Ankylosing Spondylitis

Question: What is the sure cure for ankylosing spondylitis? I would like to know what is sure treatment for ankylosing spondylitis pls

Answer: Hi , Ankylosing Spondylitis is a form of Spondyloarthritis. It is a chronic and degenerative inflammatory disease mainly affecting the spine and sarcroilliac joints , eventually leading to fusion of the spine - creating bamboo spine ( non-motile ). The condition is considered strongly genetic , so little can be done ( actually unfortunately, there is no cure for this illness ). It is autoimmune disease and hence the immunse system of the host attacks its own cells. The condition is associated with progressing development of knee pain , osteoporosis , " hump" back , other organs are also affected ie heart , lungs, colon.. But there are several ways to ease the pain of this disease - Anti inflammatory drugs such as aspirin , ibuprofen , naproxen , COX2 inhibitors can be used to reduce inflammation and pain - Disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs ( DMARDs ) such as cyclosporins can be used to reduce immune response through immunosuppression. - Tumor necrosis factor alpha ( TNFa ) blockers are also used to stop the production of this protein which is a very potent cell killer. ( By inhibiting the production of this cytokine , the spine and sacroilliac wont be damaged - or at least slow down the fusion progress) Surgery and Physical therapy are also less used but also somewhat promising procedures to increase quality of life of the patients. Though surgery is often done only on severe cases and carry high risk/complications.

Question: are there any support groups for people with ankylosing spondylitis? I would like to know if anyone suffers from ankylosing spondylitis, what are the stages, and what is the outcome for anyone who is suffering from severe ankylosing spondylitis.

Answer: Here are some places to look: http://www.kickas.org/ http://www.spondylitis.org/ http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ankylosing_spondylitis/ http://arthritis.about.com/od/asnews/Ankylosing_Spondylitis_Support_Groups_Online_Forum_Chat_Room.htm

Question: What are the test called to see if you have Ankylosing Spondylitis? I have researched what Ankylosing Spondylitisis. Is But how do I tell my doctor what to test me for. Is there a certain test that should be ran, or would I tell her I think i have Ankylosing Spondylitisis.

Answer: Ankylosing spondylitis - Signs and symptoms Your condition may change over time, with symptoms getting worse, improving or completely stopping at any point. Early signs and symptoms may include pain and stiffness in your lower back and hips — which is often worse in the morning, at night and after periods of inactivity. Over time, the pain and stiffness may progress up your spine and to other joints, such as those in your hips, shoulders, knees and feet. In advanced stages, the following signs and symptoms may develop: Restricted expansion of your chest Chronic stooping Stiff, inflexible spine Fatigue Loss of appetite Weight loss Eye inflammation (iritis) Bowel inflammation When to seek medical advice See your doctor if you have symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. Also contact your doctor if you're being treated for the disease and new signs and symptoms develop. Good luck. DS

Question: finding the right doctor -dealing with ankylosing spondylitis? Desperately trying to help a family member diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. Regular family doctor is wonderful but limited in his knowledge of what treatments would be best route. Any help is greatly appreciated. We are located in Pa.USA- but at this time any location on this earth would be a godsend. thank you.

Answer: What kind of doctor treats ankylosing spondylitis? The type of physician who primarily diagnoses and treats ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases is called a rheumatologist. Rheumatologists treat arthritis, certain autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal pain disorders and osteoporosis. There are more than 100 types of these diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis (AS), rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.

Question: Any suggestions for treating Ankylosing Spondylitis naturally? I am a 31 year old female who has Ankylosing Spondylitis. I seem to be intolerant of NSAID's, as my digestive problems are exacerbated by them. My Rheumatologist doesn't want to try DMARD's yet because the disease is fairly mild and he thinks the risks outweigh the benefits at this time. Any suggestions?

Answer: this website claims diet'll do it... but i don't believe it. i am not, however, omniscient. i'd say, "it can't hurt", but it probably does. http://www.ankylosingspondylitishelp.com/?gclid=CJmZkJDYjocCFSI7GAodQkmcrg best of luck.

