Ankylosing Spondylitis Or Fibromyalgia?
I'm 30 years old and have suffered back pain and knee pain to an almost debilitating stage and the fatigue can be immense. I've had this since I was 17 ish. Quite often out of nowhere my knees will 'pop' or 'crack'. This can be when I'm walking, starting to sit, try to kneel or even stand still! Sometimes the pain is horrendous. I've also noticed my back has become less flexible over time (in fact my whole body). My calves feel heavy and my feet hurt like crazy. I find it hard to sit for very long without my spine hurting. My wife has tried massaging my back, but she hates it because she sees the pain I'm in. I have been to a Chiropractor, but I seemed only to get worse! I have been to the Dr and they seem to only want to look at one thing at a time rather than collectively. However, I do get some violent jolts or shakes which has been diagnosed as Myoclonus. It has been suggested by one Dr that I may have Fibromyalgia, however, I read through the literature and although some of it sounds familiar I'm not so convinced. By chance I then read an article in my local newspaper drumming up awareness of AS. I'd never heard of this before so I googled it and I would say the symptoms described struck a chord with me. I'm yet to discuss this with my Dr. Has anyone else found the same awkwardness in regards to getting to the bottom of what their suffering from? I'm convinced my mother also had it, although it was never confirmed. I can remember how much of a struggle daily life was for her. One Dr even tried telling her she was a bored housewife and that she needed to get out of the house more! Unbelievable. Anyway thanks for reading this, just trying to build up more of a picture of what it is I have :'
View 4 RepliesAnkylosing Spondylitis And Spondylosis
Hi. I have recently been diagnosed with spondylitis and I also suffer with spondylosis. I was in a lot of pain, so took myself down to A&E. A doctor came to see me and sent me off for an x-ray. When the x-ray came back I was told I had spondylitis. I asked was there some kind of mistake as I already had spondylosis, I was told no, this was just something else to add to my list. I was gobsmacked to say the least. This bout of pain hahas now eased. I have done some research on this, not realising that the pain would come back. I would like to know how other people cope with the pain?
View 4 RepliesAnkylosing Spondylitis - Enbrel
I'm 34 years old diagnosed with as last year after over 10 years of agony with no one listening. Finally I got the diagnosis and my rheumatologist started me on enbrel last Nov. The change was unbelievable. Since then I have put on 21lbs even though I have improved my diet. For the last few weeks pain has been creeping back in and I've started using co dydramol again. I've also started with chest pain (not the as pain I had before in my chest). This has resulted in having ECG and being put on aspirin and statins. I've also had an echocardiogram today as there were minor abnormalities in my ECG. Wanting really to talk to people on enbrel. Have they had any of these side effects? Did the drug stop working as well at any point?
View 8 RepliesAnkylosing Spondylitis :: Feeling Like That Of 90 Year Old?
I am 45 year old female, since my late teens I have suffered from what I always thought was sciatica, I would get bouts that could last weeks and although no proper diagnosis, DR agreed with me that was what it could be. Ive managed that through the years (and believe sometime the pain has been excruciating) with various pain relief concoctions. I would also always have an aching back, and if stretch too far its feels like something in lower my back has been ripped. As a florist for nearly 30 years I put most of my aches and pains down to the job (floristry is a hard, cold and very physical job).
Also at 19 I had my first bout of iritis, I've had it four times now in all, the last time being in 2009. The eye doctor I saw though it would be a good idea for me to have a blood test as he said iritis is a symptom of something else.
So I had the blood test and it showed the HLA marker, I was then sent to a rheumatologist who took an xray, told me I was hyper mobile and that was it...
To cut a long story short, I have been back and forwards to the docs since then. Various referrals to physio who give me exercises (which I do do) and then dismiss me. My legs now hurt sooo much, all the time in fact, I'm not unfit and not overweight (I did leave the florist 2 1/2 years ago) and although work from home, I walk the dog three miles every day. But this is more than aching legs - I can't get up the chair and as for getting up from the floor, forget it. I have to hold on when I go upstairs and lower back is constantly aching
My body feels like that of an old lady.
