Ankylosing Spondylitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
The Family Tree of Rheumatic Diseases
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a strange disease which is difficult for science to explain. It is not surprising that there are several other rheumatic diseases which are akin to Rheumatoid Arthritis. Today, I am introducing you to one of the cousin’s of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis.
What is Ankylosing spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease which results in chronic inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joints. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) produces progressive stiffening of the spine. Eventually, AS even leads to fusing of vertebrae and a bent posture.
What’s a Spondarthropathy
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory arthritis that is in a category called spondarthropathy. Spondarthropathies mimic Rheumatoid Arthritis in several ways. However, they are generally seronegative and positive for a gene marker called HLA-B27. Other spondarthropathies include Crohn’s disease, reactive arthritis, and psoriasis.
Since AS is a systemic rheumatic disease, it can also affect the entire body. Often, this includes eyes, heart, lungs, and other joints. Commonly involved are knees, ankles, and feet.
How is Ankylosing Spondylitis like Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- morning stiffness
- fatigue, malaise, nausea
- genetically influenced rheumatic disease
- typical pattern of flares and remissions
- outcome of the disease varies widely among individuals
- treated with these medications: NSAIDs, DMARDs, steroids, and Biologics
- often difficult to aquire a diagnosis
How is Ankylosing Spondylitis different from Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- peak onset age is 20 to 30 years old, rather than 30 to 40 for RA
- AS is 3 times more common in men; RA
is 3 times more common in women - AS primarily involves the axial skeleton; RA
less frequently does - AS usually inflames the enthesis (where tendon inserts into bone); RA usually inflames the synovium (membrane that lines a joint)
- AS does not appear to influence mortality as much as RA does statistically (likely due to heart disease issue)
Bottom line about RA and AS
Like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis is an invisible illness which disrupts lives. The entire course of a life can be changed by chronic pain, disability, and necessary medical treatments.
For more information on medications mentioned in this article, read Rheumatoid Arthritis Requires Disease Treatment and Symptom Treatment
RA education: The Difference Between Osteoarthtitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Encouragement to live with RA: Be Your Own Counselor with RA
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very right symptoms…thanks for discussing this one here.Will try to take a few tips from here.
Great blog post. I have never heard of this illness before, thanks for posting this great info. I really enjoyed reading your blog and learning about your RA. With your positive outlook on life, I feel that your blog would be a great addition to Wellsphere’s HealthBlogger Network (HBN). The HBN has over 2,600 bloggers that share a common goal to share their knowledge with others, which enables Wellsphere to provide information that is personal and relevant to over 6 million visitors a month.
Feel free to visit our Health Blogger Network at http://www.wellsphere.com/health-blogger, where you can apply to join. Or just email me at hua [at] wellsphere [dot] com.
Have a great day!
Hua
Director of Blogger Networks
Thank you so much for talking about AS and showing the similarities and differences between RA and AS, it has really taught me a lot. In my research I have learned that AS is just as deadly as RA because with AS the joints in your rib cage fuse which creates a lack of ability to breath. Additionally AS can affect your heart and lead to premature death. As always with both RA and AS we have to consider the toxic medications that our liver and kidneys process constantly which lead to premature death also. It is so sad that those of us with RA and RA cousins have to fear that we will die prematurely because of luck that we developed this condition. Truly unfortunate. I thank G-d for every day I am given no matter how much I creak and crack like an old wooden floor.
Great points!
KS: I love your spirit. That will help you to not only keep going, but also be a blessing to others.
Thank you Kelly!
Rheumatoid Arthritis is very painful and though these symptoms are very correct they are not always occurrant…the symptoms actually differ from person to another.
I have lived with pain in my joints (neck, back, hips, knees and ribcage) the majority of my adult life, and was finally diagnosed with AS last year at age 46. I have taken anti-inflammatories, methotrexate, and am now injecting myself with Enbrel 50mg each week (biologic). Since my diagnosis my health has deteriorated quickly. I live in New York City and commute to work by train every day, and in the past year, I have fallen quite a few times because my left knee buckles. I am currently using a cane to maintain stability. I don’t know how much more I can take, I am in so much pain, and have absolutely no quality of life. Any suggestions?
