AS vs Depression vs Menopause
Is anyone else having trouble untangling which symptoms are which? I constantly struggle trying to figure out why I am feeling what I am feeling. The low back and hip pain is pretty clear, but I have all these other symptoms that feel outrageous to me and I wonder about the chicken and the egg. What is causing what? How can I get out of this and not lose my liver to all the meds being thrown my way?
Hi @HeidiCab
I can relate to having a hard time pinning out which is causing what. I struggle with it. I find it can be sometimes hard as they all can have similar and over lap each other on the symptoms. How are you feeling today? Here if you need anything. Sending you hugs,
Nicky (Team Member)
Hi Heidi! Thank you for asking this fantastic question! Although I don't have the answers for you, I wanted to share how much what you said resonated with me. Sometimes I don't know if my symptoms are AS, from meds, or something else! It's hard to know, and that's ok! Try to listen to your body, you know your body best! You may have already done this, but could you speak to your doctor about a medication plan, such as these meds are only for very bad days, etc. I did that as I realized I didn't know what I was taking or for what for! Ali (Team Member) 
Hey there Heidi how are you doing today? This is a great question and I’m sorry that your having trouble differentiating your symptoms, I struggle with this all the time as well it’s all just pain to me i have Fibro also and I can never really tell if it’s AS pain or fibro pains, I haven’t gone through menopause yet so I’m not the best person to answer that, however I too had the same concerns with taking all the medications they throw at patients with chronic illness. I made the decision to stop meds a few months ago that was my decision because not only were they not helping but I was getting all of the horrible side effects. I know this isn’t the answer for all of us it’s scary when you don’t know how your body will react off of meds but my body wasn’t reacting good on them. I can’t tell you to stop taking meds what I can tell you is that if your concerned about any meds you should discuss this with your doctor and it’s ok to refuse medication that is not helping you and will cause other issues, I always say be your own advocate cause you know your body best. I hope this helps some and you can find some relief in this all. Sending love and strength 💙💪🏽 Nadine (Team Member)
