depressed

Hi Anthony, I know exactly how you feel. I have had AS for nearly 30 years and I get so down about it sometimes. My pain is extremely bad, people dont really understand it when I try and expain how I feel, so Ijust get on with life even though I am frustrated at the things I cant do anymore. Some people have luckily found a medication or treatment that works, I am trying acupuncture soon, I would cross my fingers but as theyre so stiff I cant.!!!!!!!!!!!!  Keep going.

Hi

Depression at times is so normal and shows you are a real person suffering.   In time it should improve as you will find ways to distract these waves coming.  Talking to people that understand helps a lot and do the stretching excercises when you are not mobile as this really does release endorphins. My brother has suffered with back pain since a teenager and he is now 48. He doesn't have AS, his discs have worn away. He does not suffer anymore as he has built the muscle strength to support his spine. He goes to the gym now religiously and at first it was the hardest task, but he knew if he didn't he would need a spine fusion.  His experiences help me as he understands and that is what helps me when I get low.

 

Antony, feeling down is a normal state of mind and fatigue is certainly one of the AS sympthoms. But! Are you on some meds which side effects may cause depression? Please consult your dr about your situation / it can be the meds, it might be the pain and it might be something else. This way or another you need a valid consultation - we are just virtual ppl that do not know your med history or else... Hope that you will step out of it soon!

Yes I know exactly how you feel,  its nice to know other people are going through this.  My husband and family try to but simply just can't understand. I have been on a long road to find reliefe and so far that still hasent happened.  I have AS and many other places, and osteoarthritis in my knees etc. The doctor said 90% of my body was full of inflammation, so I finally broke down and took Methotrexate for 6 weeks.  I felt the usual "Fog" and had stomach issues,  but the pain would get sever especially in my joints the next day.  I felt like I had been hit by a truck,  became very fatigued and could only function 3 or 4 days a week.  She is now stating me on Sulfasalasine and says that it will take up to 12 weeks to work, and it won't help my neck pain.  Which is the most important to me,  I find it hard to function/sleep with my neck in constant severe pain.  She said a biological drug will help but won't start it for 6 months. I am going to see a Naturopathic Doctor next week to see if he can help me.