Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Thoughts? Just got back from first doc visit

went to doc.. first he says "so what can I do for you?" I said "My back hurts.." he said "okay a little more specific.. " and I said "My back hurts all the time!" and he just laughed a little.. so I went into a little more detail and told him about the diagnoses from the other doc and he said "What? you don't have AS.." And I just looked at him.. then he looked through the charts again and said "oh! .. You do have AS!" Ugh,
anyway.. so he wants me to see a rheumatoid, so waiting for the referral on that.. he also gave me stronger meds for sleeping (last night was HELL) and Celebrax samples he was me to try. He scheduled injections for next friday as well. It of corticosteroid into my SI on my right side..

Thoughts??? Anyone... info on anything??
Thx!

Hi, not sure if we have met sorry on oxycodone makes me a little forgetful. Anyway may I ask how long you have had AS for well diagnosed?
I am waiting for an app for the rheumatologist my doctor faxed my referal dirrect I suggest maybe seeing if your doc can do that also.

I have learnt so much from just being a memeber of this site, I'm sure you will too. There are many here who can give you just about any answer to any question you may have.
Take care and I wish you all the best.
Also I have found it best if I ask dirrect questions here.
ok im rambling dam oxy.

Hi cryssfriend,
Its good hes sending you to a Rheumy so you will get proper treatment.Dont know about injections never had them myself although I know others on here do.Hope you dont have to wait too long for your referral.

Kevin

Hope you get in to the rheumy soon. Sounds like things are going in the right direction.

i've had the SI cortisone injections into the SI twice now. right side, more topical (into the "dimple" area) in 2002. sept 2009, both sides, deep into the SI joint, using fluoroscopy, next time will not turn down sedation! going deep into the SI joint ALOT more painful than that first more topical shot. but in each case, helped tremendously! first time for about a year. this time for about 6 months.

sorry to hear that you are having so much pain. i agree with sue that si joint injections do help alot.

going to a rheumatologist is the 1st step for getting this disease under control. once your inflammation has calmed down, doc will put you on other options such as remicade and other biologics attack it.

leslie

Forgot to mention I have had the cortisone injections in my shoulder and back before being diagnosed with AS. Didnt realy help much that I could tell but I hope it works for you I realy do.
Please let us know how you get on.

Sounds like he had a 'V8 moment'.

I'm glad he's referring you to a rheumatologist. Celebrex can be helpful. Just make sure if you take it for any length of time that you also get a scrip for a stomach protector such as Prevacid, and that you take it with food and a full glass of water. Although the COX-2 inhibitors are supposed to be easier on our stomachs, they can still do damage.

Give the Celebrex about a month before determing whether or not it's helping. If it isn't, then ask for a different NSAID, and keep asking until you find one that helps. In each case, give it at least a month before you decide whether or not its helping. Our bodies take time to process changes, whether in diet or in meds.

Also, look into the NSD forums. Eliminating or lowering starch intake doesn't help everyone, but it does help enough folk that it's worth giving a good try. In this case, 6 to 8 weeks, as it can take this long for your body to adjust.

Hugs,

Hi, I am glad he is sending you to a Rheumy. I hope the injections work for you, I am an injection queen i have been getting si joint injections now for 3yrs and they do work for me, but only 2 day to a week and i feel great. I always ask myself why bother if i only get a week of relief, but that one week gives me my life back so its worth it. I hope the injections work for you. I know what you felt when the doc told you that you don't have AS. My first rheumy that i was with for five years gave me the run around and failed to dx and treat my AS now my lumbar and hip is fused so she was fired and now i just had my appt with my new doc and it went well.

Hope you start to feel better soon.

Hello there,

Seeing a rheumatologist will help, can get definitive diagnosis if AS and possibly new and better medication options. I suggest azulfadine for AS from my experience for meds. I have been on No Starch Diet for last 8 years without medications and doing well.

Pray you can find answers to your pain.

Tim