Hi

I'm a new member here, although must admit I've been 'lurking' for years, picking up helpful tips etc.

I had a quick question for people, though it is fairly specific. I have been diagnosed for six years, having suffered the symptoms for about eight years, and am currently not taking any pain meds (long story, but basically I am due to start Enbrel / Humira as soon as I have the all clear on other health issues; I haven't dared take NSAIDs for three years since I had a very unpleasant stomach reaction to them). This means that I have been medication free for three years. Dealing with the pain has been unbearable at times and I have lost an enormous amount of movement in my spine, hips and necks as the level of pain has made it next to impossible to exercise.

Whilst waiting to go on Humira, I decided to go on Accutane/Roaccutane for a few months for my acne that has plagued me since I was a teenager (am now approaching my 30s and cannot face the fact that I now have to contend with both wrinkles and spots at the same time!!). Anyway, I started seven days ago and am experiencing the worst ever AS flare I have ever had: I must say, I have been in constant serious pain at least for the last three years and didn't think it could actually get any worse, but it has with a vengeance. I am finding it almost impossible to sleep (it takes me about five minutes to turn over in bed and the process is excruciating) and very, very difficult to walk even round the house. I am having spasms like I've never had before that can be brought on by any form of movement, even a deep breath. I am living in the constant panic that I might sneeze one of these days!!

It is a bit of a long shot, but I was wondering whether any of you had ever been on Accutane and whether you had experienced anything similar (my question might actually be better asked in the Teen forum!). I can't cope with the pain for much longer without losing my sanity, but would attempt to stick it out for another few days if it was likely to subside.

Thanks for any help you might be able to offer...