What is Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic form of arthritis--it is an inflammatory disease that causes joints, cartilage or other fibrous tissue (such as ligaments and tendons)...
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Recently diagnosed and Frustrated!
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Well this is officially my first support group! I am 36 year old mother of two and have had horrible back pain for the last year...on and off. I noticed the beginning of the summer it was quite significant pain. So I did probably what most of you did...saw a chiropractor whom in which threw me into horrible pain. So, I went to a back specialist who thought by examining once that I had a connective tissue disorder. Well, I thought no way but go ahead and take my blood! Two weeks later and in more pain, was called and told I had AS. I asked for something for pain, was given two different NSAIDS that tore up my stomach. I felt like I was breathing fire, and was still in pain. Was given Celebrex today and so far nothing. I cannot believe how many times I've called this doctor and asked for him to prescribe something for pain and have been brushed aside like I must be joking. I have been treated like I'm a junkie looking for my fix!! What is wrong with these doctors....?? So I'm still in pain and don't see a doctor until October 6th whom in which is the PA because the Rhemo is booked until November
Posted on 09/25/09, 09:09 pm |
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My reply didn't post-- anyway, I am new here as well and have had a series of problems-- no positive bloodwork but they think I have AS. I can't offer much advice, but a combination of Motrin, Ultram and Flexeril makes me able to get up and move in the mornings and able to work and get my kids off to school. Since my bloodwork has been negative my MD doesn't want to put me on anything else until my diagnosis is confirmed. I am so sorry you have to see a PA instead of the rheumatologist..... I will be sending well wishes your way. 
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Celebrex will take several days (2-6) to reach full effect. I know you're in pain and it is difficult, but give the medicine time to work. Celebrex works by suppressing the production of a hormone (a prostaglandin) abbreviated as COX-2. That hormone is one of the "dominoes" in your immune system that cause an immune response and inflammation. It will take a bit of time for Celebrex to tamp down the COX-2, and a bit of time for your immune system to "stand-down" from the "red alert" state that it is in presently.
Your physician should also prescribe a z-pack of corticosteroids. These will come in a funny blister pack where you take 7 tablets the first day, 6 the next, 5 the next, and so on to 0. The steroids will have rather immediate effect on the inflammation ( 1-2 days ) but because of side-effects, should not be taken often. Also, get comfortable with the idea of paying "Mad Scientist" with your body. Everyone's body reacts differently to the medicines, and you and your Rheumatologist are going to have to do "drug trials" to see which drug (or drugs) will work for you and at what dose.
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I'm afraid to say AS isn't easy to diagnos it, it took the doctors 15 years to diagnos me. Now that you have been diagnosed with it I'm sure you will be given the right treatment, it took me two years and alot of fighting to be put on adalimumab its a pain injecting myself but it i seem to be having less bouts of the inflammation now. Good luck and don't give up fighting I haven't being a mum of 3 I can't and won't allow myself to.
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Hello I am new to this site I want to wish you the best on your journey and believe me it is one. I may take quite some time to find the right medicine. I have been through so many and reacted to so many by now it is ridiculous and am now using an anti depressant valium . many of the anti depressants help with pain and are used for many types of chronic pain conditions. I know tha celebrex and others like that really made me sick but we are all different and i do wish you the best on your journey for relief find a comfortable chair enjoy your favorite music, do something nice for yourself, and i hope you do alright i know the pain of as is terrible and anyone who has not been through it does not understand, peace and light to you. steve
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Thanks...so far I'm not a celebrex fan I feel like I'm breathing fire?? Strange huh. It does nothing for the pain but I'm supposed to deal to see if it does.
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I will be going on to 'Embrel' weekly injections, I will let you know how it goes. Keep strong and keep moving
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