New Diagnosis!

Hi I hope you find something that works well for you to ease the painful days . In my experience as well as trying medications to help with pain and stiffness I have found over the past 25 years that taking care of you in general is so important . I saw a lovely physio for a long time and still see her now from time to time and that helps along with doing gentle swimming and stretching . My sister has A.S too and is a Pilates instructor so we do lots of gentle stretching , movements which I find help to ease stiffness and pain . I take NSAIDs now but am looking into trying a biologic as I have found that recently I have had more flare ups ! I moved house in lock down and had a lot of other things going on so I think just the combination of that and just having had A.S for a long time the NSAIDs are not working as well for me now . Like others will tell you A.S can effect people people so differently but being on forums is so good . Gaining as much information as possible and just trying out different things to see which work well for you .
I wish you well and a speedy remission .

Hey ,


How have you been getting on since you made this post?


Unfortunately AS is often pretty unpredictable so it is hard to say what to expect. But I would definitely recommend making a list of anything you want to ask the doctor whenever you see them. Don't feel like anything is off limits!


I am taking Enbrel injections once a week and it has really helped me get my condition under control a lot. It's a type of biologic but there are plenty other options out there, have you started any treatment yet?

Wishing you well,
James (Community Member)

We are so glad you have joined our community. We are not happy with why you have joined us, but we are so happy we met. You ask some specific questions we are not able to address directly. As a rule, we do not make recommendations or suggestions for any medications. I can say I have been diagnosed for about seven years and yes, there are a variety of medications that reduce pain and inflammation. Your rheumatologist will be able to help you make great choices. I can say that I have not heard anything bad about any of the approved medications for AS. Not all work for all people, and sometimes it is a trial and error. But again, your doctor will help.


Your second question is about how nervous you should be. Again that is not standard. In my case, the diagnosis has been most difficult, requiring surgery and biologic medication. In other cases, it has been relatively benign. Most people find it is somewhere in between or worse than me.


My advice is always to take it one step at a time. Now that you know what it is, the next step is to meet the rheumatologist, have the diagnosis reaffirmed, and then start a treatment regime. Hopefully, in a few months, you will begin to feel better. In fact, I am almost certain you will........... rick (moderator)