A few Facts about Ankylosing Spondylitis

Just sharing my experiences and thoughts about A.S.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• ankylosing spondylitis
• spondylitis
• arthritis
• autoimmune

[TheJulieShow]

To everyone who has left comments, I'm sorry if I haven't answered everyone. It's been rough for quite sometime now. But I always want to offer my understanding and support. This is a terrible, misunderstood disease that clearly needs more attention from the medical community. Please make your own videos and don't stop. Youtube is a great vehicle for awareness! I'll make some new ones when I am feeling better. gentle ((hugs)) to all. J~

[skitles242]

Hi Julie. I have been recently diagnosed with A.S and am experiencing bad hip pains. I was told excersice is the best way to stay limber. My question is, Can I worsen my condition if I excersize through the pain?? Should I stop when I feel a considerable amount of discomfort? Also I know you said that it may be better to stay off lots of sugars, is there anything that you recomend I eat??

[TheJulieShow]

Just for safetys sake, I'm not a doctor and no one should take anything I say as a substitute for medical advice. Exercise does help, I would do what is tolerated and no more. Walking and swimming are good for A.S. sufferers. They are low impact ; less likely to cause extra pain. As for diet, there are lots of "diets" out there. but, if its not doable, you won't stick to it. So, limit sugar, try to eat as healthy as you can. Even if you just cut out one thing you know is bad; that can help.

[LoriBurns2]

Thank you Julie that was excellent. I do agree with it is important to help educate the public on AS. I have had the experience where others act as if I am being dramatic when I complain about my pain, or even not believe me when I say I am in pain.

It is hard to find support when you have A.S. and I think it is basically due to lack of public awareness.

Good luck with Remicade, I wish you the best.

[TheJulieShow]

I understand completely! Thank you for your comment! I wish you well!

[catman63879]

@catman63879 got my dates wrong it was 2008 when i was diagnosed

[alasdulcinea]

@Wivanunu Yes, it is good to hear your acknowledgement of a person, perhaps, tendency toward being auto-immune disease prone. I am convinced that it is not purely coincidental that I have ankylosing spondylitis, have had a case of acute rheumatic fever, narcolepsy, and NMO, which is a form of demyelinating disease which closely mimics MS. These diseases all constitute auto-immune responses.

[jbub77]

I am 33 two years ago my eyes flared up, found out it was Uveitis, inflamation in the eyes, then went to a rhuhmatologist and she did some tests and came back positive HLA B27 and diagnosed me with AS which I have not had many symptoms yet knee pain and hip pain, my immune system has been going after my eye tissue, and I have been legally blind in my right eye and had cataract surgery in my right eye, I believe it is going to be a long road ahead.

[ajonz9213]

i would like to invite you to check out a new site that i set up to network people with AS and to share wisdom, treatments and encouragement!

Please come check out the website! im hoping to make a large network and bring us together to understand this disease!

check out my profile for a link to the site

as help within .webs .com

Andrew J

please do not confuse with spam! :/

[MrHodo123]

My thoughts are with you julie. Ive had reactive arthritus for 4 yrs which has now developed into as. My rhuhmatologist is very aged and is hard work to get any answers out of and diet has never even been mentioned. Thanks again and stay strong.

[freakinnford]

I am a 42 year old woman that was diagnosed at the age of 26 after a minimum 10 years of hurting. I have been through alot because of AS... at times not even being able to walk for a few weeks at a time. Today the desease has progressed and there is some fusing with nerves caught up in calcium deposits. A walking regimine I do at least 5 days a week amd keeping my weight stable helps too. Just knowing there are others who understand what I go through everyday relieves me. Thank you for posting.

[kylie3299]

So true! I've had mine since I was 14 years old. I was told it was all in my head. Found out after years, with the right doctors, pain management, and eating right. I've lost over 50 pounds by eating right. I make a shake every morning, made a world of difference.