Hi dianacorazon,
I am Marian, otherwise known as whitetiger52. I am feeling your pain. I would like to suggest small animals to hold and love. I have guinea pigs, they are like little puppies that do not grow big. They are always there for you, when you are particularly feeling down and painful, they sense it. As do most animals. I also have a cat. She lays on my chest when i am on a “flare” (dead tired, burning joints,depressed,tearful, cannot make sense of anything, not able to move around and be productive to my family). I love kissing little animals on their soft furry faces just makes everything better. I have RA, (suspect AS)Fibromyalgia,asthma,PTSD, GAD,GERD,panic disorder,severe clinical depression, degenerative joint disease, and a very weird sense of humor!)
Let me know what you think. =:}
Diana,
I am so sorry for you. Have you discussed this with your dr? Maybe there is more they can do for you; but I also cannot imagine having to ride a train in your condition! I hope you can get enough help so that you can continue the life you have, but sometimes, chronic illness like this leads to major changes like career and location. I would suggest you find support to help you to deal with these decisions – maybe an Arthritis Foundation support group or a friend or counselor – because this is very hard to handle alone. I will pray for you.
Diana:
I am so sorry to hear of your struggle with AS. I also struggle with AS and I completely understand the embarrassment of falling down. My husband keeps saying we have to move because I keep falling down the stairs. I found that taking muscle relaxants regularly helped with the falling. For back pain I also use a TENS unit from EMPI Recovery Sciences. I would also talk to your doctor and start filing for disability ASAP. Medical disability through the social security office takes over a year to go completely through the process. Since it is very lengthy I would suggest starting it now, knowing that you have options. Additionally I would if possible look for a job closer to home. With AS it is always about making accomidations. I also have found that physical therapy helps a whole lot. Because it is difficult for you to commute you may even be able to get in home physical therapy.
Sometimes it is so hard to keep having faith and keep looking forward but we have no choice. Keep your head up, we are fighters!!
Talk to your doctor about:
a. a brace for your knees
b. medical disability
c. TENS unit from EMPI recovery sciences
d. muscle relaxants
e. possibly a neuro consultation bc u r falling
f. physical therapy prefer in home
Also:
a. get medical disability forms and start reviewing (you can find them online easily thanks to google)
b. look for jobs closer to home with little or no commute
c. hang in there!!
I read this blog every time there is a new post so if you need me post a comment and I’ll response or Kelly will let me know.
Also familiarize yourself with resources in your area through the arthritis foundation (they have support groups all over the world) additionally I would suggest reading up on spondylitis.org to stay current on the happenings and research for us with AS. A lot of time Embrel alone isnt enough, people still need muscle relaxants, sleeping pills (very helpful for women with AS) and sometimes pain pills. Don’t take no for an answer, be your own advocate and make your dr listen or get a new one asap. You cannot keep living like this and your dr cannot think this is ok either and if he/she does you need to fire your dr and get a new one because he/she is heartless.
Sending lots of support and encouragement your way!
Karaleigh
I felt alone with this AS illness until I read your post.
You have given me so much information, and I wanted to thank you for the information and words of encouragement. You totally relate to how I feel because you have it too! It is so embarrassing to fall down in the street, it’s difficult for me to get up, especially when I’m alone. When commuting, people are in such a rush to get to work, just a slight brush up against me is all it takes to knock me down. People on the train see me with a cane, and they’re not even courteous to give a seat to a handicapped person, perhaps it’s a New York thing. I think the worst part of my problem is that I was diagnosed too late. You are absolutely right, I need to be proactive, because my dr. is very passive about my treatment, and he is not the one in pain, I am. I have an appointment coming up with him the first week of November, if he doesn’t listen to me, I will change drs. I don’t get much sleep because I am in pain most of the time, so the first thing on my agenda for my next dr. appt. will be sleep medication. Your suggestion about disability is a good one, I haven’t given any thought about disability, didn’t think I qualified. I have researched my employee benefits, and I work in a large law firm, so I have good benefits. If I go out on disability, my firm has long term disability insurance, which kicks in within 30-60 days, and pays me until I’m at retirement age. I will only go out as a last resort, I have worked all my life, so not working would be devastating for me. I will keep you posted.
Thank you so much,
Diana
Diana; Hi There! I don’t know how it works in N.Y. but here in Viva Lost Vegas, NV. my Dr. signed a form for me to take to the DMV and I got a Handicap placard for my truck. I just recently found out that anyone who has the placard or plates is also eligible for Paratransit Transpotation. Which means that you call the paratransit company 24hrs. in advance and give them your schedule and they will pick-up and drop off at your destination. I just thought it may be something for you to look into to ease your transportation a little. God’s Blessings!
