(Mon-07-12-2015, 11:37 AM)Bill Wrote: I continue to go very well. I have been on doxycycline (100 mg twice daily) for nearly two weeks now. The reduction in arthritis is not huge, but it is noticeable and I am testing a reduction of my 800 mg DMF doses from twice weekly to once every five days. I take the DMF as a powder with a sweet drink, and I find this as easy as any other method. While I am sure that the l-cysteine is useful, I have so little psoriasis now (PASI of ~0.1) that I am only taking about a gram a day. I continue to use a tar based topical which I find helpful.

At this stage the challenge for me is to increase the flexibility of my spine. I have been using an inversion table since early 2012, as well as occasional traction to help me stretch. My goal at this stage is to be able to lie flat. Currently I am within 5 cm of this goal and I hope to achieve this before the end of next year.

Cheers,

Bill

Great stuff Bill your posts are always interesting, but always informative, so the doxycycline is not doing a great deal for you, but it's early yet to notice changes.

Does taking your DMF diluted in a drink, cause any more stomach problems as its dissolved before it gets through the stomach, into the intestines ..... Or are you taking your drink mid meal to help?
You are getting towards your goal with your spine and I hope you achieve the extra 5cm soon
You say you use an inversion table and traction .... Do you have your own traction apparatus?
Regards Jim

Hi Jim.

The doxycycline is working to the extent that arthritic pain is reduced and slower to develop after DMF doses, but the effect is not a big one.

The DMF is still taken after a substantial meal, so I'd imagine that is absorbed as usual, but it is easier taken with a sweet drink.

I dont use anything complicated to straighten my back. I dont think it matters much what is used, but it does require force and I have done it very gradually (years).

Cheers,

Bill

Thank you for keeping your thread updated Bill.

I'm like Jim I find your trials interesting to follow.

Another update. This is the current extent of my psoriasis.





My lymphocyte count remains stable at 1.0, and my esr is 5. I am now taking 800 mg of DMF twice weekly. I would prefer to take it every three days, but I will await the result of a further blood test in a month. I no longer take doxycycline as I found it very inferior to DMF. I also tried taking DMF weekly, but after about four weeks of this the worsening of arthritis forced me to revert to twice weekly doses. The larger doses have a bigger effect on the disease, but also have a greater T cell suppression, although I still think the suppression would be greater with a larger total dose. I remain optimistic of further progress.

That is looking very good Bill !!
My compliments on all your detailed registration of the use of your DMF, and also my compliments on the DMF itself

Nice lymphocount and I guess you are well satisfied with the current results.

Thank you Caroline. Yes, I am pleased, but I would add that I continue to use topicals. I think it helps, and at least I dont have to use much of it.

Cheers,

Bill

Great pictures Bill if proof were needed that DMF worked in its raw state, you are the living proof.
I admire your courage with your experimental approach.
I'm glad it is successful and your skin looks good for it. You also say the arthritis responds well to the DMF which is good to know

Such a shame you can't market it, you could make a fortune

Thank you for the update Bill. I wondered where you had gone, I thought stuck in his lab or being an "obstinate bugger" somwhere.

What Topical's do you still use Bill?

Thanks Jim. It amazes me how BI flogs this industrial chemical to MS sufferers at a huge markup. It is nice to show that effective pharmaceutical management of p and psa can be very affordable (The ineffective topical and painkiller regimen I was on before dmf was easily ten times the cost.). I will have to post a then and now set of the back of my neck. Quite a dramatic change over a couple of years. There is very little variance in the disease now, very much a turtle treatment.

Fred, I was waiting for the blood test result. The topical is a combination of petroleum jelly, salicilic acid, camphor, menthol, eucalyptus oil and Stockholm tar, but I would think that any moisturising cream would work well. The Selsun I gave up on as it caused skin irritation. I still have several years of medication left, so there is no pressing need to set up a lab as yet.

(Mon-04-04-2016, 13:14 PM)Bill Wrote: I still have several years of medication left, so there is no pressing need to set up a lab as yet.

Well let me know when you do, I'll buy a few shares.