUSANDS of patients into remission living full lives after having seen under the microscope that the common thread of RA patients and more were mycoplasmas and pleomorphic bacteria.There is a very active bulletin board there.His book is a must!
Dr.Katherine Poehlmann scientist and researcher with the Rand think tank used Dr Browns antibiotic theory and reversed her wheelchair bound RA and wrote the book RA The Infection Connection with a corresponding website www.RA-infection-connection.com She also has many resources to get you started.
Just dont expect your all knowing Rheumy to go along with you.My first class rheumy didnt and my daughter and I suffered for it.I fired him and got one that practiced the protocol.
Today with thanks to the information of that show my daughter and I are much better now with an immune system becoming more active than suppressed.The roadback can sendyou a list of doctors in your area that use AP (antibiotic protocol) if you request it.
I hope this helps you as much as it has me,RG
Posts: 140 | From Texas | Registered: May 2006
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Thanks radiogirl! I will definitely look at the information you gave me.
Lymetoo, sorry I didn't provide more detail. I'm diagnosed with Lyme, have been on antibiotics for three years. I feel like the drugs are catching up with with me lately and am considering the Buhner protocol as my next step, or at least a break from western antibiotics.
I'm not sure about the RA--how do you differentiate from lyme? But I'm concerned about "immune boosting" things that are good for Lyme might be bad for me if I'm teetering on the edge of something autoimmune. For instance I've read that melatonin and astragalas are not recommended if your immune system is overactive.
Just wanted to know other people's experience with Cat's Claw and if it's okay if you have elevated rheumatoid factor and are on plaquenil.
Thanks!
Posts: 30 | From CA | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
Hi May, If you were to pose those questions on the www.roadback.org Bulletin board put it to the attention of John McDonald and Lyme and RA on the title .John is a physist who has RA and he can explain the microbial pls inflammation simply.He builds microscopes not a medical physician but OH SO smart and explains things well.
There are also quite a few lyme plus RA patients who post there too .They will surely add to the replies and be of service from many years of experience.And get the book by Henry Scammell recommended by the road back foundation and Dr.Katherine Poehlmanns. Of all the books that we helped to promote for authors at the station, These were the two most important.Hope this helps,RG
Posts: 140 | From Texas | Registered: May 2006
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luvs2ride
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8090
posted
Hi May,
I am a Lyme/RA survivor who is thriving in my treatment. I'm happy to share what I have learned with you.
First of all, RA is not a disease. It is a name given to a disorder whereby the immune system attacks itself. According to my Rheumy, "they don't know what causes it and they don't know how to cure it". So I went in search of answers myself and found many possible causes of RA some with outstanding treatment results. Overactive immune system is definitely NOT one of the causes of RA.
www.drmcdougall.com talks at length about the LGS cause of RA. He espouses a vegan diet and says try the diet for 2 weeks and if LGS is your cause, you will know it. I tried the diet and incurred a 50% improvement in my symptoms. I was in very bad shape at the time.
I set out to find a doctor trained in all the above. I sought 2nd opinions. Test confirmed I have Lyme, LGS, yeast, serious heavy metal toxicity, 3 infected root canals and one cavitation. My DHEA was very low.
I also found the Roadback Foundation and convinced my Rheumy to let me try low dose minocycline instead of methotrexate. This is a treatment against mycoplasmas which I have not been tested for, but it sure beat methotrexate. I knew I had Lyme and you do NOT want to suppress your immune system! Bacteria and Fungi will just go rampant. You want to strengthen it and remove whatever toxins are overloading your system.
If you would like to talk, feel free to PM me with your phone # and I will be happy to chat.
-------------------- When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power, there will be Peace. Posts: 3038 | From america | Registered: Oct 2005
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