Ankylosing spondylitis: anyone else?

I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis about three years ago!

Have been taking Simponi Aria by infusions every 8 weeks! More bad days than good! Lower back is very painful and takes all my energy away some days! Does anyone have any experience with this painful disease?

Welcome @ruth1942, I moved your question about golimumab (Simponi Aria®) and living with the pain of ankylosing spondylitis to this active discussion:

Ankylosing spondylitis: anyone else?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ankylosing-spondylitis/

I did this to help you connect with fellow AS members like @candybeason45 @kelsey1 @kavardell @velvmex and others.

Ruth, how long have you been taking the infusions?

I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis about three years ago!

Have been taking Simponi Aria by infusions every 8 weeks! More bad days than good! Lower back is very painful and takes all my energy away some days! Does anyone have any experience with this painful disease?

Hi, Ruth,
Are the infusions helping? I have axial spondylitis and have ankylosing at one level currently. I also have ligaments that have hardened which is another symptom of ankylosing spondylitis.

I currently use Enbrel, a biologic, once a week. I was diagnosed two years ago but have been suffering from AS and psoriatic arthritis for around 35 years. I do have lots of experience and medical knowledge of our disease.

My AS has been very active over the past 7-8 months. My rheumatologist is struggling to find the right biologic for me. In the meantime, my hips, especially the left one, SI joints and low back are really flared up. I seem to have new damage but we'll see for sure when I have my next MRI. Like you, I'm having more bad days then good.

I usually have good mornings once I get moving. But after a while, my back muscles get so tired and stiff from all the inflammation. I always have to get out my heating pad in the early afternoons.

I'm currently also doing physical therapy and I've joined a pool class for people with arthritis that runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

I hope you are having one of the good days.

Hi Alisamichelle, I am enjoying a good day, thank you! My infusions have given me some much needed relief from chronic pain! Before being diagnosed I had 2 lower back surgeries! Bulging disc, my doctor called it a Laminectomy! I am very active physically and socially!
My biggest problem seems to be my lower back and left hip and down my leg! Unlike you, I can feel this when I wake up also run low grade fever and feel absolutely awful! Usually do not do much because of this!
Luckily for me, I am at an age where it is ok to stay in my pj’s and rest! My friends understand and are supportive!