I was diagnosed 18 months ago with Rheumatoid Artritus.After several types of treatment I was put on the Rava tablet which seemed to help control the symptoms.Several months ago I was experiencing severe neck,back and shoulder pains.I was admited to hospital and given large doses of steroids which did not work.I aws then told that I had Spondylitus.Apart from anti-inflamitories and pain killers I have received nothing to control this.After an examination at the hostpital they think I also have muscle spasms as well.My last apointment was with a trainie consultant who told me there was nothing they could do for me and I would have to learn to live with it.I am in a lot of pain every day.My neck,shoulders arms and complete back give me a lot of trouble.I have what I call flairups when somedays I find the pain a lot worse.Depression sets in very easy and I find it hard to see an end.Why should I have to suffer like this?Is it correct that nothing can be done.There is more to tell about my condition but I would like advise from someone else as I have lost all faith in my consultant and his team.Thank you for any advise you can offer.
MK,
From what I have seen on my short research, things can be done and new things ready and others in the makings. I really don't know much about the disease but here are a couple of sites to visit for some info and support. With the right doctors and meds, from what i've read, you should be able to live a fairly normal life. Be patient, it does pay rewards as with all that suffer from immune diseases.
LEV
This from the Mayo Clinic:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ankylosing-spondylitis/DS00 483
Ankylosing spondylitis is one of many forms of inflammatory arthritis, the most common of which is rheumatoid arthritis. Ankylosing spondylitis primarily causes inflammation of the joints between the vertebrae of your spine and the joints between your spine and pelvis (sacroiliac joints). However, ankylosing spondylitis may also cause inflammation and pain in other parts of your body:
As ankylosing spondylitis worsens and the inflammation persists, new bone forms as a part of the body's attempt to heal. Your vertebrae begin to grow together, forming vertical bony outgrowths (syndesmophytes) and becoming stiff and inflexible. Fusion can also stiffen your rib cage, restricting lung capacity and function.
Also called spondylitis or rheumatoid spondylitis, ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic condition. Treatments can decrease your pain and lessen your symptoms. Effective treatment may also help prevent complications and physical deformities.