Returning to normal following lower spine surgery - starting PT
Living with AS can present unique challenges, but incorporating physical therapy techniques, especially following major surgery, can help improve flexibility, reduce pain, and enhance overall quality of life. Let's share our experiences, tips, and questions related to physical therapy for AS.
Does anyone have trouble getting their family to understand what AS involves and all the pain and fatigue? After my husband had a stroke, I became my husband caregiver. My husband doesn't understand that when I tell him I'm in flare I am not able to keep up with my daily routine. My son has a very stressful career and has no clue what I'm going through. I'm not a whiner, I tell everyone I'm fine because my husband had a stroke. He had a lot of PT but he never exercised so he's still in a wheelchair. I have to start my exercising before I can get up. I work so hard to stay out of a wheelchair, I can't understand why you would not work to help yourself. The PT trainers said he could walk but he chooses to stay in bed all day. I fear he will die from his decisions and that adds so much stress.
Does anyone have any ideas what I can do to help him so I can help myself?
It must be so difficult to care for and worry about your husband while caring for yourself, especially during a flare. For many, it is so difficult to ask our loved ones for the help we need, especially when we've been the "mom." These roles are hard to overcome. Advocating for yourself with your family is very important. They might not really see that you truly need support. Here's an article written by one of our health leaders who also faced the challenge of receiving the help she needed from her family. Perhaps one of her tips might resonate with you. All the best. We care, Kathy (Team member)
I have problems with pain medication and I have found PT is the answer for me. I do PT in bed before I get up to get moving and continue to exercise throughout the day. My goal is to keep my core strong and joints flexible. I'm 73 yo with no doc.
I always exercised because I was put on swimming team when I was 4yo. I continued an exercise program that continued up to now. I was put in PT by my pain doctor and did those exercises plus the ones on the internet. I was diagnosed with severe osteoperosis (-3.4) after my first bone scan, took Fosimax all my teeth got infected and lost many. My score went to (-3.7). I was told I had an osteoperotic jaw. I went for a brain scan and found out I had a neurological balance disorder. The pain doc said I had firbromyalgia. I then went to a rheumatologist and he told me I had a "man's disease" he said I carried the gene for AS. I asked what that was and he got very upset with me. I was a medical researcher and tested different drugs and I made a stupid mistake by asking questions to the. He wanted me to start injections in a few days and I also have eye problems and knew what biologics side effects. I called my PCP and they advised against biologics because of my eyes. He made an appt. for my first injection and I didn't go. I went to the follow up appt. I explained my other doctors did think they were a great idea and I wanted guidance for a different kind of treatment and he dismissed as his patient. I've struggled with this since I was placed on disability in 1994 and didn't know what I had til 3 years ago. I gave up on any help from a doc. I stopped going to the pain clinic. I've learned to compartmentilize my pain. My family doesn't have a clue how bad I feel. When my husband had a stroke a few years ago I and I had to take care of him. I'm 73yo old and just have to pretend I'm fine. I'm glad I always exercised my whole life or I would be in real trouble. I am very thankful for this site because no doc explained any thing to me. I learned everything from this site and the and internet. Oh my goodness. Thank you for sharng yourstory. You have been through so much. I am so glad you had the habit of exercise to help you through your long journey to diagnosis. I am also glad you found this site. Thank you so much for being a part of the community! Warmly, Kathy (Team member)
I love the internet because they can really help with who to go to for PT. I looked up physical therapists that have some kind of specialty or training in AS. Honestly, surprisingly, there was someone in my small town!
And I read an article on AS that recommended PT for AS about 2-3 short times per year rather than one long session.
Take care
LisaNice! I'm not in PT yet as I've had my second surgery but am headed that way. Many times doctors recommend certain ones, but this is a GREAT tip to use when searching the internet. Appreciate it. With care - Rebecca (team member) 
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I too love the internet!
It certainly can be helpful (and informative) at times!
Good luck with the PT.
~Doreen (Team Member)
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