Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the spine, but it can also cause pain and stiffness in other joints, such as the knees. While AS is not curable, daily yoga can be beneficial in managing symptoms. Yoga helps improve flexibility, reduce pain, and maintain posture, which can be particularly helpful for individuals with AS​​​​. It's important to continue following your rheumatologist's advice and possibly incorporate other treatments such as medications or physical therapy as needed. Regular exercise, including yoga, should be part of a comprehensive management plan to help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your condition.

@@bjchealthAU thank you sir

Thanks for the positive feedback

For patients who do not have optimal response to methotrexate then biological agents are required. Tociliizumab (anti IL6) is a good option, and Anti IL1 Canakinumab, Anakinra can also be used. There is no head to head comparison between these agents and patients respond differently to these treatment. Please note that some of these agents may not be available in some countries so it is best to check with your treating Rheumatologist.

I'm sorry to hear that you had such a difficult time with your medication. Migraines and heartburn can be challenging side effects to manage, and it's important to listen to your body. It's good that you're working with your healthcare provider to find an RA treatment that suits you better. If you haven't already, make sure to discuss these side effects with your rheumatologist-they might have suggestions for managing them or alternative medications that could work for you. Wishing you the best with your next treatment!

Sulfasalazine is generally considered safe for long-term use, and many people, like yourself, have taken it for several years without significant issues. The duration for which sulfasalazine can be taken isn't specifically limited by a maximum number of years. Instead, the focus is on regular monitoring to manage and mitigate potential side effects. Common side effects of sulfasalazine include gastrointestinal discomfort, headaches, and allergic reactions, but these often diminish with continued use or dose adjustments. Long-term users need periodic blood tests to monitor liver function and blood counts, ensuring any adverse effects are detected early​​. If you've been taking sulfasalazine for five years and it's effectively managing your ulcerative colitis symptoms, you can likely continue with it under the guidance of your healthcare provider. Always discuss any new or worsening symptoms with your doctor, and ensure you attend regular check-ups to monitor your overall health while on this medication​​.

@@bjchealthAU 🙏🏻🙏🏻 thank you so much for the reply. Generally people don't reply to their old posts. I have consulted with many doctors even my health provider. But as you know, our general mindset is like taking medicine for so many years creates a doubt, that usually after getting better we usually stop the medicine. Obviously we relate it with common illnesses like cough cold,fever,etc. But I keep on cross checking the facts about sulfusalazine . Thank you once again you made me Happy

@@Todmodke-tl1my no problem. Glad it was helpful. Keep reviewing with your doctors, that's important. Good luck.

Whatever you can tolerate and for as long as you have the time for. Start with a minute or so for each exercise. If it makes you feel better then you can do a little more plus you can also do it throughout the day if it helps. Go easy to start with and build up as your confidence improves.

Yeah, I've read everywhere that having attacks is normal during allo treatment. Allo dissolves the crystals and this helps the crystal travel easier, this doesn't mean that it isn't working. It takes time for the allo to help break and dissolve what has been built up over the years. Doctors prescribed me prednisone to deal with the pain whenever I get a flare up. Another is colchicine, but that only works 1/5 tumes whenever I try taking them. Good luck!

Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels can indicate kidney function issues, while low creatinine levels may point to other underlying conditions. Inflammation from conditions like polymyalgia rheumatica can potentially affect various organs, including the heart, lungs, and kidneys. It's important to discuss any concerns about organ involvement and test results with your healthcare provider to get personalized advice and appropriate management.

Thank you for your comment. The sedimentation rate you're referring to is likely the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), not the C-reactive protein (CRP) test. Both ESR and CRP are tests used to detect inflammation in the body, but they measure different aspects. It might be a good idea to discuss with your doctor why the ESR test was not performed and whether it would be beneficial to do so in your specific case.

@@bjchealthAU thank u so much and for responding, yes going to do that.

So sorry to hear of your story. I do hope that you are receiving good care now. It's through your stories that more people can be educated about this condition so that we can help more people who have symptoms early on. Good luck and thanks again for sharing.

@@bjchealthAU at the same time I had to live with narcissist people .. instead of help .. extra destruction .... I noticed ... Unusual unsolvable stress increase as 10 times

During pregnancy, it's really important to consult with your healthcare provider before continuing or stopping any medication, including sulfasalazine. Generally, sulfasalazine is considered relatively safe during pregnancy, but every situation is unique. Your doctor will weigh the benefits of continuing the medication against any potential risks to ensure the best outcome for both you and your baby. It's always best to follow their guidance. Take care and best wishes for your pregnancy!

