GETTING STARTED ON ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY

GENERAL - The following information is given to assist you in getting
started in antibiotic therapy. The information is given in a sequential
manner, but can be performed to a certain degree simultaneously. For
example, self-education can be accelerated by joining the email group
immediately (recommended). However, you need to self-educate yourself
regarding this therapy to the point where you understand the information
given by the group or to ask questions. IMPORTANT: Be sure you spend the
necessary time to become self-educated in the protocol BEFORE you discuss
the protocol with your physician.

SELF-EDUCATION - The most important process in this therapy is learning
what it is, how it works, who can expect to benefit from it, and how it
will affect you after you start. It is imperative that you realize this
treatment is not a quick fix solution, but that it often takes years for
complete recovery. However, it is equally important for you to realize that
some physicians report that in their experience, the antibiotic protocol
provides significant improvement or recovery in up to 80% of those who stay
with the protocol. The basic premise is that if your condition is caused by
a mycoplasma or other L form bacteria, then the protocol will work for you.
Since statistics are with you that it is, and the treatment is safe, it is
recommended you start the therapy and then determine that it doesn't work
rather than put off treatment because of concern it may not work. As you
compare this with treatment involving prednisone, methotrexate, imuran,
etc., which are known to be harmful, you will quickly realize that there is
little to lose and much to gain by beginning the treatment immediately.

How do you self-educate yourself? The best single source is the book "The
Arthritis Breakthrough" by Henry Scammell with Thomas McPherson Brown, M.D.
referred to on the web page. It is imperative that you read this book as
often as is required for you to understand your disease and the protocol.
Additionally, there are case histories, medical papers, and various studies
that are also available as provided on the web page. You need to download
the physicians protocol from the web site and become knowledgeable with it.
It provides the medical process that you and your doctor need to follow.
You will need this information when you talk to your physician and to
provide encouragement when going through the first few months of the
therapy. The motto of this treatment is two steps backward, three steps
forward. You will probably get worse for a time before you get better and
there is excellent medical explanation for this process. You need to
understand the medical reasons before you start.

RHEUMATOLOGIST OR FAMILY DOCTOR? - It is not necessary to seek a
rheumatologist to prescribe this therapy although it might be an advantage
with their specific knowledge of these diseases. Most patients find their
family doctor, internist, or dermatologist (who often prescribe
tetracyclines for skin disorders) are not only willing but enthusiastic
about prescribing the oral antibiotics required by the protocol. In some
cases, patients have traveled long distances to a doctor experienced with
the protocol where they establish a baseline of x-rays, blood tests, etc.
and begin a treatment program tailored to their individual need. (Due to
their experience, they often discover that the patient has a multiplicity
of problems, each of which requires particular treatment.) These doctors
then consult with your local physician who prescribes oral antibiotics and
gives the intravenous antibiotic when necessary, in order for the patient
to receive optimal benefit from this therapy. This has worked well in many
cases.

It is helpful to remember that, in general, the medications rheumatologists
prescribe may only help the patient overcome intense pain and/or lack of
mobility associated with the autoimmune diseases. These same physicians, if
asked, will often tell you that there is no cure for these diseases and
that the medications they prescribe may only alleviate symptoms, whereas
antibiotic therapy treats the cause of these diseases.

Most physicians will prescribe the oral antibiotics, and many are
prescribing both oral and IV antibiotics. However, because the required
studies have not been done yet on the IV therapy, some physicians may be
reluctant or refuse to prescribe them. In that case, if the patient has
severe and/or long standing disease, he/she will need to seek another
physician who will prescribe the IVs for them.

Some physicians may want to change the protocol, particularly as to dosage
and number of days to take it. Your education has provided you with the
proper information to insist that the protocol be followed, and you must do
this unless the change is directed by a physician who has examined you and
your records and is knowledgeable in the antibiotic treatment. Some
physicians, especially rheumatologists, may want to prescribe the common
toxic second line drugs along with the antibiotics; this is not
recommended. You have the right to refuse to take any drug prescribed. It
is your body and your life. You need to educate yourself on the short term
and long term side effects of these toxic drugs.

Remember, it is not imperative to have a physician who understands and/or
has administered the protocol, but you do need a physician to prescribe the
antibiotics, NSAIDS, etc. You can become sufficiently educated to be sure
you are on the proper protocol and to insist that your prescriptions are as
the protocol requires, including the use of a brand name, not generic
medication. If you do not have a physician, finding one that will prescribe
this therapy for a new patient may present a problem. You may contact the
organizations listed below and ask for names of physicians in your area.
Subscribers on the e-mail support group can also help many times since they
represent many countries, cities, etc.

