Ankylosing Spondylitis...Try Saying That Three Times Fast, Part 1
Even though I have yet to pronounce ankylosing spondylitis correctly -- much less say it three times fast -- at least now I have a grasp on what this disease is all about. Although not extremely popular in comparison to the likes of another arthritis family member -- rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing sponylitis is indeed a form of arthritis and effects about a half million people in the United States in a very debilitating way. Shockingly, AS strikes more people than Lou Gherig’s disease, multiple sclerosis and cystic fibrosis combined. That’s a scary fact to keep in the back of your mind.
This particular type of chronic arthritis primarily attacks the spine, although in rare cases can effect other parts of the body, including your eyes. In addition to your eyes and spine, AS can attack your hips, ribs, heels, small joints in your hands and feet, and lungs.
Everyones' body can react differently to ankylosing spondylitis, even within the family. For this particular form of arthritis, genetics plays a much bigger role and quite possibly the main reason for having AS. Besides genetics, there is a general unknown for the cause of it. Research indicates a correlation with gastrointestinal infections and in some cases have been treated as a gastrointestinal infection such as celiac’s disease, IBS or colitis. It has been documented that a starch-free diet for AS has not cured, but has in fact limited symptoms. Unfortunately there is no cure to go with the unknown cause, but one thing is for sure –- it can turn a good day bad.
Ankylosing spondylitis primarily strikes your spine in periodic “flare ups” that can last for long periods of time leave you stiff and in severe pain and discomfort. Sponsylitis causes inflammation of the spinal joints and in some advanced cases, can cause these spinal joints to fuse in a fixed and immobile position leaving you in a “frozen” state. These debilitating “flare ups” can potentially leave you disabled with no other choice, but surgery to restore mobility.
As painful as this disease can be, fatigue is the toughest symptom AS patients must cope with. As silly as this seems, it’s the truth.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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Well written article except it is NOT a fact that low starch or no starch diet helps very many people. Not a single study has come to that conclusion. Crohn's also has genes connected to AS and diet can sometimes help Crohns' so there is a relationship for some people but a small minority.
May 11, 2010 - 4:56amThis Comment