Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Flare-up & that time of the month???

Sunday evening for the first time in my AS journey, I couldn't walk. I know so many of you can probably remember your first time. My husband had just left town on biz for a week, and I had been having quite a bit of SI pain in my left hip, and then all day Sunday I knew it was getting worse. I had been watching TV for a few hours when I had to use the restroom. I tried to get up and only succeeded in falling directly into my coffee table. Long story short, I realized I was helpless and my little brother came to the rescue, well, he and my rolling office chair. The next morning, it was the same story. No walking on my own. My Rheumy is two hours from here, so I called and he said go to ER. I began getting dressed and about that time, Aunt Flo showed up for her monthly visit. (Sorry guys, that's part of my question) Anyway, within an hour I began to have relief in my SI joint, I had greater range of motion, and even began walking on my own with my cane! I had NOT taken any of my meds that morning in case they would interact with what they gave my in the ER. I saw my GP at 4pm and was able to walk in by my self!! A complete turnaround in very few hours. My GP had no explanation but wasn't sure about my monthly having anything to do with my flare-up. I was curious if any other women have had this trouble and if it happens each month or if this was (hopefully) a one time thing.? Anyone know about this?? Thank you!

Sam B.

Hi Sam,

Sorry to hear you were having such a hard time.

I can only speak for myself.

I think for woman, that time of the month our bodies are at their weakest maybe vitamin and immune wise.

I seem to ALWAYS get sick or have a flare then.

You might keep a chart or a journal so you can keep up with the changes and see if it happens again.

Lisa

Hi Sam and welcome to KA!

It is probable that your period coming on definitely played a part in your experience this weekend. Just prior to and during our periods, our nervous systems run a little higher than usual. PMS is only an enhancement of things we are already feeling, whether physical or emotional. For those of us in flare or in chronic pain, the onset of our period can be an extremely heightened time of pain.

This is how my chiro explained it to me when I asked her virtually the same question a couple of years ago. So, the best thing we can do is be aware of this possibility and be prepared to take higher doses of our pain killers at that time of the month.

As a woman, I've never had a 'thing' about my period. It's what biologically makes me a woman and allows me to bear life (should that opportunity ever arise for me). While I don't celebrate having my period, I generally don't mind it. Except when my pain levels go through the roof because of it. Then I wish for menopause with all my might!

Interestingly, I've yet to come across a study of the effects of a woman's period on pain levels. It's still a man's world when it comes to medical research. However, I would be very interested to see the results of such a study were it ever to occur.

You are, Sam, unfortunately very normal it would seem when it comes to this.

Hugs,

Kat



"A life lived in fear is a life half lived." - Strictly Ballroom

Hi Sam,

Sorry to hear that things aren't going so well for you. I often have flares around my period. From what I've read, hormonal fluctuations play a role. Some months are better than others. I've yet to figure out what might be responsible for the difference.

I hope this was just a one-time thing for you. That's a good thought,
Cat

Hazel Lytton

Sam,

Aunt Flo kills me too, but I also have problems with anemia. Taking a B12 vitamin on a daily basis GREATLY reduces these episodes for me. Your Gp should be able to see if this a prob for you. If so, you will need to do double doeses for a month and then single doses daily.

Good luck, Sam. BTW, I love the name, although I originally thought it was was SAMLAM.
Holly