I need help w/ ankylosing spondilitis.

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bee89

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I was wondering if there are any women out there who have ankylosing spondilitis? I was diagnosed last year and found out yesterday the it seems to be progressing. Lately I feel as though my lower back is about to snap. I can't sit for very long, I can't stand for very long the pain becomes unbelievable or my right leg feels like it starts going nurab. I am being prescribed Enbrel, which is ok, I took it before but I wasn't in the physical pain I'm in now. I'm sorry I wrote so much but I guess I just need if there is anyone who is having similar problems and what they are doing to cope?
 
Hi! I also have ankylosing spondilitis. I have been diagnosed since 2000, but probably have had it a while before that. I have issues with my lower back, sacroiliac joints and knees. I have been on different medicines-currently I am on Remicade, methotrexate, Voltaren and low dose prednisone. I also take Ultram for pain. Some other things that have helped me a lot have been injections in my sacroiliac, knees, and pain nerve burning in the lurabar facet joints. I have also done a lot of physical therapy over the years. Water therapy has helped too, as I can do a lot more exercising without stressing out my joints in the water. It is a frustrating disease-it seems that a corabo of pain management and the TNF blocker medicines seem to work the best for me (Enbrel, Humira and Remicade are the TNF meRAB currently available). Have you been seeing a rheumatologist for a while? Enbrel is a good medicine-I was on it for 2-3 years, and then it stopped working and I switched to Remicade. Sending good wishes your way! Take care, Kera4
 
Thank you so much for responding. I do have a rheumy, he's the one who found the problem with my back. I had complained for years but it wasn't until last year that I was diagnosed. I haven't tried the water exercise, I'm gonna look into that. Thanks again!

Bee :)
 
I am definitely not a women, but I couldn't help but notice how your story is so similar to mine. The complaining for years about it and not knowing and the pain description is almost identical. By now you are probably on some sort of drug, so let me just say that you will probably find yourself jumping around between meRAB for a while. I find it helpful to have a drug that is a back-up so that when pain sneaks up on you, you're not caught off guard. I use Indocin as needed on top of whatever big drug i'm on Methotrexate, Enbrel etc. Good luck and keep a positive attitude.
 
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