One Tiny Pill

Many patients receiving antibiotic treatment for rheumatic diseases are aware that some of these medications have beneficial effects in addition to killing microbes. Minocycline has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, an ability to block collagen destruction and perhaps potential to assist in bone regeneration. However, it is the capability of these drugs to kill mycoplasma that many of us believe packs the punch. Individuals who experienced a Jarisch Herxheimer reaction when initiating the therapy often comment that they have little doubt they have an infection which is responding to the treatment.

As the antibiotic targets these disease-producing organisms and slowly destroys them, we begin to feel better. Inflammation and other physiological responses to the microbe lessens. We feel more energy, less pain and a returning sense of well-being.

This process may occur relatively quickly for newly diagnosed patients. They have not been exposed to the toxic medications commonly used to treat serious forms of rheumatic disease over a long period of time. Such patients may soon resume the life they had known before the devastating symptoms started. That is the way it should be, and would be for many, if antibiotic therapy were offered as a first line option.

Unfortunately, a significant number of "roadbackers" have endured long term illness and debilitation, and suffered the mounting side effects of prescribed drugs. Subsequently, we learned about and began AP (antibiotic protocol) and slowly life and health began to change. We experience little "windows" of diminished symptoms and greater optimism. We might awaken to less pain, more energy, clearer thinking or a lifting depression. We feel "lighter" with a renewed interest in life and our surroundings. In previous times of sickness, we would never have dreamed of the quality of life now available to us. In this exciting period, we may try to make up for lost time. We are provided with the capacity for selective amnesia and may "forget" that our body has been deconditioned by years of sedentary living. We end up "overdoing" things rather than gradually working up to increased activity. At this point, we may look at lingering symptoms of disease with annoyance and wonder "why is it taking so long?" or muse that "maybe AP is not working anymore." Perhaps, after a day of resuming an activity that we thought we could never do again, we may be distressed to wake up feeling sore, ill or exhausted. The fact is-- we have forgotten where we were before AP and we want our disease to simply vanish.

When we begin to question our progress, others on the road back remind us that "you did not get sick overnight and cannot get well overnight" or advise "be patient as this can be a long process." Reclaiming our health takes a lot of information and planning. We may have to modify our diet and regain lost strength with movement programs. We must nurture a psyche damaged by illness, the insensitivity of others and years of despair. We may have to reconnect with the person we used to be and adapt to the person we have become. In short, the healing process is just that-- a process. It is the sum of our life experiences and beliefs now being reexamined and of a new physiology that we are only beginning to trust. If you are impatient and want that quick fix to health-- you will be disappointed. You will be expecting too much from one tiny pill! However, if you understand the process, seek support when you need it and continue to learn about ways to enhance AP, low dose antibiotic therapies represent a powerful tool for treating rheumatic disease.

The Road Back Foundation does not engage in the practice of medicine. Consult with a physician to assess any medical treatment that is being considered. The Road Back Foundation encourages healthcare consumers to thoroughly investigate and understand all treatments and medications before proceeding. This material is for educational purposes only

The Road Back Foundation
PO Box 447
Orleans, MA 02653-0447
www.roadback.org