Has anyone heard of or tried the guaifenesin protocol?

[jb8176]

I just purchased a book titled "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibromyalgia Fatigue", and in it the author (Dr. R. Paul St. Amand, M.D.) mentions a protocol that he himself uses, and that he also tells all of his fibro patients to try. It requires you to take upto, but not limited to 2400mg of guaifenesin (Mucinex) daily. He says that with this protocol, you will notice that your symptoms will at first become worse, but will gradually disappear. He swears this is the way to reverse fibro. Now, when I heard this, I was obviously a little skepticle (who wouldn't be when you are told that Mucinex is the cure for fibro!) So I wanted to know if anyone here has heard of or tried this approach. My boyfriend suffers from fibro, and I am trying to help him find ways of coping. So, if anyone can shed some light on this, please, let me know.
And, if you are interested in reading about this protocol yourself, here is a link to his website---
www.fibromyalgiatreatment.com
Thank you so much for your help and comments!

Jessica

[jb8176]

Also, I forgot to mention, that he also explains that going on a strict hypoglycemic diet witll also greatly diminish your fatigue problems with fibro.

[LLWB]

I have read the book, or at least most of it. But it sounded fishy to me too. The strict diets, having to take time off from work, guaifenesin.............didn't try it. If you find anyone who has, I would be interested in their response too. The best I've had any results with is Lyrica for the nerve pain. It does help me. I've gain a few lbs, but I also quit smoking, so not sure which was the cause .  Low carb diets do seem to help with fatigue. I try to stay low carb, as I also have type 2 diabetes.  So parts of the treatment are not all whooey.  You're great for trying to help your boyfriend.

[Katie02148]

Hi,
I just read your query about the guaifenesin protocol.  I did extensive research on this protocol and have read both the original and revised versions to the book.  I did do the protocol for 2 months but had to stop so my doctors could R/O other conditions since my ANA was found to be +.  During Tx though I did recruit and teach my PT to map me so I had some documented solid proof as to if this protocol was true to its nature to discern for myself whether or not what Dr. St. Amand postulated as the cause for FMS was true.  My findings:  Upon the upward titration of guaifenesin to my "cycling level"  (600mg BID) with in 12hrs I started to experience moderate-severe increased pain through out my back.  I couldn't get out of bed the next morning and couldn't believe it.  This cycle lasted 12 days straight.  As suggested by Dr.St.Amand I did get mapped by my PT a month after titrating to my cycling dose, her findings:  My left quadriceps had almost completely cleared of all lumps and contracted tissue just as described in the book.
I had been on the support group for two months before starting this protocol to make sure this wasn't bogus.  After reading all of the patient's testimonies and graphic details about their symptoms and the effects from guaifenesin, I decided to give it a go.  I personally felt that if this was bull#$% then why were so many people finding success on it.  At first I was like you and the other responder, I thought this guy was full of bull, but how could this dr be so good at explaining the most intimate of symptoms?  (Either he really knew what he was talking about or he was extremely adept to exploiting peoples weaknesses.)  Simple, he listened and learned from thousands of clients that he treated who had FMS.
I do plan on resuming the protocol soon since my most recent work ups showed no conclusive findings other than my +ANA.
I have made friends with others who are on the guaigroup (support boards) who live in my state, and others on the boards.  The purpose of the support boards is to help guide you with the protocol, there are a few moderators who are very proactive in helping you.  The support board is run and moderated by the co-author Claudia Marek too.  They help you distinguish whether your on your cycling dose, what ingredients are questionable in topical, supplement, and food products.  The major turn off for many about this protocol is the fact that you can't use any plant based products on your skin or take herbal supplements.  Basically in a nut shell salicylate acid blocks guaifenesin st the renal tubule level, so while it can still decongest, the use we use it for is rendered ineffective.  The same receptors that guaifenesin needs to go in at the tubules is the same that salicylate acid  parks in.  This happens when you apply them directly to your skin because it is directly absorbed into your blood stream like any other topical medication, hence you need far less potency since your liver is not metabolizing it.  Any food is ok, but if you take herbal supplements, what your liver can't metabolize immediately spills over to your kidneys hence the blocking.  Same goes for your mouth, no mint, camphor, eucalyptus in dental hygiene products.  You absorb it just as quick as your skin.  Easy to get around, but you have to read labels religiously.  If you've read the book and gone onto the website you already know this is a major effort at first but becomes second nature.  I switched all my cosmetics and all other products over with in a few days.
The group can help you with things not listed or you have a hard time discerning.
You can join the group through http://www.fibromyalgiatreatment.com/index.htm.
You can get all the stuff you have problems buying over the counter including guaifenesin for cheaper at http://www.fibropharmacy.com/ .
What I like about Dr.St.Amand is he is not toting his own products, he doesn't tell you to buy from him.  His profits go right back into research.
I hope all this info helps.
Sincerely,
Katie

[jb8176]

Thank you so much for getting back to me! I really appreciate it.
When you start the protocol again, would you mind keeping in touch with me? I would love to keep up with your progress with you (if of course you don't mind). Since you have already made the commitment to starting it, it would be great to see what happens for you, before turning my bf's world upside down.
Thank you again, and even if you say no, I wish you all of the luck in the world!

Jess