I’ve had PsA, CPPD, and OA for about 15+ years. Recently I’ve have some lower back and cervical issues that cause me to think that I may have AK. Will run this by my Rheumatologist next month when I see him.
Over the years I’ve managed because I’ve gradually shifted to working out of my home. I still have to travel on business from time to time, but I’m able to deal with it. Working at home, however, has allowed me a chance to stagger my hours and fit them around how my body is feeling that day. It’s been a great help not to have to worry about getting dressed and made up and putting on the right face in the office. It took so much stress off me. I don’t even want to think what it would be like to have to go into an office 5-6 days a week.
If there’s any way you can get your employer to let you work a few days from home,by all means, do.
Kelly,
thanks for the information. I had never even heard of this. I had talked to the doctor and my HLA-B27 was high so he thinks it might be AS. I had to have a pelvic and lumbar spine xray today. I should know more when the doc gets the results from that.
Sue
Hey Sue!
Your doc is on the ball to run the test. I believe other spondarthropathies could be considered too, such as PA. Sometimes seronegative RA is re-diagnosed as PA when rashes show up years later. We are still very early in understanding these “arthritis” diseases. Did you have a negative anti-CCP? Anyway, the answers don’t give as much comfort as we want all the time. Either way, you will probably need treatment & support. And if it is AS, I’ll put you in touch w/my sweet friend, too.
Kelly, everything came back negative and my xrays were fine. The RA doc did not feel I need to see him anymore and I should see an orthopedic doctor.
I have been seeing 2 ortho doctors. One suggested nerve testing. I am having nerve testing done on the 6th. The other ortho doc said I need surgery. I have Dequervain’s tenosynovitis. Have you heard of that. It began in one hand, now it is in both. I will know if I really need the surgery after the nerve testing is done.
During this whole break I feel like I have been on so many appointments. I am still going to check your website alot because I still feel like I have RA symptoms. My hands hurt daily. Maybe the surgery will make everything ok.
Sue
Hi, Sue. Sorry no clear answer yet.
Unfortunately, the diagnosis process often takes awhile…RA or no RA. RA does begin this way sometimes (tenosynovitis), but until the docs are sure what it is, disease treatment is not an option. Did you play a musical instrument or anything that could have caused it?
Hopefully the surgery will resolve this and you’ll be fine. The nerve testing can be painful sometimes. Ask them what to expect. Let me know when you plan the surgery.
Thanks Kelly,
I go for the nerve test tomorrow…..fun! I will know soon about the surgery.
I will keep you posted…
I hope all is well with you!
Sue
p.s I did play the drums….I was more of a sporty kind of girl….track, softball, cheerleading, and soccer….hence the three knee surgeries….
sue
Hey Sue- I read your comments and wanted to reply to you. So I wrote a message, yet posted it wrong. So it will go to everyone. But look for it. I believe you have FM and do not need surgery. So check out my posting. Basicially I have AS and started having hands and toe problems like you. My doctor tested me and I have FM- Fibromyalgia. So please go to a Rheumatologists before you have the surgery just to be sure it’s not something else.
Before getting dignosed with AS, I had such bad knee pain (along with back pain and so forth). The doctor told me I had torn a ligament in my knee and did surgery. My rhemtaloogists- 5 years later when I went to one and got dignosed with AS, said it could have been the AS and not a torn ligament but the doctors didn’t know any better. So check it out first. I would just hate for you to suffer through a surgery if once it’s done and you heal…the pain come back. You know? So I’m on Lyrica and it really helps Sue. So check it out and good luck to you!!!
I am a 52 year old male with AS and Fibromyalgia diagnosed 20 years ago. It started when I was in college but was afraid to admit it for years because I had watched my father suffer with it my whole life. Nothing terrified me more than AS. Dad required morphine, had was completely fused in the spine, rib cage and hips. He could not work after age 24 but had military disability benefits. I have had problems most everywhere it usually goes and a few less common issues. Pain never stops and I have all the classic symptoms. Here is what I have learned from watching my father fight it my whole life and from fighting it myself all these years. I hope this helps someone.
