RA Remission Without Methotrexate or Biologics — A Real Patient Story That Will Blow Your Mind

What does it actually look like when a patient goes from swollen joints, X-ray erosions, and almost starting a biologic — to zero inflammation, no medications, and running on a treadmill again? In this episode, I sit down with my patient Jenny Heiss, who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for 10 years. Her road to remission is one of the most remarkable I've seen in my clinic, and I wanted her to share it in her own words.

We talk about her decade-long search through conventional rheumatology, holistic practitioners, ozone therapy, and methotrexate side effects — and the three things that finally turned everything around: Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN), MSM supplementation, and Low-Dose Immunotherapy (LDI) using a Proteus/Klebsiella antigen. Jenny has now been in full remission for 2.5 years with zero joint inflammation on labs and zero disease limitations. This one is for anyone who's been told biologics are their only option.

Key Takeaways

• Seronegative RA is still real RA
• Methotrexate isn't the only answer — and side effects are real
• MSM was a surprisingly powerful first step
• LDI works by retraining the immune system, not suppressing it
• Root cause matters — bacteria may trigger RA
• Food is medicine — and Jenny proved it early on
• Remission means getting your life back — completely
• There's no right or wrong path to healing

Chapters & Time-Stamps

00:56 Meet Jenny Hess

01:47 First Signs and Diagnosis

02:53 Methotrexate Experience

03:19 Holistic Detours and Setbacks

04:41 Minocycline and Moving States

07:02 Seropositive Shift and Fears

09:01 Starting Care With Dr Yu

09:33 Supplements and LDN Gains

10:11 LDI and Lab Turnaround

12:07 Life in Remission

14:53 Current Regimen Breakdown

15:44 How LDI Works

17:34 Diet and Lifestyle Foundations

19:38 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

Guest & links

Jenny Heiss — Patient & RA Remission Advocate

• Patient of Dr. Micah Yu | 10-year RA journey, now in full remission
• No social media listed — her story speaks for itself

Dr. Micah Yu, MD — Host

• Integrative Rheumatologist & Functional Medicine | Newport Beach, CA
• Clinic: drlifestyle.org
• LDI episode reference: Search "Dr. Ty Vincent" on Autoimmune Alchemy

About Your Host

Dr. Micah Yu, DC, CFMP

Functional Medicine Practitioner & Host of AutoImmune Alchemy

Dr. Micah Yu is a doctor of chiropractic and certified functional medicine practitioner specializing in autoimmune conditions and chronic illness. He recognizes mold exposure as a common root cause of autoimmune disease, particularly in patients with long-haul COVID who suddenly develop mold sensitivities. Dr. Yu is passionate about educating his community on environmental toxins and bringing expert voices like John Banta to help patients understand the hidden triggers affecting their health. He practices integrative medicine with his wife, creating a dynamic team dedicated to uncovering root causes and supporting patients on their healing journey.

Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLM

Dr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University’s Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women's wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.

About AutoImmune Alchemy Podcast

Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy

AutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex chronic conditions.

Hosted by Dr. Micah Yu, the show explores root causes like mold exposure, infections, and environmental toxins that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode features expert interviews and cutting-edge treatments to help listeners understand the "why" behind their illness and find pathways to healing.

Connect with AutoImmune Alchemy:

• Website: MyautoimmunemdHome – New
• Instagram: @myautoimmunemd
• Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD
• YouTube: @myautoimmunemd
• Email: contact@myautoimmunemd.com

Subscribe & Review: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. If this episode helped you understand mold's role in chronic illness, please leave a 5-star review!

This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or remediation. Individual results may vary.