Question: What is typical treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis for someone in mid to late 20s? I'm looking for common paths of treatment for someone who has been diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis @ 27 years of age. HLA B27 positive Sed rate of 21 Pain started lower back, moved to hips, moved down legs and over the course of three years has spread to upper back. Some pain when breathing deeply.

Answer: Hopefully you are being seen regularly by a rheumatologist, and hopefully that rheumatologist is one who is familiar with AS. What you have is progressing, and that is not so good. Note - the pain down your legs is actually referred pain from pressure on the sciatic nerve from the inflammation around your spine and sacroiliac joint. I was diagnosed with AS nearly 15 years ago and have been symptomatic for more than 20 years. I am on a regime of indocin (high dose) and azulfidine (moderate) - not an uncommon combination. Medication for AS http://www.spondylitis.org/about/as_med.aspx There are other treatments as well, but surgery is very rare. http://www.spondylitis.org/about/as_treat.aspx General info. http://www.spondylitis.org/about/as.aspx Good luck with it.

Question: I have Ankylosing Spondylitis What can I do to relieve the thoracic and rib contractions? My pain is so bad in my thoracic area I just can't bare the pain. The contractions won't stop. The doctors won't do anything. It is the weekend and I don't know what to do. Is this fusion? Please help

Answer: You may need to go to the ER and get some pain relief and make sure your condition hasn't gotten worse.

Question: Is there anyone out there diagnosed with Ankylosing spondylitis? What is your long term prognosis? I've just been diagnosed with it and am wondering about it.

Answer: oh man! is it your back?? I don't have that or know anyone how has been diagnosed with it....I have been told that I have degenerative disc disease, so I kinda sorta know your pain (literally) _exercise, stop smoking, take the anti inflams. gzz good luck Mr.Lucky-dagger ;) Hey guess what I quit smoking (only cause my body rejects it now*) I know you can do it!! Email me if you ever need to talk!

Question: What is the difference between Infectious Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis in symptoms? I have arthritis that has fused my SI joints, and had to also get both my hips replaced due to degeneration of the joint. I thought I had AS. But the tests did not come Positive, but that also is common with people with AS. How can I tell if I have AS or if it could be an Infectious Arthritis? I have had my condition since I was 15yrs

Answer: http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec05/ch065/ch065c.html infectious arthritis... ABOVE link.... http://www.medicinenet.com/ankylosing_spondylitis/article.htm for the other...you can read about the symptoms there...

Question: Can Ankylosing Spondylitis affect your sex drive? My boyfriend suffers from Ankylosing Spondylitis. He has 3 children from a previous relationship, 2 of which are carriers. Since we found out they are carriers, he finds intercourse fruastrating at times. He knows the risk of passing AS onto his children, and this may be why the lack of his sex drive. My question is, does the disorder itself have an affect on his ability to perform? He feels bad he cant be intimate with me, tho i understand his feelings and worries completely.

Answer: AS is not a genetic disease that gets passed from one generation to another. There is a blood marker, HLA-B27, which is correlated to AS, but it is neither definitive nor diagnostic. There are plenty of people who are HLA-B27 positive who never come down with AS. And there is a significant fraction of people who have AS but are negative on the marker. Medical science has not reached the point where it is known why a person contracts AS, or similar diseases of the immune system. Your boyfriend needs to find out more about the disease he has, to allay any concerns he may have about passing the disease down to his children. That said, some AS medications may - directly or indirectly - contribute to impotency. Also, AS is frequently very painful, and the lifestyle limitations that can result can contribute to psychological problems that can also contribute to impotency. Hope this helps.

Question: ankylosing spondylitis? Is salaki useful in ankylosing spondylitis. Has any one used it. Please let me know. Any other aryuvedic or homeyopethic medicine work in ankylosing spondylitis. Any new effective medicine is searched for this ? I will be thankful if anyone advices me.

Answer: http://www.spondylitis.org/patient_resou… http://www.cochinherbals.com/ayurvedic-m… I wish you well in your search for treatment.

Question: what kind of job is ideal for someone with Ankylosing Spondylitis? I am a floor nurse and I have the above condition. I have a BSc in Nursing and would like to go to Grad School ( a program related to my Bsc- nursing degree) Before I make a decision I need to know what kind of job would be good for my health condition. Please answer if you are also an AS patient or a health care provider or have a family member/ friend with AS.