1. The Churchill principle is the most important: Never, never, never, never, never give up!! Actually you will give up thousands of times; just don’t stay there. You cannot let the arthritis, pain and malaise win! It may slow you down, but you can never, ever let it stop you! Never!
2. You can tolerate way more pain than you think – and keep going. Do all you can to control pain, but don’t let it stop you from living your life. My father would have root canals with no extra pain meds because the AS hurt worse. Pain that used to send me running for the big gun meds is a part of my daily life while I run a successful small business.
3. Pain is major stress and it never goes away, so you will face clinical depression from the depletion of neurotransmitters. You need to be on antidepressants. (Hint- Wellbutrin does not make you drowsy, lose libido or gain weight so I suggest you ask for it first.) The principle is that you have to have a full court press approach instead of focusing just on the arthritis- keep weight down, lower blood pressure, check hormones (meds screwed mine up), take vitamins, take fish oil, eat right, get sleep test (we have higher incidence of sleep problems), etc. If you are not employed, you still have a full time job- getting better- so work it like a job.
4. Keep moving. Keep stretching. Get out of bed. Exercise- whatever you can do. Go to the store. Never miss major family events. You will hurt like hell tomorrow, but are still living your life. Sex will cause pain to start with but the endorphins are better than anything on the market. You need it and your spouse needs it. Start it even when you don’t feel like and enjoy the pleasure and relief. You will hurt worse tomorrow but you need the exercise and movement anyway.
5. Explain to those close to you that the frowns, sighs and grimaces don’t mean you are mad or upset; they just mean you hurt.
6. Stress=more pain. Deal with what causes your stress aggressively.
7. Many meds will put you in a perpetual fog- it is not worth it! Take as little as you can get away with, especially during the day. Caffeine is a pain killer too. Prefer meds that don’t cause the fog. Limit the others as much as you can.
8. The people around you don’t understand what you are dealing with. How could they? That doesn’t mean they don’t love you and it does not give you an excuse to quit. Searching for someone to understand and empathize is a frustrating largely wasted effort. We are driven to do this early on, but you can wean yourself. On the other hand, I always recommend prayer- if you are so inclined.
9. Skip the pity parties. No one else wants to go there, they waste energy you don’t have and you can rise above the defeatism. You will be tempted all the time- force your mind to something else. (If relevant to you- blaming God is a waste too. If you believe enough to blame, you believe enough to thank. Start with thanking and you will never get to blaming.)
10. Stay productive as long as you can. My doc signed off on the disability papers and that was 15 years ago. I almost went there and I know it will get me eventually, but I will only go there kicking and screaming. Stay productive. You need the pain distraction, the sense you contribute and the money to pay for treatment. Took me a long time and a lot of effort but I make 6 figures from a home based business. And it’s not just work- load the dishwasher, take out the trash if you have to drag it, keep up with your family as much as you can. Turn off the TV and do something. Make a difference as much as you can. The more you focus on others, the less you are focused on your own pain.
11. Alcohol is not a pain medicine. Trust me- don’t go there.
12. You don’t have to be bitter and grouchy. My father was often curt and angry when he was younger but he learned to deal with unbelievable pain and still have a genuine smile. His eyes were always kind and his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren loved him passionately. He somehow managed to overcome it all-pain, disfigurement, lost dreams- with grace and dignity. I don’t know exactly how he did it since I am not the man he was, but I know it can be done. Part of it, maybe most of it, was a deep and honest faith.
This part is for Sue and her hand problems. WAIT ON THE SURGERY!!! It sounds like you have FM- Fibromyalgia. It’s in the hands and toes and doctors who aren’t familiar, will think surgery. Lyrica is wonderful!! I have AS and found this site when trying to see the difference between AS and RA. Last year I starting having problems with the hands and toes. The doctor told me I had AS with the FM. So check it out.
