Patient Stories
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Every patient’s journey is unique, but no one should have to travel it alone. The stories shared here come from individuals living with a variety of rheumatic and inflammatory diseases who chose to explore antibiotic protocols as part of their treatment journey. Some experienced gradual improvement, others dramatic recoveries, and many found hope simply by connecting with others who understood what they were going through. These personal experiences are shared to educate, encourage, and remind you that every journey is different and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
If you’re looking for more than written stories, we invite you to join the Road Back Foundation Private Facebook Community, where you can connect directly with patients in real time. Whether you’re just beginning to research antibiotic protocols, preparing to start treatment, actively undergoing therapy, or years into recovery, you’ll find a welcoming community ready to share their experiences, answer questions, and offer practical support.
Nancy’s Story—From Severe RA to Pain-Free
My first experiences with RA was in my left shoulder in January of 2020. The inflammation came out of the blue and hit the shoulder causing me to be unable to use my whole arm. This would happen every few months for a year before being diagnosed. NOTHING would touch the pain. It was the worst PAIN. In January of 2021, I had my first blood test. By this point the inflammation had taken my left shoulder, left hand, right knee and my feet and starting on my right hand. In February of 2021, I was given the news as if I was given a death sentence. I was certain that at the rate RA was taking over my body that I was going to be died by the end of the year. In that moment, I chose to NOT take any meds for pain and RA until I had time to read the paperwork on the drugs. Upon reading the paperwork for the first time in my life – I chose to go without.
Eric’s Story—Conquering RA at 60, Thriving at 81
RA diagnosed in 2003 and cured with low dose long term doxycycline in 2004, was followed by Polymyalgia Rheumatica -Temporal Arteritis later, maybe 2008? which was diagnosed with a temporal biopsy, halted and cured with prednisone tapered off as blood work indicated.
Doreen’s Story—From Swollen Hands to a Full Life Again
My first sign was an index finger that was painful and swollen. Before I knew it it was both hands. An encounter with someone shaking my hand which felt like they were intentionally trying to hurt me made me realize something is wrong. The diagnosis was RA. My great grandmother was diagnosed with RA when she was in her 30’s so it made sense for the doctor to label me with this autoimmune.
Debbie’s Story—From Elevated Markers to Normal Labs
Today I heard the words that everyone who is diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis lives to hear – “Your blood levels are NORMAL”.
Catharine’s Story—Minocycline, Diet, and a Return to Health
The availability of the internet and the finding of the Road Back website saved me. After a year of low white blood cells/bit unwell, I suddenly got swollen joints in Jan 2014 with a slightly raised RF. Doctors said early RA (or possibly PA as i had very mild skin psorasis). Doctors wanted me to start on placquenil with methotrexate next as things progressed.
I set about reading everything I could about RA. My searches led to this website, and it seemed extraordinary that there was hope.
Brenda’s Story—From Long Struggle to Renewed Relief
I was diagnosed with RA in 1997, several months after my second child was born. Tried quite a few different treatments over the years but could not find consistent relief!
I set about reading everything I could about RA. My searches led to this website, and it seemed extraordinary that there was hope.
TrustingGod’s Story—Remission After Two Decades of RA
I am a 20-year RA warrior and I am in remission thanks to the antibiotic protocol. I am grateful to Dr. Brown for his life’s work. I am grateful that he had the courage to push forward with his research despite the barrage of naysayers.
Diane’s Story—From Dire Prognosis to a Life Fully Lived
It was an honor to have my journey with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and antibiotic treatment chronicled by author Henry Scammel. And, it has been a journey for more than 25 years.
Paul’s Story—Zero RA Factor After Antibiotic Therapy
In many ways I have had a life of suffering. I grew up with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I was healed by God at age 12. I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome at age 31. All through my thirties (I am now 64) I was very sick. I would go to a specialized chiropractor. He helped me in many ways.
Dale’s Story—When Methotrexate Failed, Minocycline Succeeded
In 2011 I suddenly developed an ache in my left shoulder, it was not related to any injury. 3 weeks later the whole shoulder was involved and I was feeling very unwell. After 4 weeks it was my back and hips. I was unable to even dress myself. The Dr ran a series of blood tests, one was for the RA factor, which came back negative, but the C- Reactive Protein (inflammation) was 22. plus my haemoglobin count was low.