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Ankylosing Spondylitis and CD

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 6/9/2009 9:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hey, guys, I was wondering if anyone and everyone that has both of these problems can fill me on on specific symptoms.  My GI said it's possible that I have AS as well as Crohn's, but my chiropractor doesn't think I do.  I have had chronic lower back pain for years, and I'm only 24! My back pain seems to increase when I'm in a flare... is that typical?  Please let me know what to look for so I can decide on getting some testing done.  Thanks!
Posted 6/9/2009 9:45 PM (GMT 0)
Usually but not always AS starts in the lower back. If its worse during a flare then its possible it could be AS. If I were you I would get tested for sure seeings how you have crohn's and the back pain combined. I waited years before I got tested for AS and I have a noticable and permanent bent over posture now. If there is any good news its that after I turned 45 the pain lessend and now I'm just stuck in this position. My Docs still say I dont have AS as far as they can tell from an x-ray. I dont have that bamboo look to my spine but there is no doubt I have arthritis in it. I cant turn my head left to right or up and down so be concious of your posture to prevent curvature as much as possible. It's not the end of the world, it's just one more gift from the Crohn's Gods. Best wishes, Tony
Posted 6/9/2009 11:51 PM (GMT 0)
I have Ankylosing spondylitis and Crohn's. While your chiropractor might be good at what he does, he really isn't equipped to diagnose AS. A proper evaluation by a rheumatologist can determine the cause of your back pain and the proper treatment. Have you had a MRI of your lower back and if so what did it show?
Posted 6/10/2009 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
I have AS and Crohn's too. I agree with Ides - see a Rheumy and have scans done.
My symptoms, when flaring are: left hip and leg pain to the point of being unable to walk or dress myself - the pain is excrutiating enough to make you scream and generally this happened in the morning upon waking. I throw myself in the hottest shower (sometimes pjs and all because I couldnt manage to get them off) and follow with heat pads all the while trying to walk around. Once the heat and moving start to help I have a tylenol or two and make sure I stay active the rest of the day. I have been taking Methotrexate for both my CD and AS and that seems to keep the symptoms of the AS at bay - but not the CD.
Good luck and hope you get relief soon.
Jo
Posted 6/10/2009 3:14 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone... I appreciate it. I have not seen a rheumotologist yet. My GI mentioned some of the testing that would have to be done (I'm assuming he has other patients with AS as well). I think I will try to contact him and see if he can recommend someone, otherwise I will just set up an appointment on my own. He did mention how it is typical of AS to be worse in the morning and get better throughout the day, but mine seems pretty constant, so I don't know. I will keep everyone updated! Thanks!
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