Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Intense Flare = Muscle Spasms = Need Help Please

Hi John, I was hoping to hear from you. You know, I was thinking a fast might help me but wasn't sure which to pursue. When you say 10 days -- 10 days of what fast? Can you point me in some direction?

I'm gluten, wheat & dairy free, which isn't quite the same as the NSD (I do eat potatoes on occasion and rice with no problems), but I would be interested in more info on a 10 day fast. Not sure my system (gut) can handle 3 day apple diet...it's a bit wonky (gut, not diet!). I would appreciate more information on specific fasts.

Dave - I was surprised that the Tramadol didn't knock me sideways. I didn't even have to cut the dosage in half. It helps, but isn't the solution for me. I take it sparingly, like always. Probably not good for pain management, but what can I say How are you doing, by the way?

Sherree

Hey Sheree;
have you told your rheumy's office that you're in an uncontrollable, excruciating flare? they might be able to get you in sooner on a cancellation if they know how bad off you are. Until then, a chiropractor might be a really good idea . . . i personally think they're angels on earth.
Everyone keeps recommending RX drugs for you, but you need something NOW, before you get to the dr . . . I say, get drunk. Alcohol can be a GREAT painkiller (very temporarily, of course) and it's not prescription. Of course you can't use it at work or before driving, but it can get you some relief at home in the evenings at least.
*hugs!* feel better soon, honey,
Bridget

Hi Bridget -- yes, my rheumy's office is aware of how bad things are. This is the problem. My rheumy was very sick for many many months. Last time I saw him was last July and I typically see him every 6-8 weeks. He didn't refer his patients to another doctor, so he is beyond backlogged and my appointment is now scheduled for 4/3 (after being rescheduled quite a few times). He has no cancellation list, but if an opening does come up, supposedly they will call me.

Alcohol, eh? LoL, wouldn't take much for me to get drunk, but it's the next morning that concerns me! I get up quite early so I can catch the train to work -- can't see doing that with a hangover! Actually, I was given some "alternative" medicine over the weekend and decided to try it. It helped immensely, but again, that's not a solution either.

Thanks for the good thoughts...your little one is absolutely precious by the way!

Sherree

Sheree,

I would agree tramadol is not the answer, I go to 200mg of slow release is helps on mild days but on the worse just takes the edge off. Better on the SI and inflammed back pain though. In those flares though you need to sleep.

I just had a gut scope and the fast purge ( LOL ) I look forward to the days after as it does settle things down. Then the LOD/NSD I did that for years, but it does not help in a bad flare, and is it sustainable ? I keep my weight up with chocolate and on pain killers like tramadol choccie seems to boost the tramadol. That's my excuse!

I personally do not worry too much about using preddy, it's the bigger doses that cause most of issues, above 30mg so a mild dose say 15mg even one of 25 you will probably only be at that dose for a week max maybe 3 days, then taper. I hold at 15 mg a bit longer to fix up the deeper inflammation and get the joints moving again.

Just as another aside have you tried vitamin D3, I've been taking osteovyte D ( relabelled to Osteovyte D3) for bone thinning and I swear there's been quite an improvement. Maybe 10-20% but having less days bent over and tapering off the steroids again.

Dave