ask: How we prevent spine getting fused in AS?
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Anonymous
September 14, 2010 - 8:37pm
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I hv been suffering from disease since childhood underwent total hip replacement surgery advice of how can i live normal life
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Hi Anonymous
Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease. No one knows exactly what causes it, and there is no cure. There is no guaranteed way to prevent fusion of the spine. However, there are many treatments, and some of the new medications that are used for things like rheumatoid arthritis are used to treat AS. These do not cure, but they can slow progression of your AS. We have a good overview: http://www.empowher.com/condition/ankylosing-spondylitis/definition
Do you see a rheumatologist? That is the specialty that manages AS. It is important to have an ongoing relationship with a rheumatologist to help prevent complications. AS can affect other parts of your body as well, and a rheumatologist knows what to watch for.
Physical activity is important as well. An exercise program customized to your AS situation will help you maintain good posture which is so important as AS often causes painful kyphosis, or the hunching forward of your spine.
The Spondylitis Association of America has some really good information on treatment as well as support for those with spondylitis. They are a great resource: http://www.spondylitis.org/about/as_treat.aspx,
Treatment of AS has come a long way in the last few years. A good rheumatologist and physical therapy program can help you minimize pain and maximize function. If you have further questions, please let me know. Thank you for writing.
September 15, 2010 - 6:33amThis Comment
I have been able to dramatically lower my AS pain through diet. If I avoid starches, dairy and sugars (even fruit sugars) my pain lessens from a 10 to a 1 or 2. I learned about the diet on the support website for people with AS, www.kickas.org
Good luck.
October 15, 2010 - 6:31pmDonette in Idaho
Hi D
Thanks for sharing your experience. There are people with autoimmune disease who find dietary changes decrease symptoms-it happens sometimes with RA as well. I'm glad it helped you.
The good thing is it is so easy to try the diet approach and if it doesn't help, no harm done, but if it does, it's fantastic! Thank you for sharing your support board as well. Good luck to you.
October 16, 2010 - 7:01amHi D-
My name is Eve. I am 27 years old and have had AS for 4 years. I havent gone on the TNF drugs for I am hoping to wait until I am pregnant and deliver a baby. I have recently started an anti-starch diet for the past few months. I am not avoiding fruit sugars- do you find a huge difference in that?
January 20, 2012 - 1:11pm