If you have arthritis pain in the morning that subsides somewhat during the day, it's generally beneficial to continue walking and exercising, but with some important considerations: Listen to Your Body: Movement can help ease stiffness and improve joint flexibility, but you shouldn't push through intense pain. It's crucial to understand your limits and perform exercises that don't exacerbate your discomfort. Gentle Exercise: Opt for low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or stretching. These exercises can help maintain joint mobility and reduce stiffness without putting excessive strain on your joints​​. Consult Your Healthcare Team: Every case is unique, so it's essential to get guidance from your rheumatology team. They can help tailor an exercise plan to your condition and ensure you're exercising safely while managing flare-ups. It's best not to completely avoid movement, as inactivity can lead to further stiffness and muscle weakness. However, work closely with your healthcare provider to develop an appropriate regimen that balances activity and rest.

It sounds like you've been through quite a journey with your treatment and adapting to the changes it brought to your life. Starting methotrexate was undoubtedly a big step, and it's great to hear that it helps manage your pain, even if there are tough days. Your efforts with supplements and a good diet are really positive ways to support your health. It's natural to feel a mix of emotions about these changes, and many find that embracing a new normal, although challenging, can also lead to discovering new strengths and aspects of themselves. Keep celebrating the good days, and remember, every part of your journey is worth acknowledging.

Thank you for sharing your story. I hope this helps many when they are considering their management collectively with their physicians.

It’s very important to consult a healthcare professional for advice on pregnancy and any related medical decisions. Methotrexate is a medication that can have serious side effects and is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the risks it poses to the developing fetus. Using methotrexate or any other medication to end a pregnancy without proper medical guidance can be unsafe. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, please speak directly with a healthcare provider who can give you the best advice for your specific situation. They can provide information about safe and effective options available to you. It’s crucial to have the support and guidance of a medical professional in making these decisions.

Thanks for the positive feedback. Appreciate it and glad we could help.

You are welcome. Glad we could help.

It sounds like your friend is receiving a tailored approach to managing her Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) symptoms, with a combination of prednisone and hydrocodone. Prednisone is a standard treatment for PMR, helping to reduce inflammation and alleviate the symptoms of stiffness and pain. The dosage can indeed be adjusted based on symptom severity and flare-ups. Hydrocodone, on the other hand, is a strong opioid pain medication used to treat severe pain that hasn't responded well to other treatments. While it's not uncommon for individuals with chronic conditions like PMR to require pain management, the continuous use of hydrocodone, especially at the dosage mentioned (90 tablets of 10mg every 30 days), is less common for PMR alone, given the potential risks of long-term opioid therapy. These risks include dependence, tolerance, and opioid use disorder, among others. The use of opioids in managing chronic conditions, including PMR, typically involves careful consideration of the balance between benefits and risks. It’s often reserved for situations where other pain management strategies have been insufficient. The specifics of pain management, including the use of medications like hydrocodone, should always be individualized based on the patient's condition, response to treatment, and overall health profile. It's also important for patients and their care teams to regularly re-evaluate pain management strategies, considering both the effectiveness of the current approach and the potential risks associated with long-term opioid use. In Australia, as elsewhere, there's an emphasis on minimizing the use of opioids for chronic pain due to the risks I mentioned. However, every patient's situation is unique, and treatment plans are tailored to individual needs under the guidance of their healthcare provider. If there are concerns about the pain management approach, it might be helpful for your friend to discuss these with her rheumatologist or seek a second opinion, particularly to explore alternative pain management options that might reduce the reliance on opioids while effectively managing her symptoms.

You will find the link to part 2 in the description box above but here it is www.bjcconnect.com.au/. We have placed it on our community platform to help people with rheumatic disease live and feel better. There are many more resources and all our videos are there.

Thank you so much for the positive feedback. Really appreciate it.

Taking a very low dose of prednisone, such as 0.30 mg daily, is unusual, and specific information about the long-term effects at this dosage is limited. Typically, the side effects of prednisone, including weight gain, mood changes, and an increased risk of infections, are more pronounced at higher doses and with longer-term use. While lower doses may reduce the risk of side effects, it’s important to closely monitor any treatment with your healthcare provider. They can provide the most accurate advice based on your overall health and treatment goals. Always discuss medication changes or concerns with your doctor to ensure your treatment plan is both safe and effective.