Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Tendency to Mistake other Ailments for AS

Hi sparkgirl. I think I can help because I've been through the problems you describe. AS causes so many problems besides the stiffness, joint and muscle pain. It also causes neurological damage, weight loss ( I'm a 41 yr old male, who used to weigh 165 lbs. I worked out 3-4 times a week and enjoyed the outdoors. I went from that to being a 123 lb stick figure who can't lift a gallon of milk, and would get blown over by a strong wind in less than a year), severe dehydration (including drying out the inner lining of the eyes causing small tears on the cornea which then get infected) and the medications cause damage to the stomach lining and constipation. I first had that problem in March 2009 and saw an eye doctor immediately because I couldn't see. Everything seemed dimmer. My eyes would be stuck shut in the morning they were so dry and of course when there is friction in such sensitive tissues as the eye, it will rip or tear. My eye doctor put me on an antibiotic,Zymar, to stave off infections because every month it seemed I'd have a new tear and he finally told me the AS is drying out the eyes and put me on Restasis and Optive.

I've had AS since June 2007. I've been on most of the strongest immuno-suppressants since that time. At first I tried Humira. It worked for 4-5 months then lost effectiveness. Enbrel did nothing and Remicade caused a severe allergic reaction (I later found out that the latter is made with mouse and human cells, the others are 100% human cells). Here's some basics:
1. Stay hydrated. Limit coffee and sodas. Drink at least four 20 oz. sport bottles of water a day. If you are experiencing eye problems

2. High fiber- low Starch!! Avoid starch like potatoes and products made with bleached flour like white bread. Pain pills Vicodin and Dilaudid cause severe constipation, bloating, cramps etc. Solution? High Fiber diet. Eat fruit, celery with peanut butter Do you like frosted mini-wheats? Have a small bowl before bed. It works great in the morning if you get my drift.

3. Avoid eye drops like Visine and Clear Eyes because they contain too many preservatives. My eye doctor said Blink and Optive are best if you go that route or, if you have severe symptoms like me, you can get prescribed Restasis. It works!!!

I hope some of this helps. God bless and good luck!

Thanks for putting so much effort into these practical suggestions.
My gut is happy at the moment, but your 'eye' comments are extremely helpful and useful.
I have been using Chlorsig on the eye, and after 3 months, its finally almost healed. But I will definitely investigate the Optive.
Thanks
Felicity

Wow Loz, those boys are drop-dead gorgeous!