Were any symptoms on Axial Spondyloarthritis surprising?
Did you experience any unexpected symptoms when you were diagnosed with AxSpa?
Are you wondering if anyone else experienced these symptoms?
Are you unsure if these symptoms are connected with AxSpa?
Share with the community below!
Pain in my colar bone. Some times it's off the chart.
Thanks for commenting! AxSpA can definitely cause pain in areas like that, along with the spine and other joints. How have you been managing the pain since your diagnosis? Have you found any treatments or strategies that help ease it a bit? -Latoya (Team Member)
I have had pain in my back and large joints most of my life but chalked it up to playing sports or being hard on my body. I wasn't diagnosed until I reached 40. I had unresolved pain that physical therapy wouldn't touch, but the main reason I went in was chest pain and problems swallowing. It felt like I had a chip stuck in my throat. Over time and from taking prednisone, I have had a hip replacement and cataract surgery, but my eyes seem to get worse. Besides dry eyes and light sensitivity, I have focus issues while driving or looking for things on a shelf. Has anyone else experienced that?
Thank you! The retinal specialist said that my cataracts were definitely from the prednisone I had been taking for two years due to my COVID long-hauler's condition. It's a different color than just a cataract that is from aging. I had to get off of the prednisone before my replacement, which was also exacerbated by the medication. However, I believe it's also a focusing issue. I'm unsure if my brain just cannot keep up with my eye movement, which is also associated with long-haulers, or if it's a condition in my eyes. Just curious if there is another auto-immune disorder that is associated with that problem or if AS can cause that.
Thanks everyone for posting your AS Surprises. My biggest surprise was the Rib Pain on both sides , my eyes are now so sensitive that I have to wear by Wayfarer Sunglasses , hips that feel like they are in a Vise and my neck that started popping inevery direction - yes it’s very irritating.
I get back and rib pain, the first biological I took seemed to ease things off, the second one, seems like either I have picked up a virus or my back is on another flare up, I can work out, questioning of I can also do gymnastics today with the forward rolls on my back, let's see, I have t11&t12 fusion due to repeated attacks, si joint is fused, and previous enthesitis too. Just finished my workout and mobility. 
It sounds like you are continuing your exercise routine even with that pain. Kudos! I was up last night with horrible back pain. I more than likely not overdid things cleaning and moving about. What have you found to help with everything related to your pain and enthesitis - spondyloarthritis? Here's a link to an informative article that may help you if you haven't discovered the right treatment plan. https://axialspondyloarthritis.net/treatment Wishing you the best as you travel this challenging road. Rebecca (team member)
The eye irritation was what surprised me. I'm very sensitive to light and have dry eyes so my eyes tear in the morning.
I hope you find some relief soon. It can be difficult starting off your day and having to manage these symptoms. We appreciate you sharing. Sending thoughts of healing. Rebecca (team member) 
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A large number in this community would agree with you.
Many didn't realize the connection between AS and eye irritation until much later on.
Have you found anything that helps the dry eyes or sensitivity?
~Doreen (Team Member)
