Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Newbie with Fused SI plus pain and tiredness

Hi Magic,.. there are a confusing array of names for the drug options that your rheumy might suggest.

Although this is an older post from the Pharmacy forum, it may helpful to read through the categories: Drugs that are used to treat AS

None of the biologics are pills.

According to your signature, you are currently taking one med that is an NSAID - Arthrotec. NSAIDS won't help to slow disease progression but offer relief for symptoms of pain from inflammation.

Hope this helps you sort out your thoughts and prepare questions. Wait to see what your rheumatologist suggests. I am not sure about your Province but most have some form of assistance to help people access the expensive biologic meds if you don't have drug coverage through group insurance, but it's unlikely to be your rheumatologists first suggestion.

Good luck at your appt.
mig

Hey, Magician:



In order of most exacerbating: Other disease conditions (especially candidiasis, most ReA, and types of colitis). Vegetarian diet (high-starch). NSAIDs. Stress (physical and/or psychological; sometimes caused by wrong diagnoses). Possibly lectins or foods that increase intestinal permeability like too much citrus fruit and many people are sensitive to gluten, nightshades, milk components like casein and lactose, eggs, certain nuts, etc. Food allergy testing might be of some value, if LGS (Leaky Guy Syndrome) suspected but I have direct personal and other evidence that supports LGS increases AS disease activity.

Fruits might be least offensive when compared with normal "junk foods."

I had terrible frozen shoulder and was a rated racquetball player before that particular aspect of AS stole that from me.

Good Luck with the diet, it is of primary importance but so difficult to do and I still know all-out fasting is much easier.

@mig--well, I state things without any disclaimer that everyone here knows by heart... yeah all I can provide is my (not really very) HUMBLE OPINION. In fact, caveat emptor all physicians can really offer are opinions and in this case they were wrong for so many years but even had they got the correct diagnosis from day 1, would patient have fused SIJs, despite their best efforts? Sometimes wrong diagnoses do not matter and might even be a blessing! (just another opinion)

On a lighter note, sorry I have not been around too much...I need to have my leg re-broken and re-set! Another year rehab...maybe I need to write this stuff down for those who care.

HEALTH,
John

The very first initial xrays from 13 years ago have already been stored. I have asked, nicely not demanding, for them to be retrieved so I can present them to the rheumie. That way there will be three sets of x-rays for him to look over.

Yesterday you name it, it was burning or hurting. Today just a sore brain from reading and staying up late. lol

I made an appt. to see my regular doctor when he is back from his holidays. Phoned my mental health counsellor to make an appt. with her.
My family is in the 'know'.

I am building my support team.

Oh no John! Re-broken and re-set?!

Goodness but that is not a "lighter note"!! Oh dear, that is terrible news and must be so discouraging to have to face going through such a lengthy rehab again - poor You!

Not to worry, you need to look after you, (besides, the group of lovely folks on KA have kept these virtual walls humming along nicely).

Best of wishes for a better outcome this time, and for good healing!
mig

John, I really hate to think of having one's bones broke and reset. I hope that the rehab will be easier the second time around. When are they going to do the dastardly deed? I will be praying for you. Ouch!!!

Yea, Magic!!!

Sounds like you are heading in the right direction...support team! Awesome.

Sorry to hear of the diagnosis, but glad that you have one to work with now.

Hey, Donna:

Well, after I do a quick jaunt to Vermont, so Early/middle next month would be it. Just frustrating waste all that strontium, calcium, boron, etc I was taking and exercise now just part of a grand Fool's errand.

Well, I have to keep some levity on the situation, so still trying to ferret out more angles...

Will keep everyone informed.

@ mig--yes it is not all that funny but I am so thankful of the team we have and especially YOU!

HEALTH,
John

Can x-rays be wrong? After talking with the Arthritis Society an hour ago, I am really doubting. It could have been a fluke, right?

Am asking the Brandon doctor to refer me to see Dr. Adarship Brar, Rheumatologist in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Here in Manitoba when a doctor makes an appointment to the Health Sciences Centre there is a minimum waiting time of over one year. I just want to get started treating this so I am asking to be referred to a Sports Rheumatologist.

Magic, I'm sorry to be so late responding. I don't know whether to congratulate you on the diagnosis, or commiserate with you on the diagnosis. All I know is, I hope someone will be able to do something to ease some of your load now (pain wise).

Warm hugs,