A.S. & I

 

I was diagnosed as having ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in 2009.  I live in Bangkok, Thailand.

In the beginning I’ve had a persist pain in the right knee, left wrist, ankles for several  years.  Afterthat I was beginning to have pain in my hips,  lower back, buttock, shoulders and neck. It was constantly sore. standing, sitting, laying down, walking – it was awful. I’ve had limited range of motion in my spine and morning stiffness.   First time that happened in 2004 when I was 33.

I’ve suffered from unknown chronic inflammatory arthritis symptoms which persist for more than 5 years.  I’ve never received a definitive diagnosis from physicians what was exactly it be.  I lose lot of money for incorrect treatment. This unknown disease caused me stiff and inflexible joints, weak muscles. When joints pain was at its worst, I was unable to move and was incapacitated that impairs my ability to satisfactorily engage in normal daily activities.

I’ve endured above symptoms for more than 5 years untill I read the article about symptom of ankylosing spondylitis by Asst. Prof. Dr. Kitti Totemchokchyakarn, Rheumatologists, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital.  His article help me to know what maybe I have.  Afterthat I made appiontment with Asst. Prof. Dr. Kitti Totemchokchyakarn (who specialist in Allergy & Immunology and Rheumatology) at Phyathai 2 Hospital.   He examined me about medical history , radiologic tests and lab tests to confirm a diagnosis . Finally found that I have a spondyloarthropathies disorder called  Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).

It is imperative that people with symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis heed the early warning signs and seek diagnosis and treatment. Back pain and stiffness can be minimized with proper medical management. New therapies are emerging which help control disability and deformity associated with ankylosing spondylitis.

The early warning signs of ankylosing spondylitis are:
•Gradual onset of low back pain prior to age 35.
•Morning stiffness of the spine.
•Pain and stiffness that worsens with immobility.
•Pain and stiffness that improves with physical activity.
•Symptoms which persist for more than 3 months.

Let’s fighting for A.S. awareness

It’s so difficult to find out information about ankylosing spondylitis in Thai. But internet made me find lots of data. I learned and try to understand my condition.  Three years theatments, I have used many medications, physiotherapy including alternative theatments and practice Buddhist Vipassana meditation retreats (Mindfulness therapy). I believe practice of Vipassana or Insight Meditation able to improve psychological balance, cope with illness, or enhance overall health and wellbeing.  At the moment the most of my time I don’t feel too much pain. I’m happy with my entire life.

I would like to thank every  A.S. articles owner, every A.S. website and everyone who share A.S. experience .

I create this website to collect informations about A.S., it will also bring understanding to myself.  I hope you have found the information you were looking for on this site.

Now I found the effective ways to cope with A.S. and would like to share my experience. This website may help you who have A.S. or have relatives have A.S. to keep a positive outlook and learn from others how to deal with the condition and hope all of A.S. patients get wellbeing soon.