Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Medication right or what?

I've been on NSAID's only since I got the diagnose. Mostly its kept things very good for me, but everytime i try to cut down or drop it completely I get another inflamation. RIght now my left hip is hurting, and the MRI have shown earlier signs of fusing. I wonder if I should be using some more heavy drugs, my doctor is a bit conservative about giving out biological meds, but should I push this issue?

Hello, I'm not sure we've met, so ... Welcome to KA.

The thing with NSAIDS is that while they can be helpful, they really shouldn't be used longterm without precautions to protect our stomach linings. You don't say what you're on, but it really does sound like your AS is persistent. I would talk to your rheumy about biologics, certainly. Do your research and go in well prepared for the visit. The use of biologics is quite personal and it is best to look into them to satisfy your own mind. Ask about the various options, find out what people who have taken them think (as you've begun doing), then make your decision on the basis of information and knowledge. You will make the decision that's right for you. Hopefully, should you decide to go this route, your rheumy will agree.

Hugs,

However, I would also look at things like the low/no starch diet. A great many people have derived much benefit from it, so it really is worth taking a serious look at. You might find that this will help a great deal.

Also, stretching and range of motion exercises will be highly beneficial, as long as you don't over stress an area that is inflamed. For instance, if your neck is inflamed, don't do a full stretch. Just stretch until you feel the very slightest of pull, take a deep relaxing breath and the ease out of the stretch. If the pain and inflamation is truly horrible in an area, just do range of motion without the stretch. You might find that this will help if done for the longterm. And as you progress, you will find that you can do more deep stretching.

Anyway, I hope this helps.

My non-professional advice is this. Use the least toxic meds (including low/no impact exercise) as long as they work. I was able to use NSAIDS for close to 40 years before I developed a "fatal allergy" to them. Thankfully cymbalta and muscle relaxers work well for me now. And I'm going to start LDN soon. Godspeed to you in your recovery!

thanks for you advice. Another on the go: if my si joints continues and actually fuses, what happens then? Can this be opened up by operation?

Hey! I just noticed you're in Norway. Are you near this place ? I have read that this is one of the finest diagnostic hospitals in the world. I don't know much about fusing, because it hasn't been an issue for me. Can someone else jump in here?

Hi moem,
Si joints are usually the first to fuse mine fused 26 years ago never heard of them being opened up again.

Kevin

Hi Kevin, if they are fused, what does that mean? Is it painfull? Can you walk?

Hey Erica,

Is it? What are they good at? I live only about 30 min drive from there.

.m

That's a good question I've never really noticed any difference I don't get much pain in them any more only now and again don't affect walking not me anyway.Every thing else effects that enough.

Kevin

Hi. I am in the same dilemma, but HAVE tried 2 biologics and had problems with both of them. I am going back to rheumy tomorrow and really don't know what to ask for. I guess I will go back to NSAIDS. Anything is better than the way I have been feeling on the TNF's. Hope you find some relief soon.