Patient Stories
Palindromic RA
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.
Lyn’s Story—From “Psychological” to Pain-Free
In 1987, at the age of 35, I developed intermittent, sudden, searing pain in my wrists, sometimes one, sometimes both. The wrist and hands would become excruciatingly painful to move and very tender to touch. The pain would seem to emanate from a variety of points, sometimes from the front, sometimes the back. It would then build to a crescendo over about 3 days. It felt as if the tendons were being tightened until snapping point and my hand(s) would be forced into a claw. I would be unable to straighten the fingers without screaming with pain. The pain was at its worst at night and I would sometimes lie awake crying with pain, trying to nurse my painful “paws” and not move a single digit. Once the crescendo of pain had been reached, it would start to subside over the next 24 hours or so and then everything would be back to normal.