Ankylosing Spondylitis Q & A

My husband had found great relief from two injections a week with the Enbrel. He is able to do push ups and some weight lifting. Thank God, for this drug. My question is are they doing any research into making the drug into and oral medication vs. injectable? Are there any new advances with anyother medications?

My son is fourteen yeas old and has been complaining of back pain for the past four months. Vioxx 25ng QD and Pepcid 20mg QD is prescribed. He does not experiencing any joint pain other than his back which is mild somedays and others can get moderate to severe but does experiece pain on a daily basis. He has no difficulties with movement and feels better with excerise but complains of pain with standing. His HLA B27 is (+), sed and CBC and back x-ray are normal, but his liver enyzems are evelated. The CT showed mild subchondral sclerosis and 2mm erosion in the left ileum at the sacroiliac joint. The right sacroiliac is normal. His eyes tend to get red and irritated and did have burning with urination. These symptons occurred just prior to the back pain but did resolve on its own. Renal and bladder infection or disorders were ruled out and my son has never had any sexual relations. His Rheumatologist diagnosed him as havig AS. I and not aware of any of family history of AS or RA. The Rheumatologist wants to treat this “agressively” with Enbrel. What drug is the best for this situation, Methotrexate or Anbrel and the safest? What is the prognosis of AS? Do patients often go into remission for years? Is there better prognosis with a child developing AS than adult? My son had a growth spurt prior to this of one foot in a two years span, could that contribited to this?

I’ve been suffering from AS for the last 5 years. Does Infliximab permanently cure AS or is it somethin’ that has to be used lifelong? Is it an oral medication? Are there any side effects? Where in India can I get Infliximab? Can I take it on my own or do I need to consult a rheumatologist?

I was diagnosed as having Ankylosing Spondylits 25 years ago. I was very active and was able to maintain a reasonable range of motion. Two years ago my hands and lower back started hurting to the point where I could no longer be active. After trying many different many different anti-inflammatory medicines (from Indocine to Vioxx) I began seeing a ?pain specialists? and became dependent on various pain ?killers.? Recently, 5 months ago I began trying to be active and have regained some of my mobility but it is torture to force myself to move. I would like to be examined by an expert in Ankylosing Spondylits with an eye towards treatment with Remicade however I cannot afford this treatment without my health insurer agreeing to pay for the medication. My rheumatologist who avoids the issue by saying Remicade is not approved by my disease. I have called the local Arthritis association (New York City) and they have not been any help. Can you help me find the right physician?

What exactly is spondyloarthropathy? What is the most common treatments for spondyloarthropathy?

I had been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis in 1990, and have sufferred joint pain, weakness,fatigue, ect.for the last 13 years, although my family doctor has indicated that i may not have AS. I need any information you can provide as to what doctors, hospitals ect. i can see in order to obtain a correct diagnosis as to my condition, i live in the northeast Ct area, but would travel to any New England point to help with my condition.My quality of life has sufferred greatly from this disease, and i need help, thank you.