My physiologist finally recommended that I visit a rheumatologist as he didn't feel like it was anything structural (degenerative disks, pinched nerves, etc.). Through some family connections I was able to get an appointment in a week. I didn't realize how unusual that was at the time. Ironically enough it might have been better to wait a month or so for the appointment my physiologist set up with a different rheumy initially. But I'll get to that later.
In short I had my appointment, was tested for HLA-B27 and was positive. This corresponded with my other symptoms of stiffness and pain. I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis. For the first little while I couldn't even spell or say it right. Such a relief to know what was going on.
My rheumy assured me that while it had no cure, it was treatable with what they called NSAIDs. These were basically amplified versions of ibuprofen and the like. Sounded easy enough...
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9 comments:
My !4yr old son has just been diagonosed with this disease..he is relieved to now know that the pain he is in isnt in his mind but at the same time frightened of the unknowing...how does one cope?
I've been out of town and quite busy so that's why I didn't see your comment earlier...
And really from what I said the previous sentence is what I feel is the way to conquer AS-staying ioccupied and focused as much as is reasonably possible and taking short breaks when you need to recharge. To me coping is something people do when they have no control over something.
But that's not the case with AS!
Daily range of motion exercises along with cardio and resistance training are part of what has enabled me to live a fun, active, and productive life.
The other component is diet. I eat very healthily and my body reaps the benefits. I'm a personal trainer so all of this was stuff I was fairly familiar with before contracting AS, but there has still been a lot to learn.
If you have additional questions give me your email or preferred method of contact, I'd be happy to answer whatever you'd like. In the meantime I hope you and your son are finding some relief and answers.
I find along with the exercise as unstoppable said you need to keep a positive state of mind. It may be hard to explain to a 14 year old however staying positive working through the pain with exercise breathing and positive thoughts go along way to staying healthy. I am 29 and have lived with this disease for 9 years. It is possible to be happy you just have to want it. :)
I have also recently been diagonsed. I have started a diary about it
http://arthritis-diary.blogspot.com/
Please check out our latest AS blog
Getting diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis! A patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis tells her story! If you have any advice for somebody just diagnosed with any kind of arthritis please come and join us on the blog and tell your story?
http://www.patient-experience.com/index.php/hindsight-is-2020-getting-diagnosed-with-ankylosing-spondylitis/
ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS is the primary disease among the related conditions called “seronegative spondylarthropathies.” “Sero” refers to the blood and “negative” indicates that people with AS usually do not have the antibody known as rheumatoid factor present in their blood. This distinguishes AS from rheumatoid arthritis, in which high levels of rheumatoid factor are usually found. Spondyloarthritis refers to arthritis (arthropathy) which occurs in the spine (spondylo).
Hi. I would like to find a copy of your book. I don't know if I find a diet that has helped in ten years. The blog has very less of your current health status. Would love some updates. Hope to be quite out with nature and look king for pointers.
Just found the book.thanks. but some posts would be great.
Hi,
Healthline just designed a virtual guide of the effects of ankylosing spondylitis on the body. You can see the infographic here: http://www.healthline.com/health/ankylosing-spondylitis/effects-on-body
This is valuable med-reviewed information that can help a person understand how AS will affect their body. I thought this would be of interest to your audience, and I’m writing to see if you would include this as a resource on your page: http://conqueras.blogspot.com/
If you do not believe this would be a good fit for a resource on your site, even sharing this on your social communities would be a great alternative to help get the word out.
Thanks so much for taking the time to review. Please let me know your thoughts and if I can answer any questions for you.
All the best,
Maggie Danhakl • Assistant Marketing Manager
p: 415-281-3124 f: 415-281-3199
Healthline • The Power of Intelligent Health
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