I am wondering if my bones won't fuse together?
I am wondering if my bones won't fuse together like my father's did since along with ankylosing spondylitis I also have Crohns disease in the area of my intestine where nutrients should be absorbed. This causes me not to be able to absorb nutrients well and I currently have osteopenia and have bone density tests every 2 years to track my bone density loss. Plus I am on Boniva.
Thanks to everyone out there. I really appreciate all the responses!!
Thanks again,
Russ
Hi RussSportsFan73
It's great to see you here joining in on the conversations! I do not have osteopenia, but AS that was diagnosed 4-5 years ago. It is a progressive inflammatory arthritic disease. Over time the inflammation eventually leads to the bones fusing together in the spine.
I have inflammation, pain and enthesitis, as well as other complications, but I have no evidence of bone fusion, and I may never have it. I am hoping to "nip it in the bud."
My radiographs do not show the typical symptoms of bone fusion that occurs in ankylosing spondylitits. Therefore I have been diagnosed with nr-AxSpa (non-radiographic axial spondyloarthropathy - a fairly new term) which is a categorized under the "umbrella" of AS. Nr-AxSpa is considered to be an early form of AS. If I treat myself now for my symptoms of inflammation it may not progress to bone fusion. I hope this helps.Thanks, it sure does help.
Hugs to you. Stay well!
I have osteopenia as well, didn't think about what that would mean for fusion 🤔
I've has AS for 26 years and while my vertebrae have narrowed, they haven't fused yet. Not everyone fuses. You might be one 😊
Keep in touch. We're always here.Thanks, that info helps!
