Effective ways to treat Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Question

I suffer from Ankylosing Spondylitis and have been feeling the effects for over 3 years now since I was 19. I've been on a drug called Remmicade for over a year with great results, my disease is in almost complete remission. The thing I am worried about is if anything were to ever happen with my insurance etc., there would be absolutely no way I could afford the Remmicade treatments. Have you, or do you know of any alternative treatments you have used and seen real results? I went to just about every quack doc imaginable before starting the Remmicade treatments with no luck so I am a bit discouraged with the homeopathic route.

I was on Indocen for over a year, it gave me limited mobility. Better than not walking at all, but its hard on your kidneys.

Answer 1

I don't know what other real medications you tried previously that didn't work.

I have had AS for over 20 years now, initially symptomatic in my late 20's. For the past 15 years (+/-) I have been treated - more or less effectively - with indocin and azulfidine.

Several years back I talked about Remicade with my doctor. He is a rheumatologist at a major teaching hospital. He said that I don't need it and most of his patients don't.

If/when you reach a point where the Remicade is not an option for you, you will just need to talk with your doctor about alternatives. They are out there.

Remicade may be one of the major new meds being used for AS, but you may be like most of us and not really need it.

Good luck with it.

TJ

Answer 2

AS is an arthritic condition affecting young adult males. The disease objective is to calcify your spinal ligaments and joints stating at your sacro-iliac joints going upward!.. The disease manifested early with low back pain. People with AS can live to 65+ yrs with one problem that is they cannot bend forwards as all joints of the spinal column will be fused. Breathing will also be affected. Avoid eating red meat and eat bright fruits and vegetables to boost your immune system. Nothing else works!! Best wishes!

Answer 3

FYI, many pharmaceutical companies have patient assistance programs. Infused medications like Remicade are often too costly to pay for out of pocket. Check out the company to see if they have the patient assist. programs. Most do. Good luck.

Answer 4

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