BECOME ACTIVE IN THE ON-LINE SUPPORT GROUP - Write an e-mail message to
support-request@rheumatic.org; and merely type the one word SUBSCRIBE , and
your e-mail address will be added to the mailing list. This cost-free
support group consists of nearly 300 folks, many of whom are suffering as
much or worse than you. They understand your pain, frustrations, problems
and concerns. Many of them have recovered, some are on the way to recovery,
some have responded quicker than others. They know many of the pitfalls and
solutions by experience. Here you will get answers to questions pertaining
to your disease. You can ask your questions, vent your frustrations, and
help others who are not as far along in this therapy as you are, or who are
having experiences you have already had and need some encouragement that
you can give. The group cares. They have your interest at heart. They can
give you encouragement and solutions/approaches to the problems that arise
in your case.

BEGIN THE THERAPY AS SOON AS YOU CAN - Some patients hesitate starting
antibiotic therapy even when they are convinced it is plausible and realize
it is safe, wasting precious time. You are encouraged to compare this
treatment which attacks the source of the disease with the conventional
therapies which are aimed at only controlling the symptoms. Conventional
treatment is fraught with terrible physical consequences over the long
term; whereas antibiotic therapy will be judged by nearly every physician
to be safe. Thus, you have nothing to lose by going through the treatment
even though it is long term. On the other hand, the side effects of
methotrexate, gold, prednisone, penicillamine, Plaquenil and other standard
chemicals are very harmful - in some cases leading to vital organ damage
and chemical dependence from which it is nearly impossible to escape.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE THERAPY - Expect some short term effects when
beginning the protocol that may appear that the therapy is not only NOT
working for you but has made everything worse. You must be extremely
patient. As you communicate with the group and find that many preceded you
in the symptoms you are having, you will be able to persevere and have the
hope that your health path is toward recovery. The eventual recovery rate
when following the protocol is phenomenal when compared to every other
therapy. One medical doctor who has successfully treated hundreds of
patients has stated that 80% of his patients have improved following this
therapy and his dietary directions.

INTRAVENOUS THERAPY - Patients with severe and/or long standing disease
will most likely need the intravenous clindamycin in order to obtain
optimal benefit from this therapy. This may present a problem for many
patients if insurance does not cover the cost. It would not be unreasonable
to ask your physician to order the medication and supplies for you at his
cost. You have already paid him for an office visit.

Upjohn provides 900 mg. of clindamycin prepackaged in IV bags for about
$4.00 each in lots of 25. Upjohn's phone number is 1-800-253-9860. The
tubing, needles and syringes can be secured by your doctor from Harvard
Drug Supplies (1-800-875-0123). A nurse could come to your home to
administer the IV. Some patients have family members who learn to give
them. With doctors charging anywhere from $67.00 to $100.00 per IV, this
would be a considerable saving.

TO LOCATE A PHYSICIAN IN YOUR AREA who may be open to prescribing this
therapy for a new patient, contact

American College
P. O. Box 3427
Laguna Hills, CA 92654
'phone 1-800-532-3688

American Academy of Environmental Medicine
10 East Randolph St.
New Hope, PA 18938 'phone 1-215-862-4544

This organization also has a list of physicians worldwide that practice
this type of medicine. You can call and ask for the names of physicians in
your area or state.

For an osteopathic physician, click here to contact their web site.

For patients with severe and/or long standing disease, it is often
advisable to first see a physician experienced in using this therapy and
let them evaluate you and plan a treatment program for you. Your local
doctor can then monitor you.

Listed below are several experienced physicians that take out of town
patients. We will update this list periodically.

IN THE UNITED STATES:

Robert C. Felice, M.D.
Naperville, Illinois - (705) 369-1220

A. Robert Franco, M.D. - Rheumatologist
Riverside, California - (909) 788-0850

Paul F. Howard, M.D. - Rheumatologist
Paradise Valley, Arizona - (602) 443-8400

Eleazer M. Kadile, M.D. - Allergy
Green Bay, Wisconsin - (920) 468-9442

Philip W. Kempf, M.D. - Rheumatologist
Arlington, Virginia - (703) 920-0954

Robert J. Koval, M.D. - oral only
Dallas, Texas - (214) 361-5780

Dr. Judith S. Moore, D.O.
Provo, Utah - (801) 373-8500

Linda Martin, D.O. - Alternative Medicine
Plano, Texas - (972) 985-1377

Joseph M. Mercola, D.O. - Family Practice/ Preventive Medicine
Schaumburg, Illinois - (847) 985-1777

Arlette Pharo, 4200 Westheimer Suite 200, Houston Texas - 713-626-0505

John R. Sinnott, D.O - General Practice
Ida Grove, Iowa - (712) 364-3302

H. H. Whitman III, M.D. - Rheumatologist
Wachung, New Jersey - (908) 769-0100

IN AUSTRALIA:

Dr. Robert Hanner,
593 Whitehorse Rd.,
Mitcham, VIC 3132.
(03) 9874 8777.

Dr. Geoffrey Kemp,
681 Burke Rd.,
Camberwell, VIC 3124.
(03) 9882 1366.

IN ENGLAND:

Dr. G.A.W. Hornett
The Surgery
Wonersh
Guildford Surrey
England, GU5 OPE

***email cadlard@rheumatic.org for names and contacts of other doctors***
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