Quote:

I am writing a paper for college and I choose to do it on AS and I was wondering if a few of you nice people could answer my questions for me so I can educate other people on Ankylosing Spondylitis.

What is your log in name:
What has caused you the most pain:
How long have you had AS:
Where did you start to fuse first:
How old were you when you first started getting symptoms:

Hi my log in name is Mellie

I do not have any fusing yet but have alot of degeneration.
I first was diagnosed with As when i was 36, but have had symptoms since i was 17, when two discs in my back herinated.
Alot of hip neck and rib cage pain.And pressure in the chest/sternum. I have pins and needles 24/7 and burning of my feet and hands. It feels like i am wearing gloves 24/7 too. i have pins and needles that go the entire length of my spine.
If i was not taking oxycontin i would not have a quality of life.
it took 19 years to be diagnosed, one reason was because alot of the doctors that i saw would not even consider it was AS because i was Female.
I carry the Gene HLA 27B which predisposes you to AS, that is how my diagnosis was found and clinical history of back pain and s1 joint degeneration.
I have one sibling with AS and two of my sons have tested positive, they are 9 and 11
They have both received physical therpay to be able to prevent the As from affecting them to learn the exercises to help with the pain etc.

i hope this helps please contact me if you have any further questions, only to glad to help
mellie