Spondyloarthritis

[mandmsmummy]

How worried should I be? Is it life threatening? I'm only 37 with two young children. X

Where is it? My DH has cervical spondylosis in his neck.

Bottom of spine and sacroiliac joint (pelvis) x

How does it affect your husband? X

No it's not life threatening just very painful

Hi like soon says its painful. He can't turn his head well iykwim, and he has to 'crack' it a lot to relieve pressure. It gives him headaches too. There is nothing to do apart from surgery. However, that will lead to more surgery. Etc etc. so he just lives with it, some days are worse than others, and he doesn't always need pain relief. Very rarely he needs Valium (diazepam) to ease a muscle spasm, and he has been prescribed naproxen but only takes them rarely too.

How're you this morning?

I'm ok, not up yet! Always feel like I've not been to bed. I'm not on medication as I have mixed advice. Should have a rheumy appointment next month so hopefully more info then. I feel for your husband, must be awful xx

I have cervical spondylosis too, was dx when I was 27 after episodes of my left arm going numb and a very painful shoulder. I also used to get very bad headaches that was caused by by neck. I also can't turn my head very well, not good when reversing!
I take tramadol, naproxen and amitriptyline for pain. I also have herniated discs at L5/S1 and some dehydration in a few of my thoracic discs.

mandm Cervical spondylitis is different to what you have. Cervical spondylitis is 'wear and tear' arthritis whereas you have an inflammatory type of arthritis which means your immune system attacks the joints. It is an autoimmune disease (and not dissimilar to rheumatoid arthritis but it affects different joints) and you will probably be put on medication called DMARDs (disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs) and/or anti TNFs. Your rheumy will discuss this with you. It is not life threatening and many people get their disease into remission and life an active and fulfilled life. All the best of luck.

Thank you all for your posts x x

Hi,
I have been diagnosed with this after some inflammation at the bottom of my spine was picked up on an unrelated X-ray. Have been referred for physio and was offered steroids at my rheum appointment. Being called back in 6 months and possibly started on some meds then to slow damage. Am hoping that the fact that the hospital have picked this now means they'll be able to provide support if/when this worsens. Currently symptoms are not too bad, but my mid back seems to be getting a bit more achy, not sure if that is related? Mainly I suffer with pain in my lower back if I'm not careful what I do.
Don't know why I'm posting really, just wanted to share. Thanks!