Figure 1. Our plan for the next eight weeks

We’re starting the countdown to March 12th, when we’ll start taking antibiotics. This is the beginning of the intervention phase of our experiment, the goal of which is to provoke a “RemissionBiome event”. We describe the wild, dramatic, but short-lived remission from ME/CFS that we both had in the past in the beginning of our info session that is posted on YouTube. Based on our experiences and the anecdotes that we have collected from other people who had similar experiences, we predict the “main event” (extreme remission) is likely to happen within the first week after starting antibiotics (March 12th-19th). We might also have a long-term increase in baseline, like we had after our previous remission events.

Gut prep is starting today, February 12th. In order to prepare our guts for the antibiotics, we’re taking: 

• Enterococcus faecium T-110, Clostridium butyricum TO-A, Bacillus subtilis TO-A (Brand: AOR Probiotic 3) 
• Saccharomyces boulardii (NOW Foods brand is an example – other brands are fine) 
• Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum 35624 (Brand: Align Digestive Support) 
• Butyrate (Brand: Healthy Gut Tributyrin-X)

Figure 2. Gut prep products

We’re also starting baseline testing this week. We’ll collect samples for Cyrex Mucosal Array 14, Cyrex Array 12 (Pathogens), Genova GI Effects, and some basic bloods, like a Complete Blood Count (CBC). We have chosen to do these specific tests now so that we can get results back before we take the antibiotics on March 12th. Certain results, such as a very compromised mucosal barrier, might lead us to postpone the date of starting the antibiotics. We will explain more about the “go/no-go” decision in a future blog.

“The Mucosal Immune Reactivity Screen (Array 14) evaluates the possible outcomes of compromised immune tolerance, including intestinal barrier dysfunction, food and chemical immune reactivity, and autoimmunity.” (From Rupa Health)

“The Array 12 – Pathogen-Associated Immune Reactivity Screen from Cyrex Laboratories examines an individual’s response to specific pathogens that increase susceptibility to developing autoimmune reactions.” (From Rupa Health)

“The GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile test from Genova Diagnostics is a group of advanced stool tests that assess digestive function, intestinal inflammation, and the intestinal microbiome to assist in managing gastrointestinal health. Gut microorganisms are codependent on one another, and their human host and the health of one affect the other.” (From Rupa Health)

Figure 3. RemissionBiome tests (not exhaustive)

Over the next four weeks, we’ll do comprehensive baseline testing covering thousands of biomarkers in the gut and oral microbiomes, immune system, neurotransmitters, organic acids, and many more. We’ll describe all of the tests in detail in blogs and podcasts as we go forward. If you want to see the full list of specific tests and products now, you can find them in this detailed schedule. 

Figure 4. RemissionBiome self-experiment schedule. More detailed schedule and list of specific tests and products.