Groups > Coping with Chronic Illnesses and Pain

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Group admin:: Kandra
Created:: January 30, 2008
: 212 Members

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chronic, illness, pain, support, chronic pain, coping

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Ankylosing Spondylitis

Posted: Aug 25, 08 12:29pm

Anyone here have Ankylosing Spondylitis?? I was given the diagnoses of AS three years ago, but I am sure I 've had the symptoms all my life.

I am taking Mobic 15 mg. that's an anti-inflammatory, and just Tylenol 500 mg for pains. My pains have increased and my Rheumatologist suggests I go on Humira or Remicade. "TNF Blocker"

Anyone out there taking one of these medications?? I would love to hear how your quality of life has changed with your AS after taking this medication.

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3 Comments // 4 Members

Jeanne Ratchford

Posted: Aug 25, 08 12:37pm

Right Here, Indo..In fact, I just arrived home following my first MRI in over 5 years!! I was DX'd about 11 years ago...have excruciating pain that can be attributed to other DX's that have been given to me..a veritable plethora..but just recently..I've noticed that my Sacro joints..wow, if I just tuck my chin, even the slightest..it's like stabbing me in the hip joints...I'm taking much stronger pain meds than what you suggested...but have been told by my PA from the Pain Clinic I am a patient at, that there are NEW IV treatments available for people with AS..however..the side effects may be troubling..she's very honest and forthright...just my input!! I don't feel so all alone with the AS DX on here..of course, I have the usual, FM, Osteo, DDD, DJD, etc..all of this followed an assault, being dragged by a pickup truck back in 94'.

I'm interested to see if anyone else on here has been DX'd. !!

Thanks for starting the post!!

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PaulaMae

Posted: Aug 25, 08 4:28pm

You may also want to consider a licensed and reputable massage therapist. Massage is not only quite helpful, but officially indicated for subacute states of AS. Combining massage with exercise and physical therapy may be helpful in maintaining flexibility.

FYI: the more acute/inflammatory the condition, the better you may respond to energy or vibrational modalities like therapeutic touch. Better yet, find a massage therapist who can do both!

If you're ever in New York City, look me up! I'm a licensed intuitive, medical massage therapist specializing in difficult health cases. To find other practitioners in your area, try the American Massage Therapy Association's therapist locator service. amtamassage.org. I am a member, but referring you to them doesn't mean anything financially or otherwise. (Hopefully I escaped the tbd police with that statement!)

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mkmac4

Posted: Aug 26, 08 11:27am

My daughter is using Remicade for a different problem but still an autoimmune disease. She's already had to have surgery on her sinuses because of the medication. She also has to take benedryl with the drug. There are some serious side effects like lymphoma and TB. Make sure you want to risk some serious side effects before you take the medications. I have RA but I don't have medical insurance so I am unable to get any kind of treatment or pain relief.

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