Meds not helping
Posted , 6 users are following.
I'm new here. I've dealt with back pain for the last 4 years. I'm only 28 years old. I've had surgery for sciatica. It help breifly. I've had several epidural superior injections and none of them ever help. I requested to see a rheumatologist to be checked for AS. My father was diagnosed with it a few years back. He was so stubborn he never got checked out until his spine was completely fused together and they could not really do anything for him. After seeing the rheumatologist in september I had blood work and lots of X-rays. 2 weeks later the nurse calls and says I have early signs of AS. The rheumatologist will discuss this more with me on my follow up (this coming Friday). They called in a prescription or naproxen for me to start in the mean time. Since I've been taking the naproxen my back has seemed to gotten worse. I feel like the muscles in my back have became to weak. Today I woke up and can not stand up. For the first time in 4 years of back pain I couldn't suck it up and missed work due to my back. So I guess my question is. Could naproxen have anything to do with my back being worse? Does Ankylosing Spondilytis have anything to do with the muscles of my lower back, or is it strictly just the pain in my spine? I'd rather ask these dumb questions here than ask them to my doctor if it has nothing to do with the problem.
Thanks in advance
0 likes, 7 replies
deborah63143 landon06
Posted
I didn't find any relief from any pain meds when I was at my worse. The stiffness and pain didn't get better until I started on a biologic, like Humeria, Enbrel. Now ibuprofen helps.
peter21326 landon06
Posted
Hi Landon,
? AS is an inflammatory process. When you get an inflammatory process in the area of the spine it is quite common that the muscles in the back begin to spasm in response to the level of inflammation. So yes, the AS causes the inflammation which causes the spasms. I once had a kidney stone which doctors tried to convince me was the closest that a man gets to experiencing what giving birth feels like. Well, if a kidney stone is my benchmark for what a 10 feels like on a 0-10 pain scale then the muscle spasms that I have had would be a 15. The pain was so intense that I would simply let out a scream that could be heard throughout the house. Kidney stone couldn't hold a candle to that so I understand completely.
gloria55119 landon06
Posted
Oh dear you poor thing. AS is a genetic disease....so you know now how bad your father got for "ignoring" it...but I must say that years ago doctors didn't know that AS existed...they called is fibromyalgia or sciatica or even old age. So maybe he didn't know what to do and what not to do....Naproxen can cause digestive problems for some people..I would wait till you see the rheumatologist and maybe he/she can give you the right medication. Have you had an MRI ? This type of X ray will show the "hot spots" and would be helpful for the diagnosis and treatment. Your muscles, tendons and nerves will all react to what is happening in your spine..so it's not surprising that they feel the way you describe. I've been trying to "suck it up" for thirty years....and two days ago I couldn't cope after cooking lunch for my staff and daughter..I went to bed....and slept thru' two days and nights..just woke up an hour ago....now I can stand up and feel much better...but who knows what the day will bring...I am seeing my neurologist at 11 a.m. today...she will help me I'm sure. Feel that I'm missing so much of my life coz of this AS....don't feel guilty for missing work or sleeping for a long time....healing is important for you whichever way you need it. Gentle hugs to you...G
Indigoods landon06
Posted
Here-there is no such thing as a dumb question. These are the people to ask, they have helped me out of a VERY dark hole. Ask, listen, ask some more, communication is a key. Lot of amazing people here.
Naproxen is an NSAID, made you feel worse, I had similiar experiences. Found out I may be allergic to it. All NSAID's that is.
Wait for your follow up. I ended up on Methotrexate (basically chemotherapy), and honestly it seems to help. Side effects are scary but considering how most of us feel, like most, you'll want to try anything. Since it's hereditary for you, you definetly gotta be proactive.
Again, I agree with what Pete said.
landon06
Posted
Thank all of y'all for your comments. Today was slightly better. I forced myself to go into work but was only able to walk short distances at one time. The pain is nothing new but I have so many questions for my rheumatologist when I see him Friday. I pray that it is all tied together and not just another issue. It's been a long drug out process for me with follow up after follow up with no answers. It got to the point I wanted any answer even though having AS like my father was my biggest fear. But hopefully we can find the right meds for me. Tramadol does not do anything for me but I'm scared of becoming addicted to narcotics.
gloria55119 landon06
Posted
Hiya...well believe it or not...we've all been where you are...dozens of doctors, alternative healers, different drugs, and a million other opinions....all of them useless. I really hope you are one of the lucky ones and find the right specialist to care for you. In the meantime keep chatting to us....we'll try to keep you informed and even happy...just a bit anyway...Hugs..G
ihavenonickname landon06
Posted
The joint between the base of your spine and your pelvis (sacroiliac)
The vertebrae in your lower back
The places where your tendons and ligaments attach to bones (entheses), mainly in your spine, but sometimes along the back of your heel
The cartilage between your breastbone and ribs
Your hip and shoulder joints
When to see a doctor
Seek medical attention if you have low back or buttock pain that came on slowly, is worse in the morning or awakens you from your sleep in the second half of the night — particularly if this pain improves with exercise and worsens with rest.
We are here, just write.
kind regards