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

Hi, my name is Jamie. I'm 36 years old (female) and was just diagnosed with AS. I finally went to a rheumatologist on my own knowing that this would likely be the diagnosis. I've had back problems since I was 21 but always assumed it was mechanical. I even had a microdiskectomy last summer for a severe herniation at l5s1. Over the years I've also had attacks of plantar fasciitis. I always attributed these problems to a life of dance and gymnastics. However, this march I got a new symptom that still won't go away-nighttime back pain that is severe and unrelenting. I started looking online and found AS. My grandma had bad RA but I knew that wasn't me. My mother has not been diagnosed (denial after watching her mom suffer with the RA all those years) but she has been told she has fusion in her back and neck, as well as some cracked vertebrae. I myself also have psoriasis and vitiligo. So it was just another autoimmune problem to add to the mess. My results appt is not until nov. 14th, but my doctor called me at home to tell me X-ray showed definitive sacroiliitis and partial fusing of SI joints. I am gene negative, but she said the X-ray and clinical symptoms, plus my history, meet diagnostic criteria. I am starting humira when I go to my appt nov. 14. Sounds simple, but I've spent 15 years with different orthopedic, PT, neuros trying to figure out the recurring back pain. At one point I was even tested for MS due to an episode of numbness and tingling in my hand and arm. My current symptoms are the back pain that is gone during day, bad plantar fasciitis, sore hands and a sore toe, hip tightness and neck pain.

I have been married 13 years and have two kids...Emily, 8 and Joshua, 4. I am the Public Relations executive for a school district and my husband Dennis is a physical therapist. And no, he does not give me regular massages LOL. Anyway, just wanted to say hi and tell a little of my story.

Hi Jamie!
Welcome to a great support group! I bet it was a relief to get a dx but I'm sorry to hear it. You will find a lot of information and some great people here. Thank you for sharing your story.

WELCOME, Jamie:

I hope that You take advantage of all this site has to offer and make many friends here in the process.

HEALTH,
John

Hi Jamie!

I can relate to everything you have said, first hand experience!

I can't suggest enough trying the anti-inflammatory low/no starch diet approach. It has restored my positive attitude, energy, and zest for life. Pretty much eating Paleo w/o super starchy things like sweet potatoes.

I still get reminded often that I have AS, but it is no longer controlling my life.

Glad you found this site!!!

xoox,
Andrea

Hi Jamie, it is really nice to meet you!

Hello Jamie,

Now that you got diagnosis, hopefully you can see some improvement with the pain. There are several treatment options including Humira that you will be taking... treatments can also be used together.

It helps to learn about AS and this is great place to learn and also receive support. Also great place to vent went frustrated which we all become at some point with AS.

Take care,

Tim

Thank you for all the welcomes! It is nice to meet each of you, too.

Andrea, I tried paleo this summer and it went ok, but I started a new job and have struggled to find that balance yet that allows for better meal planning. I started cutting carbs and sugars this week, but came down with a mini-flu and cough, so I've sort of messed it up now. But I will continue aiming for that. Thanks for the advice.

Is there a place on here that lists the recommended vitamins/supplements I should take? I'm already on glucosamine chondroitin, super b complex, calcium/magnesium combo, and a daily multivitamin.

Hi Jamie! Glad you found us. If you do any sort of movement at all... washing dishes, goat herding, running super marathons... come join us on the fitness team. We count EVERYTHING!!

Hello and welcome!

I am new to this site. I have suffered back pain since I was a child. Over the years I have had numerous flare ups in different parts of my body which are severe enough to immobilise me. I have had three attacks of iritis and still often feel pain in my eye but so far have avoided full blown iritis. I have seen many doctors and had many Xrays but never any diagnosis because I don't seem to get the bone overgrowth. Recently my son was diagnosed with AS which he has inherited from me as I carry the gene marker. My daughter too is affected. I am now 78 years old and I have continuous severe back ache better in the morning worsening as the day progresses. I don't seem to fit the usual progression of AS but still have the symptoms. Does anyone else suffer in this way. I do follow the AS low starch diet which is helpful. Ginny