Incidentally, I developed a frozen shoulder in January and a lump at the base of my neck which physio said was down to posture!!!
Was back at the docs today who finally said she would refer me again as its sounds very much like AS
Does anyone have any tips on how I can get them to take me seriously, I have only ever had one x ray in 25 years but I just can't cope with my body feeling like that of 90 year old.
Ankylosing Spondylitis :: Enbrel Or Humira
I have recently been diagnosed with AS. At my last hospital visit the consultant gave me a self assessment form about my level of pain and mobility. I have to complete it again in 2 months when I go back to see if there has been any change - the consultant did say it was very unlikely there would be, but there is a process to follow. Anyway, she said when I return I could choose between Enbrel and Humira, and gave me some literature on them both. I understand that everyone is different, but wondered if anyone else could comment on the highs and lows of both drugs. I am 44 years old, and the main problem is in my neck. I can look left and right, with limitations, but cannot tilt my head to the side or look up. The anti-inflammatory drug that has so far worked best for me is Naproxen. Also do you have to continue with painkillers or are the injection a replacement for the anti-inflammatory drugs only.
View 4 RepliesAnkylosing Spondylitis :: Anti-TNF Drugs In UK?
I have read on several message boards lately that there could be two new anti-tnf drugs coming to the market soon. Would that make the total 5? If so then does anyone know when these will be available to the UK market?
View 4 RepliesAnkylosing Spondylitis :: Bad Reaction Following A Spinal MRI Scan?
Has anyone suffered a bad reaction following a spinal MRI scan?
I suffered (and am suffering) terrible muscle pain and muscle weakness following an MRI scan one month ago.
My scan was standard (i.e. without a contrast dye being injected into the blood - I know the dye sometimes causes problems) and I have so far found two people who have suffered a similar reaction.
It feels as if the scan has "stirred up" my immune system to produce inflammation in muscle and joints in my right leg and right arm.
Plantar Fasciitis Due To Ankylosing Spondylitis - Pain Management?
I am new to this forum so I apologise if I am doing things wrong. I have have AS for many years, well controlled with NSAIDs but plantar fasciitis is causing me a lot of pain at the moment. Does anyone have any ideas about the best sorts of treatment? Most web sites seem to concentrate on PF caused by running, being overweight etc rather than AS? If this has already been discussed, could someone direct me to the relevant threads?
View 2 RepliesAnkylosing Spondylitis :: Anti-TNF - Does It Stop Pain? Experience?
After a two year battle with every drug going and being so terribly ill with AS my consultant has decided we need to move onto anti TNF after trying everything else with very little or no success.
Can you please tell me everything you know about anti-tnf. Was it is successful? Did it give you a life back? Does it stop the pain? Does it help with the fatigue? I am so worried about trying it, but need to urgently do something, as quality of life is very low and nothing else seems to work.
I need both my hips replaced, does anyone know if it helps with hip pain?
Ankylosing Spondylitis :: Pain Management Successes And Failures
I wanted to hear some of your experiences with pain management doctors. I have been involved with pain management doctors (usually anesthesiologists that have branched off into this specialty) for about 5 years now. Frankly I continue to see them since they have provided me with hydrocodone during that time and this does help to some degree. However, I have also tried many of their various treatments. I have had epidural injections, nerve ablations, trigger point injections etc. etc. Most of the results have been very minimal if anything and any results that I did get certainly didn't last very long at all. I was wondering if it is very common for people suffering from AS or one of the other related inflammatory diseases to seek help from pain management doctors. Have any of you actually been helped to any significant degree by them? For the most part I don't believe they really understand the inflammatory process. They ask me where it is hurting and when I tell them everywhere in the lower back they look at me like I'm just a hypochondriac. They assume that the pain has a specific source and their treatments should be able to fix it. My pain is severe but cannot be localized to one source. Have any of you worked with pain management people and has your experience been different?
