Another drug company just bought the trademark rights to Minocin, though I understand that the same previous company is still manufacturing it. And the price has skyrocketed to $1670 for 30 100mg capsules, retail price. My drug coverage paid $1200 of that for my last refill, but I understand that this drug will no longer be covered by ANY insurance (even as a Tier 4 drug) after March 2016. However, on a positive note, Minocin/Minomycin is once again available thru Canadian pharmacies (or was a few weeks ago when I checked). So I am going to get a prescription for 100 capsules and order thru a Canadian pharmacy...price is around $200/100caps.
I recently had shoulder surgery for a rotator cuff injury, and then six weeks later I twisted my right knee. Within two days BOTH of my knees were suddenly swollen and stiff!! At first I though it was just the twisted knee causing that (I could barely walk, and twisting one knee put stress on the other knee). But after a few weeks, and using my inversion table to realign my knee, I found that I still had a lot of swelling both in my knee and my ankles. I went to see my Rheumatologist for a regular follow up visit, he gave me a general shot of cortisone, which over the next 10 days reduced the swelling. Four days later I saw my Orthopedic surgeon, who advised me to do some quadriceps exercises.
With the cortisone and the exercises, I am again able to walk fairly normally, but the knees are still a bit stiff, and I have a problem driving. Hoping that improves quickly.
I am really working on the diet and supplements, as well as the Minocin. I may start taking 200mg every M-W-F instead of 100. And I am taking D3, Curcumin (Turmeric), Fish Oil, Probiotics, and getting some Glucosamine HCL (not sulfate, and sulfa is hostile to my RA). For diet, I am virtually gluten free (occasionally eat something fried, like chicken...)(Barilla makes EXCELLENT GF pasta!!) and try to eat Salmon several times a week, as well as Kale, blueberries with yogurt, apples and bananas, green salads, green veggies, carrots, sweet potatoes, chicken, fish, turkey, rice. Stay away from niteshade vegetables, and corn.
I am not taking any NSAIDS or pain killers for my knee. I find using a patella strap is the best support, as a full brace is overkill. Simple leg lifts to build the quadriceps while not involving the knee will hopefully help with the knee support. I have been able to walk roughly 3/4 of a mile with no pain, so that is progress!
And the ride continues......
