Dentist

[JJ]

Hi.....I had my teeth cleaned this morning, and I have some inflamation in my gums, but only in one area, but.... it is starting a little in another area too. My dentist questioned me about any change in meds and especially about my high blood pressure medicine. The one I take, usually doesn't cause problems he said. He said something about the inflammation and I had a sudden thought that maybe it is related to my CC. He agreed, and said that the autoimmune probs don't necessarily impact only the colon. He put me on a very low dose of tetracycline...he said that new uses for old drugs are being found and he explained how this drug can break up the chain of events that cause the inflammation....that's where I lost his train of thought....but....he said, wouldn't it be amazing if it also helped my CC! I am going back in one mo so he can check my gums.....we will see if it helps. I hope the antibiotic doesn't have the opposite effect on my CC....haha ...happy Saturday...JJ

[Polly]

Hi Jill,

I also have gum inflammation (chronic), and whenever my periodontist feels it is out of control, she uses the LOCAL form of tetracycline - it's a "thread" coated with the antibiotic that is placed directly into the gum pockets. Virtually none of it is absorbed systemically: IOW, it is impossible for it to get to the colon.

If you are taking tetracycline PILLS, let me offer a word of caution. Tetracycline is one of the antibiotics documented to cause colitis. In my case, I believe it is what caused my MC to start in the first place! My MC started immediately after I had self-treated myself...... because I thought I might have been developing Lyme disease....... for 5-6 weeks with one of the tetracyclines (doxycycline).

Just a word of caution. As for me, I have decided that I will avoid systemic tetracycline like the plague for the rest of my life! LOL! Hopefully you will not react the same wayI did.

Love,

Polly

[JJ]

Oh no...thanks for the words of caution! I will be very careful, especially since I am weaning off the Entocort. He gave me samples to use until I pick-up my meds at the pharmacy ...just checked and yes, it is doxycycline 20 mg. I am supposed to take it twice a day. Is that a low dose? Will this likely be a problem, even if it's a low dosage? The brand name is Periostat. Is the gum inflammation likely related to our MC/CC? I will ask him about the thread.

Thanks so much for being here to help with all my questions.

[barbaranoela]

Polly thats very interesting about the gum inflammation control--

Good info to have----I never gave that one a thought---

Tank-A-U

JILL---hope your inflammation gets under control---

Have a good day
luve Barbara