View 11 RepliesAnkylosing Spondylitis :: Back Braces Helpful In Maintaining Body Posture?
I'm started bending forward due to AS, my neck has also bent slightly rightwards. Will back brace assist in keeping my posture.
View 1 RepliesAnkylosing Spondylitis :: Flare Ups Of Sore Throat And Sore Oesophagus
Does anyone else have flare ups of a sore throat and sore oesophagus, the Dr thinks it's acid reflux, ppi's aren't doing anything, now being tested for h pylori bacteria, but can't help thinking that it may be connected to my ASR
View 8 RepliesCervical Spondylosis :: Dizzy And Loss Of Balance, Pain In Neck And Head
I am new to this site and new to the spondylosis. I am 36yrs and I have suffered with my neck since I was 25yrs. I have had physio no needle acupuncture and I am under pain management. Until recently I have never had any diagnosis until a few months ago.
Recently my symptoms have got worse most worrying in the dizziness and loss of balance I am suffering from and pains in my head and the neck pain has got a whole lot worse also.
Hormones Affecting My Marriage - Severe PMS
I am taking Prozac for Depression/Anxiety, I have endr. and Severe PMS.
I had my bloodwork done and the OB nurse said my Thyroid was in normal range, but my endroil level was low. It was -20? Last year it was 90's. I have absolutely NO SEX drive what so ever! It hurts and I could care less, and this is NOT FAIR TO my husband at all. I have been married 22 years this coming December, and I know he is frustrated about this.
I am worried. I am tired, still depressed and no sex drive what so ever, what can I do, or buy? Is there a medication for woman that can help? I am 46 and was told I am not in menopause, but let me tell you I think I am permi. Last month's period was all the same PMS systems, but was very light flow and black/brown in color. I am worried all the way around and don't know what to do? I am running out of options. I don't want to lose the love of my life, and want to feel better.
Please anyone. I need some help, advice, etc. This is not fair to him, and I need a better quality of life, even with all the stress in my life with my mother who has dementia, and a handicapped brother. I just can't take much more, and my Husband has been my best friend through everything with me, especially my fathers death, I wa a daddy's girl, and would not of made it without my husbands help. I am a very weak person when it comes to stuff like this.
Thyroid :: Nodule Affecting Voice?
Hi, everyone. I have Graves disease (in and out of remission on PTU) and lots of nodules, which I've had biopsied. One of them hurts when I swallow, and I can also feel a twanging or snapping sensation in the area when I swallow. Recently, my voice has changed. I'm not hoarse, but I can't sing the high notes. I don't mean I sound bad or squeak--I mean I can't get any sound out at all above an A (the one above middle C--not a very high note). I sing do-re-mi-fa-sol-la...but when I try to sing "ti," I either get nothing at all, or "la" comes out.
I am waiting on the results of a new biopsy--the first one was 12 years ago--but I'm wondering if a benign nodule could do that to my voice, or if it's something unrelated. If the biopsy is negative, as I expect it will be, what then?
Thyroid Disorders :: Nodule Affecting Swallowing
I've been very disturbed and anxious with the condition of my wife. She's 24, gave birth to our first born 3 mos. ago, 4'9 in height and about 136 lbs. A month ago we noticed a lump at the right site of her neck just about half an inch from her adam's apple. The we decided to consult to an internist and instructed to do a thyroid ultrasound immediately. The result says that there is a small nodule in the right side of her thyroid gland, "a cyst" but her endocrinologist says that all his patients with the same diagnosis didn't have cancerous ones. My wife was given oral medications for about 3 months, one I can recall is the Levothyroxine.
Despite the doctor's calmness and no sense of urgency I can't help but to worry about my wife's condition. She finds it difficult to swallow food and sometimes feel little aching on that part of her neck.
I've always thought that eastern medical practices (here in the Philippines) are different from that in the west. And if I am right I'd like to consult here with somebody who can give us some advice on what to do/eat naturally and what to avoid.
