ankylosing spondolitis

Hi, I'm new to this board. My husband has had AS for nearly 30 years. He just goes to his family doctor for treatment. I don't think he's ever seen a specialist. He takes indomethacin and that is it other than his high blood pressure meds. Once in a while he has other related problems like eyeritis and it seems to be coming more frequently.

Do you think he'd benefit from seeing a specialist? What other meds would you suggest he ask about? The indomethacin is really hard on his stomach, especially taking as long as he has.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be really appreciated.

 

Ditto what Ducky said. :)

Ditto what Ducky said! I was started on Enbrel for my AS and we added methotrexate a few months later. Made a new person out of me!

The hallmark sign of Ankylosing Spondylitis is inflammation that can lead to the fusing of the sacroileac joints. Inflammation of the SI joints does not routinely appear on xray. SI joint damage will only show on xray when the SI joint begins to fuse or is fused. MRI is a better diagnostic tool for looking for SI joint inflammation. Other diagnostic guidelines for AS can be found here: Spondylitis Association of America

erin k.

thanks i'm already on Enbrel for my psoriasis and psoiatic arthritis.  The low back is the most painful and prevents me from walking more that 150 feet or being on my feet for more than 5 minutes.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks

I take methotrexate for my AS and for my Crohn's disease.
I think a Rheumy visist would be a good idea for your husband.
Good Luck.
Jo