Ankylosing Spondylitis

[nscrbug]

Does anyone here on this forum have ankylosing spondylitis? I'm trying to learn a bit more about this auto-immune condition that causes chronic back stiffness and pain. I'm beginning to wonder if I might have AS, and am thinking about making an appointment to see a rheumatologist. Just not sure what to expect...such as how exactly, is AS diagnosed? And what are some of the treatment options?

Linda

[ny biker]

I don't have direct experience with it, but I know several people who have it or whose close relatives have it. I think activity is important for managing it.

Good luck!

[nscrbug]

Hmmm...interesting. Well, if activity is part of treatment...then I think I have that area covered. This stiffness upon waking up, is getting to be unbearable. And the fact that my back DOES feel better with movement, makes me wonder if I might be dealing with AS. I checked out a few websites, and the symptoms do match what I've been experiencing for years. I think a visit to a rheumatologist is in order.

Linda

[LunaB]

My husband suffers from it, but keeps it under some control by being extremely active - cycling, swimming, climbing, some running. He has problems sleeping at night since his back gets really stiff and painful, he always has to get up and take a pain killer. He is only in pain at night, however, the pain goes away as soon as he starts to move about. He has also had a few bouts of iritis, which needs treatment, so if you have any eye pain or eye redness, go see a doctor immediately and check for iritis. It is a common side problem with the illness.
Go and get checked out, you can have a type of xray to see if the inflammation has caused any fusing in the bones. My husband is still ok in that respect :-)
Good luck and let´s hope this is not your problem after all!