For everyone else- I’ve enjoyed reading these post. I’ve been struggling for 4 years with AS. It hit me hard and took over my life. Put me in a wheelchair until we got the meds rights. I’m 40, a women (and it’s rarer in women) and never been married. So I have had to do this on my own. I had to move in with my parents while figuring it all out. It started in my legs and so severe that walking is extremely painful and difficult. It’s also something to know- this is heiratary. My father has it and was recently diagnosed. So if you have children, have them get the blood test done so that they can get treated early! As the others have posted, the sooner treatment is started- the better!! My legs are the worst, but now it’s spread to everywhere, so I didn’t get to it early enough and now, every part of my body hurts so bad. To those with problems sleeping- try taking 2 Baclofen at bed time. It’s a VERY strong muscle relaxer that helps you fall asleep and ease the pain. With this disease- AS- it’s all about managing. Manage the pain, manage the symptoms and manage your routine. I suggest finding a pain pill that works for you and keeping it in your system at all times. Constant lower doses, is better than taking higher doses once the pain comes on. If you wait until you are in pain, you have to wait for it to start working and by that time, your pain is so severe you need more. So just keeping it in your system at all times, is much better.
Lastly- one of the problems with AS, is the nerve can get effected. So try Neurotin. It’s a pain killer for the nerves and it makes a HUGE difference. And if you try Simponi. I was so excited about a new drug since I’ve tried them all. I got ahold of it in May and gave it 3 months. I couldn’t WAIT for those 3 months to be over cause it didn’t work at all!!!! I was cripple by September and went back to Humeria with Methatrax. But good luck to you, if you try it. My DR said none of her AS patients had any luck with it. So maybe it’s good only for RA.
Thank you guys for your posting. Helping one another is the best thing we can do. Finding new ways to live with these disease is what it’s all about now. So thank you guys and good luck and better living in 2010!!!
Hi Lori, Thanks. I agree “helping one another is the best thing…”
Good luck to you too.
Hello,
I don’t know where to start.I basically have NO support from my husband, which really hurts. At this point, I love him, but think I am remembering the past. We have two wonderful daughters, 10 and 12. They help around the house, but I can see they are starting to resent it. I do not want them growing up thinking of their mother as always ill and taking meds. My girls and I are very close and loving. They are the only reason I go on. It is at the point of my husband not wanting to hear anything related to my illness, and says “Thats ALL we talk about!” Which is not true. So, I have been withdrawing from him. I have been DX with RA, seronegative. Symptoms came on years ago, such as inflammed lungs twice a year, Dr’s assumed it was Pnemonia. In hospital, always gave me 100 mg of Prednisone, which after awhile I gained up to 60 pounds…and not eating at all. I hate Prednisone. Finally one morning, i woke up with stiff, sore finger joints, toe joints, lower back (sacroliliac joints mainly)lumbar lordosis had since I was 22 years old. Was in two abusive marriages, last husband was killed on job. Remarried year later to my brother-in-law (that I never knew) he helped me through all the horrible emotions, helped w/paperwork, talked me through all feelings/ turned out to be my bestfriend. Moved me into his condo to re-coup. I don’t think i ever re-couped, even though my late husband was abusive mainly when he drank, being a Vietman vet. Had his own “ghosts”. Anyway, in 2000, I was DX with Clinical Depression from all the violent things i had been through. My brain was depleted. Also DX of PTSD. Stress brings on past memories immediatly. DX of RA seronegative, Fibromyalgia, DDD, Lumbar Lordosis, Thoracic Kyphosis. Put on Mexatrexate (2009)10 mgs, any amt higher raised liver enzymes. Tried “Simponi”, newest TNF blocker. No relief, tried 7 months. Meanwhile, telling my Rhemy that my lower sacroiliac area, hip socket,rite side, down thigh, was extremely painful. scale 5/of 1 thru 5. He said” RA not go in spine. And passed it off. I am on OxyContin 40 slow release, 3 x day. Have RA fog,fatigue couple times month. Been known to sleep staight thru 3 days,2 nites. Rheumy gave samples of RX Nuvigil. Helped tremendously with getting me back to talking “intelligently” and not any 60 hr stints of “complete exhaustion”. Still, no reduction in inflammation….developed Pericarditis from constant inflammation. Not happy w/current Rheumy. Had to ask for Enbrel, auto-inject @ week for trial. Good news, 1st few days,seemed to be controlled somewhat. Even better news…Rheumy is leaving state,another will take his place. Only 2 in large county. Other one is retiring in yr. Never had support,no feedback,quiet North Korean young Dr./always glancing at watch. I NEED MORE HELP! I have two beautiful girls needing Mama. I have applied to SSD over a yr ago,jumped thru all hoops w/attorney, hearing is approx 5 months away. I need the money w/all my meds expensive. Just want to live my life w/my children/being able to go places/camping/walking trails/being “one” w/nature is better than any med available. I believe I have AS as well as OA (OA has been DX), current Dr is useless. My R hip,sacroiliac joints, R thigh are in constant pain even w/OxyContin. I limp when I walk. I made up my mind several weeks ago, I will still be active, and drag R leg if I have to. Tired of missing children’s events,etc. Hurts worse if I sit. Got to get my mind straight…would help if I had emotional support. Can anyone out there be my friend??? I promise I won’t whine or complain. Just need to share w/others in same boat.
