What does a flare look like for you?
Hello. I am going through the process of testing for a possible diagnosis. I had previously been diagnosed with RA due to blood test results but have never really had small joint problems. For the past 3 years or so I have been having events that pretty much disable me from doing most activities. I will start to get a little pain and stiffness in my lower back and then suddenly, overnight, I will wake up and barely be able to move. It sometimes takes 10 minutes to get out of bed. I can't put on socks or wear anything but shoes that slip on. Getting up and sitting down are very difficult. The last "event" I had lasted a little over a week and I was unable to stand up straight without support and/or walk standing up straight. It was the worst. I had been attributing these back events to other reasons, since I was told 10 years ago that based on my blood test results that I didn't have ankylosing spondylitis, but am now wondering if they might be a flare. Anyone else have similar experiences?
Get an xray of your hips. If they your SI joints fused then you have AS. (Its the only autoimmune to cause SI joints to fuse)
Thanks for sharing in the discussion. Hip X-rays are a common way to diagnose AS, but for many people, diagnosis isn't so straightforward. Here's an article on how AS and AxSpA are diagnosed. All the best, kathy (Team member)
Increased pain in hips/back, fatigue, feel like I have the flu and pain in areas not usually associated with axspa.
I’m so sorry you’re dealing with all of that on top of your usual symptoms. Make sure you rest as much as you can, stay hydrated, and keep your doctors updated about the changes. Sending lots of strength and gentle hugs your way. 💙 -Latoya (Team Member) Thank you for sharing. There are many symptoms of AxSpa that are surprising, such as nausea. How long did it take your medical team to diagnosis your AxSpa? All the best, Kathy (Team member)
unrelenting pain that can on all of a sundden
I am so sorry you are dealing with this. Do you find that when you have sudden pain, people don't always take it seriously? One of our health leaders who also deals with sudden pain wrote about this frustration in this article. All the best, Kathy (Team member) I know the unpredictability has to be one of the hardest parts. I hate it's so painful for you. Sending relief and gentle thoughts your way 💙 Stay encouraged, Latoya (Team Member)
Drowning in pain - from the top of my head to the sole of my feet - unable to move - I keep reminding myself that after 3 or 4 days I will suddenly be out of it - 25 years of AS has taught me this.
I can’t imagine how draining that must feel. I truly hate you have to deal with this and continue to after 25 years. I admire how you’ve learned to pace yourself with AS over the years and I'm curious to know...what helps you hold on during those peak flare days? Thanks in advance, -Latoya (Team Member)
