Ankylosing spondylitis: anyone else?

Hi Nora ,
I've had AS since I was 21 o went to so many Drs misdiagnose but I have the best rheumatologist he put me on enbrel and now am 40 doin good. Good luck I also had an iritis due to AS. I have to attack it right away.

Hi Andy , I m Lobsang from tibet and living in texas with 3 lovely children , and I been dealing with as from long time, what I learnt in my life stop worrying start living , my master use to say , if there is solution , find it
Why worry
If there is no solution
Still why worry , because there is no solution
AS is kind of no cure
So don't worry my friend , fight it
Never give up
If you fellow these rule believe me you will live
Much happier ,

I have the same pains and have undergone many tests. I was tested for the gene for Ankylosing Spondylitis after being referred to a rheumatologist. It's been a complicated journey I tested positive for the gene for Ankylosing spondylitis. I recently started Humira. I would suggest seeing a rheumatologist. I wish you the best. I empathize with you. The pain can be horrible and debilitating .

Hi @emmur16 and @billindc,
On separate discussion threads, each of you mentioned you have ankylosing spondylitis. I wanted to introduce you to one another and to this discussion thread.

How does AS affect you now, especially given other health issues you are managing?

I'm 56 recently diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, and can remember<br />
joint pain since a teen ager. Usually it was thought to be a sprain from<br />
sports, but it took forever to heal and sometimes never did feel right<br />
again. Then, back and neck pain, always had dental issues (NIH study showed<br />
AS patients had 8x incidence of periodontal disease) and finally "spurs" on<br />
vertebrae and on heels where Achilles inserts. Lots of NSAIDS and then hip<br />
issues began and still all serological tests are negative and the<br />
Rheumatologist said the hallmark X-ray findings are all present. I thought<br />
fibromyalgia at first, too. Also, I do not sleep well. Now, I've developed<br />
mesenteric panniculitis/sclerosing mesenteritis. It seems a lifetime of<br />
pain, etc., now has a name, but no cure. Symptomatic treatment is the best<br />
we can do for now, I suppose. But, quality of life is diminished somewhat,<br />
and on those particularly painful days I find myself being short-tempered<br />
with those I love and that is the worst part of a debilitating disorder.<br />
No, AS is not "terminal", and thank goodness for that, but there are bad<br />
days and the multiple complaints can be overwhelming. I have been putting<br />
off taking Enbrel, but with the abdominal pain and multiple dental issues, I<br />
have to give it a try despite the lymphoma or infection risks. Life is just<br />
too short to hurt any longer, right? Now I've developed some vision issues<br />
(minor double vision at times) that was first thought to be dry eyes, but<br />
I'm guessing this is probably related to autoimmune issues. I'm pretty sure<br />
my hearing loss is unrelated, but either way I'm falling apart way to soon.<br />
🙂 We all have a tortured path that finds us here online and I wish everyone<br />
only the best. Remain hopeful, stay active and busy and I recommend a<br />
pet.unconditional love on the most painful days is a godsend! J ~Bill <br />
<br />

Hi my name is Lauren 43 with ur same symptom I take enbrel once a week I suffer since I was 20 I stay away from red meat that helps me take Moringa it takes the inflammation <br />
<br />

Welcome back to Connect, @laurenesquivel!
Lauren, how long have you been taking Enbrel? After putting it off, @billindc has decided to start taking Enbrel. What experience or tips would you share with him?

Bill, you recommend having a pet. What pet do you have and does that help keep you active?

I have been diagnosed since 2002.  I was miss diagnosed for 5 years the pain started at age 25 and am now 47.  My Brother was only 16 when his pain started and was not diagnosed for many years.  I have been on Enbrel for 12 years and Methotrexate for 6.  It is amazing the difference with or with out it.  The Ankylosing Spondylitis would not allow me to walk with out it.  My brother made the decision not to take Enbrel or medication for it and he is crippled over almost in half and there is nothing that can be done now he is only 42 years old with small children.  I would advise anyone to take the medication.  I have some bad days but the good out way the bad.  I can play with my grandkids and I thank God for that all the time.  I wish you luck and I hope you realize the medication can help.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Rose

I like the companionship of my HUGE Maine Coon cat, Abigail. She is about<br />
as sedentary as me, so in retrospect, I would recommend a dog that requires<br />
going for regular walks! J<br />
<br />

Lauren,<br />
<br />
Thanks so much for the tip regarding Moringa! I hope you continue to feel<br />
better!<br />
<br />
Warmest,<br />
<br />
~Bill<br />
<br />