I have clear cut RA symptoms that are worsening since bloodwork (+ rheumatoid factor) on Dec 20. I have an appt with a rheumatologist but am not sure I want to keep it since I would refuse any meds that are immunosuppresants. My internist at the same hospital where I have the appt also feels the meds can be worse than the disease. I barely survived Stage 3B/4 inflammatory breast cancer approx 12 years ago back when trastuzamab was approved by insurance only for Stage 4. I was a 3 on the Her 2 Neu scale. Trastuzamab saved my life. I ve worked hard to build my immune system up & feel it s helped to keep me stabilized all these years. I have a PhD, know how to read research reports and was impressed by findings from a few studies at prestigious venues where pathogens (mycoplasms) isolated in synovial tissue that appear to be the actual cause of RA. The immune system isn t the problem; it s doing what it s supposed to. Sounds like the synovial tissue gets destroyed because mycoplasms merge with the tissue, don t have cell walls. A few non-mainstream rheumatologists have reported using tetracycline & more successfully minocycline to kill the mycoplasms. I spoke with one who said that given my med Hx prolonged Tx with antibiotics not a good idea. But I won t take immunosuppressant meds which I think is a misguided approach for anyone let alone myself. Any houghts?