Ankylosing Spondylitis

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I was wondering if anyone here also has this condition and if fatigue plays a large role in the varying symptoms? I am HLA B27 +, had one bout of Iritis and on and off back, knee and heel pain. I am awaiting an X-ray, meanwhile rheumatologist has diagnosed me with AS.

I have AS and have had it for about 15 years (actually diagnosed) but had it more like 20+ years!! My dad had it too. I have the HLA B27 also. I have had many bouts of Iritis over the years. I exercise and swim and do pilates and at the moment am just taking painkillers as and when.
Fatigue is a big part of the condition unfortunately. I also have Fibromyalgia and sometimes get out of bed feeling shattered!! Hope this helps a little!

Hi JoolyW, I find excercising with weights helps too but some days the fatigue is so overwhelming I almost feel like I've been drugged and am incapable of doing anything. My blood test have all come back fine on the anemia and thyroid front. I have been reading positive results on the internet from other sufferers regarding a starch free diet which I started a couple of days ago, I'll give anything ago...

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When my (late) Mum was ill, AS was linked to klebsiella infection she suffered from on-and-off for years :(
We didn't realise at the time that we could have tried probiotics or diet to eradicate bacteria w/o wiping out her immune system by frequent a/bs.

If we had our time again, this would be my main direction. Starch free diet would be consistent as that would hopefully eradicate bacteria growing on carbs, so I think there is a link.

klebsiella link a possibility?

Dh has it. He has iritis about once a year but that's the main problem for him. He has had it diagnosed 30+ years, his mum and brother both had it. He has the stiffness/pain side only after doing excessive exercise/driving, he says he gets fatigued but I've never noticed it as any more than I would. Although long term pain will cause fatigue.

He goes to the Mineral hospital in Bath as they specialise in it & would advise travelling there. They do regular intensive(week) treatment/Physio sessions but he hasn't been on one for a while.

Thankyou both for the info. I'm going to stick to the starch free diet if I can although it's incredibly dull and limited food wise, however, the rain hasn't seemed to have cause the usual inflammed feeling in the back and knees which it normally does for me on a damp day..

My ds is gluten free and carb-lite and I would say his diet is best ever as carbs don't have much nutrition per se anyway.
Best of luck, I think you are on the right track

As far as I know, fatigue plays a large part yes. I heard a talk by a rheumatologist who said he finds that his patients can need 10 hrs sleep as average.