Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group AS - Fibromyalgia and working

im a holistic therapist/beautitian. so im on my feet and have to use my weight to do my job. iv only just gone back to work this week after 8 weeks off (a flare?). im undiagnosed but AS runs through my family, iv just got my second rhuemy referal thru for a 2nd opinion as the 1st rhuemy didnt think women cud get AS.

the last 8 weeks have been hell, havent been able to walk unaided, been weak with terrible fatigue, arthritis in all joints with swelling, and pain in my back etc etc

usually i have constant pain in my SI joints and lower back. With intermitent hip pain when i walk- my body decides willy nilly which hip is going to play up on a daily basis. been on tramadol and diclofenic for pain. i can work through it, but while the client has their eyes closed inbetween say moving from an arm to a leg i will do some spinal stretches (yoga/pilates) to help.

As i said iv just gone back this week. im still in pain joint wise but have my joint movement back thankfully, im still walking like a 90 yr old woman (at 27 its not good), my disabled nan is faster than me! iv just started doing a few beauty bits in order to get in sum pennies to feed the kids etc, so lashes etc etc. i cant stand atm due to the joint pain, whereas usually outside a flare i prefer standing as sitting hurts my back.

cant win atm ha ha, if im moving round my joints get slower n slower with their movements and the pain increases. if i rest my spine and si joints is in agony.

recently the top of my neck has started throbbing as well sobs.

in the past iv had periods out of work maybe once or twice a year were my back pain is too much to handle, but other than that i use heat pads and obvs meds. i find that ice packs dont help me.

yoga/pilates a must!!!

im going to try the starch free diet too

good luck

When there was a real possibility a few years back (prior to my new rheumy, dx, and treatment and prior to finding my chiro) that i might need short term or long term disability, we talked to my HR department. They were very helpful; turns out we have pretty good disability at my work place.

Wonder if your HR could be as helpful?