I’m sorry to read what you have been through. I have been through some of these things too. Many others are also suffering in similar ways. Does it help to know you are not alone?
Just now I said a prayer for you – hoping you can find the right doctor & medicine. Have you ever looked for a support group? Sounds like what you need is a friend with RA. We’ll be glad to be your friends here, too.
You are among friends… we stand together not divided… most of us here have come and found this site as a last effort to trying ( I know I did) My outlook changed so much since reviewing all the posts i could grab and find there is still so much uplifting and rather just a another way to look at this thing we call different abilities.. We are all differently abled humans , its nice to know that a group of us here are similarly abled. When you reach the end of the rope , remember your still here fighting.. It does help to have companionship in the trenches..I have spinal stenosis, RA, Sjogrens, and fibro. and thats just the tip of the burg. It also helps to share with our loveds ones some of the truths on this web page.. to make it more a visable disease then it is otherwise stated in the world..
Helped my husband see that I was not just a slob faking it thru it opened his eyes to what other people go thru when im saying the same things taking the same meds.. I share all my medication warnings with hubby and do research which is my friend.. I continue to find hope and faith in this site, and pray you do
Hi whitetiger52, my name is Karaleigh (I’m the one in the picture for this AS blog), I am 26yrs old, married, three dogs (they are our children). I also have AS. I have in the past suffered from PTSD, currently Dx with Panic Disorder. I have a lot of trouble working, sleeping, controlling the pain and being able to be an active part of my own life. It has been wonderful to learn on this blog that I am not alone. There are so many wonderful and supportive people on here that have great ideas. We all are in the same boat whether RA, OA, AS, PA, FM, CF or JRA. We all are looking for that relief so we can be a part of our own lives. It can be really difficult sometimes but knowing that I am not alone does help, I hope you find it comforting too. I suggest keeping tabs on this blog, Kelly does update frequently, nearly daily. She has amazing information. It has really inspired me to be very proactive about my treatment. Additionally it has taught me a lot about the arthritic family diseases. I also have learned some great tips on managing life whether doing dishes or working in an office. The people on here are very resourceful and clever. Take care and best of wishes to you.
After reading this I’m a little confused and now alarmed. When I was trying to find a diagnosis 10 years ago, I was tested by my orthopeadic doc for AS and I did have the marker. He then sent me to a Rheumatologist that confirmed to me that I did have RA. I really didnt know there was much difference. I thought AS is just a form of RA and that’s that. My RA has been widespread in every joint, but the worst hit areas for me has been my spine,{I’ve had a C-spine fusion}, my feet and my SI joints. When I went to a new Rheumy a few years ago, he did the test again and found no marker. We could not find the results of the previous test. I just assumed I did not have AS after all. Recently, I’ve been having trouble breathing. I explain to the dr’s that it feels like a tight band is forming around my rib cage. I was sent to a pulmonologist and went through a series of test, all conclusive that my heart and lungs are in good shape. He does believe it is due to my RA, somehow. That’s great news, only I’m still having trouble breathing, especially after alot of exsertion. My symtoms sound like those of AS. Should I ask my Dr. to repeat the test? Do others with RA have this problem? Thanks for any help.
Hi Sharon,
There are genetic tests as you mention for both AS and RA. Maybe your doc will want to do that, but first – do you have a positive anti-CCP test? That is highly specific to RA and is almost “proof” of RA if we can ever get proof. It’s a simple blood test & I’d be surprised if you did not already have it in your records somewhere.
Of course we can’t tell what’s going on with your breathing problem / chest pain, but even if it is caused by RA, that doesn’t mean to let it go. It can be difficult, but I hope you can get a second opinion if you need it to get an answer. There are so many possibilities – like nodules in lungs or fluid or inflammed joints – whatever it is may still need to be addressed. Hope that helps a little.
