Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group New to the site

Hello everyone,
I am new to the AS community and would like to introduce myself. I am 25 living in Connecticut working on a bachelors degree in Computer Science (wonderful i know, a job where you sit all day). I love technology and science with a great passion.

My girlfriend urged me to post on the forums here and get my identity out on the AS web saying it would be a healthy move on my part.

Recently I have had a pretty severe flare up in my knee and the ball of my foot, making it very hard to work (the current job i hold requires alot of standing aka 8 hours of it). I have been extremely depressed with this flare up because my rhuematologist said I would most likely have to switch from my sulphasalizine and naproxen to methotrexate, which makes me a little scared.

My girlfriend is pushing me to try things like tai-chi and yoga before starting a new medication, but i am finding it hard to get motavated to start a new exercise program with the amount of pain and inflammation i am currently having.

I can't seem to get rid of the foot swelling, the knee is getting better after a cortisone shot.

IDK i guess i just needed some where to vent for a while tonight, I have already read a bunch of posts on the NSD and such. I have been trying to start a low sd but it's much harder than i thought.

Well hope this was an ok introduction on kickas

Have a wonderful evening!

Welcome to our not so little family!

It can be difficult to want to try new things while you are flaring. But what your girlfriend is recommending does have some merit. The old "Move It or Lose It" is important, especially during a flare.

I would try about anything before I went on MTX. Unfortunately it is a step in the med chain that usually has to be taken in order to get approval for a biologic. And many docs use it in tandem with biologics. Personally MTX just makes me feel like crap and does nothing for the AS.

Best of luck to you. I hope that this flare is short lived.

Hi UmbrellaCorp487, welcome to KA.

Smart girlfriend you have to encourage you to join in and post with us!

I think that it would not necessarily be productive to begin an exercise program until you are able to bring down the swelling and level of inflammation that you're dealing with - it may actually only aggravate your situation further. I've never been on mtx myself and can appreciate that the idea of changing meds can be unsettling... but often it takes a while for each of us to find a combination of treatments (meds, gentle stretching, diet - whatever you are comfortable with) that will seem to do the trick of holding the inflammation to a minimum. There are other options in medications, so maybe do a little more reading so that you are prepared for the discussion on next steps with your rheumatologist. Most studies that have been done using methotrexate for treating AS have not proven that there is any benefit; while at the same time, we have more than a few members here who have found it helpful.

I've been taking an nsaid for 29 yrs and sulfasalazine for about 17 yrs, but it wasn't until I started on Remicade that I believed there was anything out there that had the power to actually help. Now I have my life back.

That was a fine introduction, btw - I hope the venting felt good and hope you will enjoy chatting with others that know what you're going through!
mig

Welcome, glad you decided to post an intro here on KA.

I understand how hard it is to get motivated when you're in the middle of a flare. I agree with both Chris and Mig. We do have to embrace exercise with a "use it or lose it" attitude like Chris says, but I totally get what Mig is saying as well. I know that I can't really get motivated for anything much less a new exercise program when I'm in the middle of a flare. I think I'd try to get my pain and swelling under control first, then try the yoga. I've been doing yoga on and off for over 15 years and really love it. Especially the "heated" type yoga.

As for the NSD being difficult. Yup, it's hard at first but it does get easier. Hopefully you can stick with it and get some pain relief. I feel very fortunate that the diet works for me.

Welcome UC487. I am sorry to hear you are having such a rough go lately. I hope it doesn't interfere with your education too much. Frustration or depression is just something more to balance with a chronic disease. I hate being labeled with depression by my General Dr. I hope you find a good balance between disease management and living life! Best wishes. Jason.

Nice see another Connecticut residence!! I agree with the other post, you need to find the motivation to work out. I love yoga and have found it very helpful. However, you need a very knowledgeable instructor and you need to really listen to your body.

just wanted to say hello and welcome!

Hey there, welcome to kickas. You have a very smart and carring friend to point you in our direction. AS is know as a lonely disease and can drive you crazy without someone who understands, to talk to. I look forward to hearing more from you.
Cindy

Thanks for all the replies and making me feel welcome

WELCOME UnbrellaCorp487:

I hope that You will overcome this disease so that You are able to pursue any career You wish. My old jobs have been mostly sedentary also similar but I certainly made great use of my periods of remission. This latest one has lasted 12 years, thanks to antibiotics plus NSD.

HEALTH,
John