Jan58
"Just wondering if anyone has tennis elbow? Or is it part of AS? It started last September and gradually got worse it’s my left elbow and finding it hard to do anything with that elbow. "
Hi there,
! While you wait on others to share their experience, I will say that some people with AS can sometimes develop joint or tendon issues due to inflammation or overuse so this isn't uncommon. Since it’s been getting worse since last September, you might want to have a doctor or PT check it out. They can see if it’s tennis elbow, AS-related, or something else, and suggest ways to help with the pain and get your elbow moving again. I hope you gain answers and some resolve soon! -Latoya (Team Member)
"Hi everyone,up till Monday things up and down mentally but physically doing what we all can do when we can, as I hadn’t had a spasm for awhile I decided to do some work in the garden,the weather in the uk was nice for a change my husband told me to stop but saw determination in my face he knew I wasn’t as I love the garden and wanted to help but I went more than I should,it was stupid to think I could it, now I am having severe spasms pain is crazy, getting out of bed is a mammoth task thank god my husband was there as I nearly passed out with the pain,I can’t sleep I try but I can’t get any relief, painkillers not helping, naproxen does help but I can’t stomach protector affects my stomach but naproxen doesn’t weird that but I have to be careful of how many I take and after breakfast.
I think it’s a flare but not sure.
I have a heatpad and tens machine.
Any advice?
Thank you "Oh no, I’m really sorry you’re going through this again. It must be incredibly frustrating, especially after already dealing with a flare in May. Constant pain from your middle back to your neck and lower back can make even the simplest things feel impossible, so it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed and worn out. And trying to manage all of this with a heat pad while the weather’s already so warm? That’s rough. I wish there were an easier fix. Have you been able to try a cold pack to give your body a break from the heat? Or maybe a lukewarm bath if that’s more manageable? I really hope things start to ease up for you soon. Hang in there, you’re doing the best you can. -Latoya (Team Member) Hello latoya spasms again started 15th July I can’t be in a flare up from May and now July, I had spasms again 15th/16/17th July but now no spasms but pain across middle back, higher back to my neck and lower back.
Having heatpad on but it’s hot in the uk so I am sweating with it, i am struggling to do anything .I can really feel how much this is weighing on you, especially not being able to do the things you love or even simple tasks like picking up a kettle. I know it’s not just physically painful, it’s mentally exhausting too. I really hope your body starts settling down soon and that some gentle movement gives you even a little relief. Be kind to yourself while you’re in this 💙 All the best, Latoya (Team Member)
Hello latoya
Thank you so much for your message, it is very frustrating and annoying and stressful and it affects my mental health, what I try and do and love I cant do.
The spasms have eventually gone but I don’t know if I am still in a flare without the spasms as I have pain on reaching stretching for things and it’s at the top of my back.
I live in the uk and the weather here is supposed to be summer but it’s chilly and cold.
I will try do some stretching but before this flare just picking up a kettle I could do now and other things but I can’t and I try but it cracks my back,I just want it to go before I had the flare but it’s not and it’s two weeks now and I didn’t before have this as bad with other flares my husband is having to do more things to help.
Thank you very much for the article I appreciate that.
Thanks so much for replying.
Take care
JanOh no, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. It sounds absolutely awful. I can imagine how frustrating it must be to feel good enough to do something you love like gardening, only to end up in this much pain after. What you're experiencing does sound like a flare, especially with the spasms and not being able to sleep. It’s great that you’ve got a heat pad and TENS machine. Maybe try alternating heat with gentle stretching (if you can manage it) just to keep things from locking up more. I want to also share with you an article this offers a few more ideas that you might find helpful as you try to manage the pain. You can access it there- https://axialspondyloarthritis.net/living/build-your-own-flare-toolkit. Hoping things ease up for you soon and that you’re able to get some rest. You’re not alone in this 🩵 -Latoya (Team Member)