Question about Sterol 117 for RA and APS Blood Clotting Disorder:

Dr.Ben,    

Several months ago you suggested I try Sterol 117 by BioGenesis.

I am battling Rheumatoid arthritis and also have Antiphospholipid Syndrome (blood clotting disorder). I had weaned off Prednisone, and stayed off from 8/26/08- 09/09/08, then another flare pushed me to go back on a low dose until I can get a response from you and make sure to order the right product.

I am taking Boswelya Plus, Calcium, Glucose/ Chondroitin, Vitamin E, Warfarin and of course Prednisone, which I HATE!   I have succeeded and been in remission twice, but after having my last child (2003) I'm having a hard time staying off Prednisone again.    

Let me know if Sterol 117 may help me wean off successfully this time. As soon as you can let me know if this is the right product, I'll order it.

Thank you,

No More Prednisone

A: Sterol 117 is a great choice for you. I recommend taking 2 capsules in the morning and 2 capsules at night before bed. Do this for two weeks and then drop down to 1 capsule in the morning and 1 before bed.  Take this away from food by about 30 minutes or so - especially away from dairy products. In fact, you should not eat any dairy products at all with your RA - and you may consider removing wheat from your diet as well - those two are huge aggravation with RA.

Borage Oil is great for RA as well. You can get that at many health food stores. Take with food.

Check your blood levels for DHEA and vitamin D. If low, you will need to supplement. These are commonly low with autoimmune disorders. A quality Vitamin D supplement is Vitamin D360.

Another product I would recommend is ArthroGenX. This is what my wife takes for her RA. It is a comprehensive joint support formula with anti-inflammatories built in. I prefer it over Boswelya Plus and the Glucose Chondroitin that you are taking. Take 3 capsules three times a day to start and then lower as you can.

Since you have been on Prednisone, your adrenal glands are likely fatigued. I would consider getting a salivary cortisol test done. Once the salivary cortisol test is done, consider taking Adrenal Support Plus by BioGenesis if you need it - dose as suggested on the bottle.

So, in summary:

1) Sterol 117 - start with 2 in AM and 2 in PM before bed
2) Borage Oil for RA- you can find this in most health food stores
3) Check blood levels for DHEA and Vitamin D - consider adding Vitamin D360
4) ArthroGenX instead of Boswelya and Gluc/ Chon - 3 caps, 3 times a day and lower as you can
5) Get a salivary cortisol test done - add Adrenal Support if you need it

I am glad to see that you are tapering off of Prednisone - stopping completely is not a good idea, not safe.

You'll get better!  ;) 

Should you have any questions, do inquire.

Thank you

Dr Ben