Answer: I am not sure there is an "ideal" job for AS patients - if so, I would sure like to find one. Preferably one that pays excessive amounts of money. You want to avoid heavy lifting, jobs that involving or bending or stooping, and jobs that require to sit continuously. At least, based on my experiences as an AS patient, those are things I want to avoid.

Question: Any help with ankylosing spondylitis? I am in early 20s and suffering from ankylosing spondylitis. I am fine most of the time like as though I don't have it, but when I sit on laptop for a while or wake up in the morning, my neck, back usually pains. Any ideas if can do anythngs to lessen the pain?

Answer: Aleve and Naprosyn are the medications doctors most commonly use to treat ankylosing spondylitis. They can relieve your inflammation, pain and stiffness. Your doctor may prescribe a DMARD, such as sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) or methotrexate (Rheumatrex), to treat inflamed joints of the legs and arms and other tissues. This class of drugs helps limit the amount of joint damage that occurs. "Prednisone", may suppress inflammation and slow joint damage in severe cases of ankylosing spondylitis. Physical therapy can provide a number of benefits, from pain relief to improved physical strength and flexibility. Check the included link to the "Mayo Clinic" for more information on this condition.

Question: Could my sore shoulders be an early sign of Ankylosing spondylitis? My shoulders have been really sore lately. Because of it I haven't been working out as much and I'm really tired all the time. Both of my sisters have AS and so I'm worried that I might be getting it as well. My shoulders feel like I need a massage all the time and I can't seem to relax or sleep the pain away. It's not in my back really, but just in my shoulders. Any ideas? Thanks so much.

Answer: sounds like cramps, try stretching your shoulders or asking a chiropractor.

Question: Is there anyone who recieves disability for fibromyaligia or ankylosing spondylitis? Were you denied benefits intially? Are doctors strict with whom they write letters for? I've lived with chronic pain for nearly two years and have not been able to work. My husband and I are having a hard time supporting our family with only one income....

Answer: Yes. After I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis in 1983 I got on SSI, after applying in 1985. That stands for Supplemental Security Income and it comes with medical coverage, which is called MediCal which is also called Medicaid nationwide. SSI helps with the bills, but I have to warn you, it is about $850 per month. It is a federal program and you have to tell them whenever you work. You must make less than $800 per month and you are required to keep less than $2000 in the bank maximum. I don't know how this works if you are married or have a joint checking account. A nice benefit of being on SSI is that if you work a certain amount consistently for 10 years while on SSI, you qualify for Social Security Benefits and Medicare, which I did. If you can't work, this can't be beat! Contact the Social Security Administration (they call themselves SSA) if you want to apply and find out more information. I hope this helps you. They have their own doctors who will look at you to determine if you are disabled. If you can't do what an average person can do, you are considered disabled, as far as life activities go, like dressing and working.... For example, it takes me a long time to get dressed and I cannot work because of my stiffness and pain....

Question: Effective ways to treat Ankylosing Spondylitis? I suffer from Ankylosing Spondylitis and have been feeling the effects for over 3 years now since I was 19. I've been on a drug called Remmicade for over a year with great results, my disease is in almost complete remission. The thing I am worried about is if anything were to ever happen with my insurance etc., there would be absolutely no way I could afford the Remmicade treatments. Have you, or do you know of any alternative treatments you have used and seen real results? I went to just about every quack doc imaginable before starting the Remmicade treatments with no luck so I am a bit discouraged with the homeopathic route. I was on Indocen for over a year, it gave me limited mobility. Better than not walking at all, but its hard on your kidneys.

Answer: I don't know what other real medications you tried previously that didn't work. I have had AS for over 20 years now, initially symptomatic in my late 20's. For the past 15 years (+/-) I have been treated - more or less effectively - with indocin and azulfidine. Several years back I talked about Remicade with my doctor. He is a rheumatologist at a major teaching hospital. He said that I don't need it and most of his patients don't. If/when you reach a point where the Remicade is not an option for you, you will just need to talk with your doctor about alternatives. They are out there. Remicade may be one of the major new meds being used for AS, but you may be like most of us and not really need it. Good luck with it. TJ