When did you know it was time to start a biologic?
Hello everyone. I just met with my new rheumatologist for the first time today after my family physician diagnosed me with Ankylosing Spondylitis about 2 months ago. I only met with him for about 15 minutes and was a little surprised when he quickly brought up starting me on Enbrel (after also mentioning that he hasn’t reviewed my X-rays). Now, I wouldn’t say I live with a 10/10 for pain everyday (not that I think I should have to) but I just don’t know if starting a biologic right off the bat is something I want to do, but this is new territory for me and I’m not sure how to navigate any of this. There are a fair number of days that I feel pretty good. I’m also absolutely terrified of having to give myself a shot every week- so there’s that. So now my question is, when did YOU know it was right for you to start a biologic? Was there a moment in your disease where you were like “this is the last straw and I want these expensive, lifelong meds that might not be a good fit for me”. Thanks for listening and for any wisdom from the been there done that crew
I must be one of the “lucky” ones with AS. I have found that if I have a massage one week and physical therapy the next week my AS is manageable. I rarely have severe pain since I started doing this. Of course I occasionally have a flare but not as often as previously. My first rheumatologist also recommended a biologic immediately. After doing some research (and having a late husband who was on Embrel for many years) I decided not to go that route. I feel fortunate to be in the shape I’m in, although I’m very stiff and have balance issues. We are all different and I am glad we have this forum to discuss with others with AS. Not fun, but manageable for most!
I use Embrel every Saturday and the pain has significantly reduced. I self-inject and rotate the injection site. Awesome…
thank you for this special portal that allows us to share what works and what never will work. AS is often a miserable malady, but if we keep sharing what works for each of us we all win. AS has not left my body, but using the Embrel has made it tolerable at the current stage. 
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We're glad you found this community and appreciate your kind words.
We certainly agree, mindset is so important!
~Doreen (Team Member)
after my neck
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How are things going today?
~Doreen (Team Member)
I think I have had AS since forever. Always bone pain while growing up. I was diagnosed in 2017. I passed on the gene to one of my kids and a grandchild. I also have MS. I had recently stopped taking the recommended MS drugs because of side effects, so I strongly resisted going on any biologic. I had been having neck pain for years, and started having pain that prevented sleep because of leg and back spasams. I was sent to a pain doctor, which really helped. However I kept having more and different pain almost constantly. Unfortunately it was difficult to get into a rheumatologist. When I did get iin, I found that my thoracic spine was fused as was most of my neck. I felt really stupid for not starting the biologic (Cosentyx) sooner. Because I knew that the biologic would reduce inflammation, which could reduce pain, I prayede it would hopefully stop progression. When I stopped the MS drug, new information about diet and MS came out. I started the AIP paleo diet. I also dedicated myself to exercise. I have had no change in the MS for years. I hope the same is true for the AS.
-! It's commendable that you have explored alternative approaches like the AIP paleo diet and dedicated yourself to exercise. And it's reassuring that you've experienced stability with your MS for years. I truthfully share your hope that the same will hold true for managing your ankylosing spondylitis. Your proactive approach to managing your health is admirable, and I'm rooting for continued stability and well-being on your journey. Thanks for sharing and being open about your journey - Thoughtfully, Rebecca (team member)
