ankylosing spondylitis

[Mockingbird]

Is anyone on this board having RA that is related to ankylosing spondylitis? I know it is different that straight up RA but it is an immuno form that effects the discs in your back. I think i had another disc just go- would love feed back from anyone with similar experience

[leighdu]

I've never heard of it (sorry) but I didn't want you think this question was being ignored. Sorry you are going through that. Have you seen your doctor about it? Unfortunately I can't be of much help but I'm am curious as to what all it entails. It sounds like some information I may want to pass on to my brother.

[crimson]

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS, from Greek ankylos, bent; spondylos, vertebrae), previously known as Bechterew's disease, Bechterew syndrome, and Marie Strümpell disease, a form of Spondyloarthritis, is a chronic, inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune disease. It mainly affects joints in the spine and the sacroilium in the pelvis, causing eventual fusion of the spine.

from Wikipedia.

Though this is not related to my wife's RA I would also like to know who has this and share your experience.

[debby]

Hi there
I have RA and i also have the genetic marker HLA B27 for AS. I am at present showing no signs of AS although have suffered from back pain since my late 20s.
I have also had bouts of Iritis which my rheumy says goes hand in hand with AS.
Mine is just a waiting game to see if i actually get full blown AS, that is my spine or in women especially, the pelvis bones start to fuse. I have had 2 MRI scans so far and they didnt show anything, other than excessive cervical spondylosis, and alo a prolapsed disc at L5.
So i take the meds and just wait and see what the future brings.
The only other person in my family that actaully had AS that we knew of was a late Uncle. My mother has RA but not AS..so looks like i got the short straw..i am youngest of 7 and no one else has anything yet LOL...i call myself the runt of the litter :D
AS is also an auto immune thing like RA , but is a different arthritis condition, where i think it causes bones ligaments and tendons to erode, and when new bone re grows , it also grows in place of the ligaments and tendons causing fusing of the joints. I think its mostly spinal, but can also effect other joints.

[kageyd]

Wow, Debby, what a load to carry!! I can't tell you how much I respect your keeping your spirits so high and your attitude so great. It know that it takes a lot out of you, a lot, to keep presenting yourself to the world so well. I have been plagued by a series of painful diseases since I was 13, and I have fought through battles similar to yours (though the diseases were different) to keep my spirits high, and to make something more than worthwhile of my life and my family. I'm 69 now, looking back, and am glad for every ounce of strength I put into not giving up. I won't go over the diseases I've had to face, except to say what I've often said on this Forum that I've had pretty serious osteoarthritis (starting with knee surgeries since before laparoscopy was invented!) since I was in my late 20's (one artificial hip, probably another one - or a knee, they're not sure which to do first - in a couple of years, and pain, pain, pain for year after year), and now a late, I hope mild RA to make the joint issues worse. Beyond that, much that you don't want to hear (nor does anyone else). But my point here is not me, it's YOU. You are a survivor and a hero, that I can tell so clearly, and you need to know that there are a lot of us out here rooting for you and - when you need it - to help in any way we can. It's worth the effort, you've got a life to live, and you are living it. Hang in there!! All my best to you. Kageyd

[debby]

Wow, Debby, what a load to carry!! I can't tell you how much I respect your keeping your spirits so high and your attitude so great. It know that it takes a lot out of you, a lot, to keep presenting yourself to the world so well. I have been plagued by a series of painful diseases since I was 13, and I have fought through battles similar to yours (though the diseases were different) to keep my spirits high, and to make something more than worthwhile of my life and my family. I'm 69 now, looking back, and am glad for every ounce of strength I put into not giving up. I won't go over the diseases I've had to face, except to say what I've often said on this Forum that I've had pretty serious osteoarthritis (starting with knee surgeries since before laparoscopy was invented!) since I was in my late 20's (one artificial hip, probably another one - or a knee, they're not sure which to do first - in a couple of years, and pain, pain, pain for year after year), and now a late, I hope mild RA to make the joint issues worse. Beyond that, much that you don't want to hear (nor does anyone else). But my point here is not me, it's YOU. You are a survivor and a hero, that I can tell so clearly, and you need to know that there are a lot of us out here rooting for you and - when you need it - to help in any way we can. It's worth the effort, you've got a life to live, and you are living it. Hang in there!! All my best to you. Kageyd

aww thankyou so much...but i am not a hero... there are people out there who are in a much worse state than me...some not having long to live and very young too.
I also do moan quite a bit :D...i am full time carer for my elderly parents, and i have days like today when i wish i didnt have to do all of that, and look after my 3 kids, hubby, house etc and be ill. It does really get me down at times.
I am also looking for a job, but i am worried i may never work again, who is going to want to employ me! Yes there are rights for disabled etc...but it does nt mean they will give me a job.
So i kinda just take what each day throws my way..today its back pain and my hands hurt.
I fought to put up an 8ft xmas tree last night, and i won! :D but only just, the tree did get the better of me at times lol.
Like you say we havent got to give into this..i know from what i have seen my mother go through with her RA what is in store for me with this disease.
Thanks for your fab reply..its great to know there are people here to talk to and listen to.
Nice to meet you :) xxx