Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Newbie...Happy to find KickAS

Hi All,
I've been looking over the website for the last few days, and I'm sooooo happy to find information on AS/meds/diets and most importantly the support you all share. I haven't been "officially" diagnosed yet, however, my rheumatologist has said its arthritis of the spine... he wants to personally review my spinal x-rays this week when I go back, and then have an MRI done. My symptoms have been similar to RA, until fairly recently (last 4 months or so) I've had constant lower back pain. No matter how much I exercise it won't ease up. Lately I can hardly stand to even do my walking at the gym, and I stopped lifting weights about two months ago due to extreme fatigue, pain and weakness in my wrists, fingers, elbows, ankles, knees and shoulders. (hmm... did I leave any parts out??) LOL

I'm so happy to find a place where people understand how wacky the symptoms are... how all over the place they can be... and how fickle our health is. One day I'm fine to mow the lawn, vacuum the whole house, play with my 2 year old... and the next day.. I can hardly stand up or bend over. Good grief! I'm sure people think I'm exaggerating or a hypocondriac (sp) ... even my hubby who is really supportive can't fully understand how pain is a constant thing. It can sure be tough to keep up with my daughter some days. And it breaks my heart for her to say, "Mommy's doesn't feel good... her back hurts again." In some ways I want to keep it from her. A two year old shouldn't have to worry about her Mommy's health!

Ok.. so I've babbled on quite a bit. I just wanted to say hello, and let you all know I look forward to getting to know you. Thanks for listening!

Hello and welcome to the site!
You forgot the hips....don't forget the hips....
Being friday, I didn't want this to sit here unnoticed, but alas I don't think I'm the one who is going to say the most comforting or witty thing...arrgh!
Do what you can, and the rest will work itself out, I say.
Have you tried swimming? (I'm the resident masochistic exercise freak... anything for that endorphin rush) It's great to be nearly weightless.

wind_rider

Hi Brooks Mommy,

I wanted to welcome you to the site!!!!

You are right! Lots of info and lots of wonderful people.

I have 4 children and am quite old...lol, 3 girls and a boy, but I wanted to tell you I have a Brooke too, except she has Victoria in front of hers...lol

And NO, you are NOT being a hypochondriac, we understand.

Hopefully your Drs. will give you an exact diagnosis and get you started on a good regimen.

Lisa

Hi
Welcome to the site. Hope it helps. I have AS. I know your pain.
It can be very bad at times. Nice to hear from someone new.
Good Luck,
Rebecca

hi!

here's a hint... tell people what DOESN'T hurt... it's easier

and your diagnosis is somewhat irrelevent here... just from the symptoms you mention... we can help... there's no magic pill yet & i think emotional support and group info is extremely valuable!

i'm glad you're here!

gentle hugs,
teddi

You will find what you need here. There's always plenty of advice and encouragement. I do hope that your rheumy gets you on a good treatment plan quick, that'll hopefully give you back some of your life.

*Lisa, I thought it was you posting uder a new name at first! Now we have two Brooke's Mommies running around!

Hi and welcome to KickAs . I know what you mean by those good days and bad days. I really enjoy my good days. As for the exercise, I swim 5 days a week. It is easy on the joints. Take care

Debora

I love the suggestion "Tell them what DOESN'T hurt"!! That's Perfect!! Now, why didn't I think of that?!?!

Hello and welcome to Kickas,

Glad you found the website, best site to learn and receive support. Hopefully you can benefit as much from the site as I have.

If interested in the diet, visit the diet forum. March 2002 I came here looking for answers when I had to drop meds, started diet and the rest is history (almost no AS symptoms). Many other alternatives and meds to learn about, important thing is easing the AS pain so you can enjoy life even more.

My father has AS as well... I recall doing a 4th grade project in class and we could wish for anything. I wished his back pain (AS) would go away. We came to learn there just were some things our father could not do, did not mean he was still the #1 dad in the world (in our eyes).

Best wishes to you.

Tim

Welcome BrookesMommy!!!

Sherri