Statins / Lipid Lowering :: Adversely Affecting Sex Life?
Just been prescribed Simvastatin 40mg for my cholesterol (which is 5.1). I also have raised BP and recently diagnosed diabetic; although neither is high and I am not overweight.
My question is: I am 60 with a 45 year old partner. We have a very active sex life and I am paranoid that if I start taking the Simvastatin it will ruin that part of our life.
Does any Simvastatin user have experience of it adversely affecting their sex life.
GERD / Gastritis Affecting Tummy, Throat, Mouth And Bowels?
I'm not entirely sure whats going on with my body any more..
(Diagnosed with gerd, gastritis and hiatal hernia after endoscopy a year and a half ago)
I've changed my diet completely. Sleep raised in bed. Do light exercise 5 days a week.. basically before someone suggests these sorts of things I have tried everything that I know of.
I've been on pantoprazole for a year and was on omeprazole for 5 months prior. Completely changed my diet. Haven't touched alcohol nor a cigarette in 18 months. I don't eat anything deep fried.. No onions no tomato absolutely nothing spicy. Actually pretty much all I can eat is bread, potato and some veg and some fruit. I can barely eat meat any more either. Anything I eat burns my stomach when it goes down, my stomach burns for hours after.. then I get that infamous 'gnawing pain' which wont go away until I eat.
Anyway, about 6 months ago 2 of my teeth crumbled away, I've only had the fillings in for about 5 months and they are both brown and stink.. Im sure its due to reflux.. My gums bleed every time I brush my teeth, no matter how soft the toothbrush is. They even bleed when I eat food.
A couple of nights ago my throat became inflamed, it burns even when drinking water. It feels like there is pressure in my throat near the top of it. It hurts to swallow.. my tongue is coated with yellow stuff. My mouth is dry. My breath absolutely stinks and has done for months, even before the teeth incident.
I'm always nauseous. Some weeks I'm only getting about 10 hours sleep over the entire 7 days because all these symptoms keep me up. My gp is at a loss.. they don't really listen to me anyway. My consultant at the hospital makes me wait a whole year for my next appointment, thats after the last one had to be brought forward by my gp calling him and telling him it was urgent.. He saw me for 5 minutes, said I had reflux.. gave me some anti sickness then asked me to leave. I'd already been diagnosed with reflux and given anti sickness by my gp?
Guys, I'm only 20 years old.. I'm 20! I was never ill before this and now my entire life has been turned upside down by something my doctors seem to think is 'simple'.
It's past the point of affecting my 'quality of life'.. it has literally taken my life away. I can't do anything anymore. I'm always in pain, feel sick or am being sick.
If you got this far down and managed to put up with all my moaning then thank you,
If anyone has any idea what is going on with me then please feel free to comment..
Also, if there is mistakes in here or it doesn't make sense in parts, I've had 1 hour sleep in 48 hours so I'm not at my grammatical best right now!
Spinal Cord :: Neck Clicking, Crackling. Pop Rocks Sound When Walking After Neck Adjustment
I went to physical therapy for TMJ 4 days ago, I'm 31 years old. While massaging my jaw the physical therapist went on to my neck, and without me knowing out of nowhere cranked my neck super hard and it popped 3 times on the left side. My neck has been stiff on the left ever since with some pain and when I walk I hear loud clicking crackling/pop rocks sounds in my neck right before it meets the shoulders. Did he injure me? anyone else experience this? will it go away.
I was so upset he cracked my neck like that he isn't even a chiropractor but said afterwards when I got upset with him that he knows chiropractor movements.
I've never been to a chiropractor so I don't know how it compares but it seems really hard and forceful when he did it. Its weird that when I move my neck I don't hear the sound, only when walking. Someone please advise me on this.
Also what type of doctor should I see for this issue, i'm going to schedule an appointment tomorrow, but don't know the type of doctor who would be best. My GP just gave me ibuprofen and said it should go away on it's own.