I have both RA and AS, guess I got lucky in the genetic lotto
On my mother's side there was a lot of RA, and then two of her brothers had what was probably AS, diagnostics were not very good back then. AS and RA chew up the joints in a different way, and usually RA will go for specific joints (the fingers, toes, and again, symetrical involvement, both hands, both feet) and AS for others. I am always amazed at how some (certainly not all) doctors are so uneducated on so many aspects of autoimmune disorders, even when it's their alleged specialty, I have found the older the doctor, the less aware he or she is about all the ramifications and physical problems, probably studied AS for an afternoon seminar (or it was mentioned in passing while studying the better known RA), and haven't taken the time to stay current. AS (as well as the meds to treat it) can damage the kidneys, heart (I have valve problems due to AS), lungs, etc.
AS can also cause organ damage - - as can NSAIDS. NSAIDs are tough on the kidneys. Has your mom been on them over the years?
The biologics include Enbrel, Humira, Remicade. I am on one of the new DMARDS that is not a biologic (Arava) and have found blessed relief. An older DMARD is sulfasalazine, and while it is very effective in some people in controlling the symptoms it doesn't prevent further damage as do the biologics and Arava.
It's weird when we are young we are told we're too young to have arthritis by many well meaning folks who are clueless - - up to and including the aforementioned unaware doctors - - and then when we get older we're told, "Well, what do you expect? Everyone has aches and pains at your age."
Cheryl
My guy
If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague. Author Unknown
