I've had A.S. for some 23 years. So far the only areas that might help from surgery are my hip/sockets; although my rhumey said that is from osteoarthritis and not my AS.
My A.S. is causing a fibrous/bony growth in that area as well. While I have fusing going on in my neck, it's not at the point I need surgery unless I fracture something. My shoulders and ribcage are also problematic. So in the future 5-20 yrs or so I'd imagine baring fracture I'd need some work done on my hips, shoulders and neck. I do have trouble walking at times, But I am hoping the drugs will slow that down enough that I can skip it as long as possible. My rhumey said I could see an orthopedist now, but I am going to just put it off until I have to.
But yeah, I agree with Inanna, I am glad surgery has helped you.
Diagnosed with A.S., DDD, scoliosis, sleep apnea -- Tested positive for HLA-B27 gene; family history; visible damage on x-ray; significant iritis; enthesitis inflammation; fatigue; feverish; peripheral arthritis; Osteopenia; heart, G.I., and skin symptoms - :: - Insidious and often disabling pain started in my teens & 20's with heel pain; chest pain and hip-buttock in my early 20's; low back pain in my late 20's; mid thoracic and cervical in my 30's. Biologics in my 40's. (On remicade)
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