Hey, jan the man:
Yes, this is quite normal for me.
AS--the inflammation--is systemic, and affects every muscle, including the heart. The level of muscle involvement is usually about a 15% overall decrease in strength in people who have had AS ten years or longer. Also, the muscles are not as efficient and become acid-laden too early during exercise and the resulting is a decrease in stamina that can be greater than 25%.
There is no question whether AS affects nearly all body systems; it is only toughest on the bones and joints--the rest are more subtle.
Getting out and staying out of inflammation has been important, but I cannot say that my healing has resumed at anywhere near the pre-AS pace. This is obfuscated, however, by the long-term damage due to AS.
Best Regards,
John
