doxycycline and reduction of arthritis symptoms

[Lollybygolly]

I recently had an infected tick bite: hospital removed embedded tick and gave me 3 weeks supply of Doxycycline antibiotic. This to prevent a recurrence of Lyme Disease. Though the tablets upset my stomach badly, after week 2 I noticed my arthritis had all but disappeared. Usual routine of waking up in pain, taking Prednisolone 10mgs then waiting an hour or two for the pain to subside has gone. My question: does arthritis have an element of infection and did the antibiotics address this? It’s the second time I’ve had to have weeks of antibiotics and the same happened last time too; a huge reduction in joint pain. A week on any the pain in the morning is steadily increasing back to ‘normal’ Any answers anyone?

[Happyrosie]

Wow that’s fascinating! I don’t know the answer but one of the specialist charities might? There are several,,start with Arthritis Action

[Lollybygolly in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you I shall!

[jointpain]

I too was given Doxycycline for a whole year, after discussing with my GP that my jointpain went after taking antibiotics for a tooth infection on more than one occasion, I had also been bitten by ticks in France and was suspected of having Lyme disease, though Liverpool hospital of tropical diseases reckoned that had I been infected with Lyme, after a year of Doxycycline it would have been eradicated. I have read previously that arthritis can be treated with antibiotics. I forget where.

[worried4me5]

Hi,I took Doxycycline for two weeks to treat HS and noticed a relief of the arthritis in my knees. Once I stopped taking them the pain returned. Hope it's true as my GP thinks I should use it long term for HS so that would be a 2 in 1 bargain!

[Lollybygolly in reply to worried4me5]

I would find long term doxycycline difficult as my stomach was in trouble with it, but it would be wonderful if you can tolerate it and benefit! Please keep posting won’t you?

[worried4me5]

I will. I haven't restarted it yet. I didn't get many side effects but the only things I noticed were thrush (which I get with any antibiotic) and my skin changing due to sun exposure.

[worried4me5]

Hi Lollybygolly, I've decided that I'm only going to take the Doxycycline when I'm having a flare of my HS. Mainly because the reaction to the sun has given me patches of a different colour on my face and I love the sun too much! Good luck though with finding an antibiotic to help with your arthritis!

[Lollybygolly in reply to worried4me5]

Sounds safer: a month on my right arm is still looking odd: discolourations not disappeared as I thought they might. It seems that one must totally cover up and wear a hat whilst in the sun taking Doxycycline. Lesson learned! Take care.

[Lemonice61]

HiYes, I have RA and had a course of Doxycycline last Christmas for a persistent cough/ chest infection. I was completely pain free after a 4/5 days of Doxy, my rheumatologist noted it on my records and I am interested to know if there is any more evidence concerning this......

[Lollybygolly in reply to Lemonice61]

The fact that an antibiotic reduces pain seems to me to point to RA being an infectious sort of disease where inflammation may be addressed by steroids but antibiotics get to the heart of the disease. This is the third time I’ve noticed it. But doxycycline is pretty rough on the stomach and sunlight can damage your skin whilst on it too. Future research might uncover better results without the side effects one hopes

[Lemonice61]

Yes, I am seeing my rheumatologist on Monday, have a nasty flare after stopping steroids. They are recommending Etanercept now which I am a little wary about.I will ask him about the infection/ doxy / RA connection and post back on here