Tell us about your symptoms and treatment experience. Take our survey here.

It Could Be Worse

I am a 52 year old male with the hlab27 gene. I have 6 children and ten grandchildren. 2 of my children also have AS.

Comorbidities with AS

I was first diagnosed with AS in 95 all though I first started hurting in 88. I have been on numerous NSAIDs and tnf blockers. It seems like if a condition has "itis" in it ive had it: tendonitis, hydrentinits, iritis, colitis, and many more "itis's".

I've had 57 surgeries and just last year I was diagnosed with myelofibrosis with the calr1 gene mutation, so that was a kick in the nads. I was strung out on oxycontin for 10 years and finaly got off them and on buprinorphine, but since I was diagnosed with the bone cancer, my splenomegaly has been so painful.

Staying positive with AS

With the cancer, I couldnt take enberel or humira, so now I'm back on morphine and have the pain somewhat under control. Now I'm anemic and have a hard time exercising because I faint when I do too much, but I still get up everyday and am glad I make it threw the night.

So, for all you suffering from AS, I pray that you find the strength to face this horrible disease and find the right meds to ease your pain. And just remember it could always be worse!

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The AxialSpondyloarthritis.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

Community Poll

Have you taken our In America Survey yet?