Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group kind of new

i read a lot of posts, but havent posted in a very long time. i was diagnosed with AS about 5 years ago, and was in treatment for it in maine. i was with a rheumy, and i was in pain management there. i moved to vermont, and the only doc close enough to drive to is just a family practice. this doc told me that i have chronic pain, not acute pain ( hahahaha) , so he wouldnt prescribe me anything but anti- inflammiories, and muscle relaxers. he doesnt think i need to be referred to rheumy, or anything. i cant drive very far, most days i cant stand up straight, cant do much of anything at all, im just in mind blowing pain. it seems like this doc doesnt take my AS diagnosis very seriously. definatly doesnt take my pain level seriously. it makes no sense to me that someone who is in pain 100% of the time doesnt deserve pain relief. like he is saying its ok to let me suffer. i really dont remember what it feels like to have no pain in your body. with no relief, for so long, im feelin like i could just snap . im finding it very hard to cope at the moment

Hang in there Hippy! Man your doctor sounds like he is taking all of the pain meds he should be giving his patients. Find somebody else. Somebody that knows about AS. Even if it takes a long drive it would be worth it. Some doctors are so arogant, I get very upset when I hear stories like yours. Good Luck!!!!

Hi
Welcome to the site, i am sorry to hear ur in so much pain and ur dr is not bein very helpful. My drs dont seem to b able to see whats in front their noses as regards as dx either, i did ask did i need a rhuemy and was fobbed off! U r unfortunately not alone on this one. I wish i knew what the answer to this one was, but i do know that if i continue to not get anyway i will be carefully considering finding another dr! What anti inflammatories have u been given if u dont mind me asking, and what meds do u have for ur pain? Its completely understandable u r at ur wits end, i hope u can go and see ur dr and get some sense and proper relief soon.
take care
heather

Hi hippy and welcome to KA!

Man, I feel your pain. For some reason, pain management is a lost art - or maybe it was never found. Hang in there.

Hugs,

Hi, hippy:

Your doctor is not really up to date and I hope that you will get the upper hand on AS, so that you will not need any doctor.


Theodoric of York
Medieval Barber


Best Regards,
John

Hi Hippy,
Welcome to our forum. I have some feeling for what you're dealing with. My rheumy is a 3 hour drive one way, so it takes a full day anytime I have an appointment.

Are there any other kinds of doctors around that could help you deal with this? What about an internist?

Hang in there, and don't give up.

Hi Hippy and welcome!!! I am new here too, and new to AS as well. I really think you need to find a different doctor asap. You deserve to be treated with respect and get help for your pain.
Let me know what happens,
megaby

Hey there Hipster-

Check out all the forums and posts here, you will find so much info, it's amazing!!

You have found a group of thousands of ASkickers who are here to help...

Try the no starch diet right now, and find a rheumatologist who will get you on a biolgic med like Enbrel...

Peace, hang in there!!
Linc

Hi Hippy,

Not sure how long you have been battling AS, but if not long and you consider diet changes you may be able to get out of pain rather easily.

When meds soured my liver back in early 2002 and I found this place, I changed my diet and it has made all the difference.

Take care,

Tim

Welcome Hippy,
I had great luck with the diet and little luck with understanding doctors. Knowing your not alone helps a lot.
Good Luck, you live in a pretty area, shame to not be able to walk around.

D.