Sorry, also whitetiger52, I’ve been in your situation and I know how painful it can be. Write me anytime on facebook or my email is terwoodbrown@aol.com. I’m sorry your feeling so alone and I’ll pray for God to give you comfort.
Various autoimmune diseases may be genetic and connected. I have ancestors with various diseases. I have RA and my sister has AK, as does her grandson. I have cousins with RA, too. Where does it stop? It’s a terrible thing to have these diseases run in your family and know that your children and grandchildren may be inflicted, too.
Anita
I agree. My family tree shows RA too. Sometimes, I worry about my children. But if they have one little sign, they’ll be seeking treatment immediately. Hopefully, it would never happen!
Whitetiger52, I’m praying for you.
You have a huge amount going on in your life, and it is good that you can recognize that you need help carrying the load. I’m praying that God will bring people alongside you to help you each step of the way in each circumstance.
God loves you, your daughters, and your husband. God wants His best for you, and He will work in your life in ways you could never imagine. Please trust Him with your heart, your pain, and your circumstances, and watch what He will do in your life. Reach out and ask for help from someone or a few people who you trust and respect, or even an assistance agency that can refer you to people who can help.
Even if that takes a lot of effort for you, do it anyway and don’t give up. Keep going forward. You are right, your daughters need their Mama. And God has a plan for a good future for you and your family.
Keep pressing forward, trust Him, pray, and go through the difficulties of asking for help and accepting help from others. You may think I’m being presumptuous and perhaps insensitive. But I am speaking from my own experience of watching God working things together for the good in my life and my family. Years of difficult circumstances and tears, but trusting, praying, and watching as step by step, day by day, minute by minute, God has provided His best for us.
God will provide His best for you, too. Many here are praying for you, and will be praying for you in the future. He has you here at this online community, and He has His people in your home community who will come alongside and help you each step of the way.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will direct your path. (Proverb 3:5,6)
White tiger52-I’m so sorry you’re going through such a difficult time. There are so many that care about you so don’t give up. Just a couple of things to suggest-#1.- Individual/couple/family counseling helped myself and my husband tremendously to learn how to cope with the depression, anxiety, uncertainty,and stress that accompany these diseases(I’m also on an antidepressant). I have RA; and at times, have had severe sacroiliac inflammation helped a great deal by #2-steroid injections into those joints. I’ve also had pleuritis/pleurisy and pericarditis like you’ve described in your experiences. My heart goes out to you, and I just wanted to let you know you’re NOT alone. Also just wanted to relay a couple of things that helped me. If anything I’ve gone through can help someone else, I know that my suffering wasn’t done in vain then.I’ll keep you ,your husband, and family in my prayers.
Hi Julie,
Thank you for your reply. I’m sorry it took so long for me to go back to this website to see my replies. Sounds like we have a lot in common medically. I see you have been through pericarditis. Did it feel like your chest was caving in, and you could not catch your breath? My asthma was aggrevated by it. My PCP chose to get xray of my heart, lungs,ECG,sent me to a Cardiologist. With my symptoms, they wanted to make sure i had no CAD. So, had nuclear stress test with pharmaceticals. All clear, no blockages, but lots of dollars later, they did an ECHO which showed what was going on. Funny, the Cardio and I both thought because I had RA, it probably was Perio. It showed on the last test. with pleural effusion, which was shown on my first xray way back at my PCP’s before they did all this other nonsense. I come from a medical background. My father was a family doctor for a decade or so, but gave it up because of stress. Went to work for Lockheed. Anyway, my grandfather, (his father) and great grandfather, and great great grandfather, and great great great grandfather were surgeons. Boy was my grandfather angry at my father when he quit his practice!! Hee Hee. People have to do what makes them happy, not what makes other people including parents, happy. Anyway the point i was making was i grew up on medical books, anatomy, books books and more books. I cut my first teeth on medical books. I never had the time, the money to become a nurse or doctor. I did the next best thing. I worked in medical offices, and also medical insurance. I consider myself very knowledgable with the human body. I keep up on the newest things by reading as much articles as i can. Oh, my….I am not used to going on and on about myself. I am not trying to set myself up as higher than anyone else. I was curious to what your symptoms were with pericarditis. Mine, this time around, does not seem to want to go away. Look forward to hearing from you