Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group AS finally diagnosed

Just saying hi. Like everyone here got lots of info about AS to share. My info unlike the very informed people here however is predominantly wild and groundless speculation having no correlation to any scientific fact. It is occasionally amusing.


stevec-they also serve who stand and wait

Debbie, Welcome to kickAS...where are you from..tell us a little about yourself, DC

Hello and Welcome

I think you are already at an advantage, as you had been suffering with symptoms without knowing what was wrong, and now you finally know. I think it is great that you are happy to find out the truth and go out to find out what you can do about it. When I was diagnosed 2 years ago, I was in a complete state of shock, because it just happened out of nowhere. Over the last two years, it has been a battle that I think I may just win, now that I have educated myself on the subject. Here is the informtion I find most helpful.

First off, exercise, exercise, exercise. It is the only honest to gosh cure. It is awfully hard to do sometimes, but, it has to be done. The best ones I find for me are Yoga, Low Impact Aerobics, Step Exercising, and so on. I would recommend you stay clear of any high impact sport and bicycles. Watch your posture, and remind yourself throughout the day to breathe deeply. Humans in general are shallow breathers, and people with AS have to be careful of their ribcage fusing. Breathing deeply will help counter that.

Drink lots of water, try to intake lots of calcium, vitamin c and e. Stay clear of a lot of red meat. Do not bother with Glucosamine Chondriton or Shark Cartilage. Neither will help AS. By the way, take your Celebrex with food and water. Never on an empty stomach.

Laugh lots, and make sure that those around you are aware of your condition. I find that the biggest thing lacking some days is simple understanding from those around you. I am not sure how bad your symptoms are, but for me, it is a real chore to bend over or down, or to pick up a ten pound object,. etc. Letting your friends and family know that sometimes you will need help will make all the difference.

Finally, get yourself as much education on AS as you can. This website is an awesome start. Make use of the pain map. Print it off, and take it twith you when you go to the doctor's again. There are also many other websites that you can read about AS. If you go to Google, and do a search on AS, many wonderful sites will come up for you. I made the mistake of not learning about AS right away when I found out. For 2 years, I walked around practically blind, almost refusing to believe in the truth. Now I know that the more I learn, the better.

Keep coming around, you are with friends here! :)

Take care,
Ronna

Welcome Debbie. This is a great place to learn and share what you have learned. No one understands AS better than those of us who have and those who live with loved ones that have it. You will find alot of compassion and infomation here.

Harry

Hi Debbie,

I don't know if you've checked out the pharmacy forum yet or not... this link should take you to the page on Celebrex. I've not taken Celebrex, so I can't share any personal wisdom with you.

https://www.kickas.org/cgi-bin/w3t/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=drugs&Number=31431&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=21&part=1&vc=1

If you type "exercise" in the search box, you'll come up with TONS of discussion on exercise... how much, what kind, etc.

Welcome!!!

Sharon

Hi Debbie,
WELCOME TO KICKAS Keep looking around here. This site has wonderful information that I know has really helped me. And you will find so much support here. I know how you feel about finally being diagnosed. On one hand you wish you didn't have it. (of course no one WANTS to have AS) But on the other hand it is nice to finally have a name to the pain and symptoms. An enemy you know the name of is easier to fight than one that hangs in the shadows.
I hope you stick around. Look forward to seeing more of your posts.

Take care,

Pam

"Just like moons and like suns, with the certainty of tides. Just like hopes springing high, Still I'll rise." Maya Angelou

Welcome to KickAS Debbie,

It is wonderfull meeting you. I think you found the right site to help you find all the information you need to know. One thing that I would like to suggest is that you take what you learn on medical based sites with a grain of salt. They tend to focus on the average (or I think minor) case of AS. It is a very variable disease, encompasing uch more than most of the med web sites list, and it can also be much worse than the sites sugest. At this site you are learning from 600 other people's experience with AS, real life experience. Another great thing is that we all have tips about how to make the pain less, which most sites lack. I hope to see you posting more, and welcome to the family.

Take care my friend

Daniel

Keep on keepin on Kicking some AS

Debbie
well I'll just say welcome to your new family for now, because every one else has said all the good stuff.
You might try this link, if you want info, https://www.kickas.org/guide.shtml this link and many others can be found by clicking the big banner at the top of the page.

Stay Well
Paul


A friend is someone who reaches for your hand. And touches your heart.

Hi, Debbie, and




I was on Celebrex last year and had a problem with blood pressure, which is what is labeled a "rare" side effect but now is acknowledged to be not so rare, so keep tabs on it. Mine went from my usual low (comatose?) level of 110 over 70 to 190 over somewhere in the 70s. So make sure you monitor it. I am now on a fairly new DMARD, Arava, which has been very beneficial in keeping the symptoms at a simmer rather than the bonfire level.

Cheryl


Dogs believe in long term relationships

Welcome to KA Debbie!!!
I can relate to you being relieved knowing what you now have. I had symptoms for 14 years before being diagnosed and it was almost a blessing knowing it finally. Another blessing was finding this place.
I know you'll get answers to your questions here. Again welcome and goodluck!
mars