3 things I do to control the AS disease

I feel great! I am beginning to notice improvements here and there.

For one, I can toss and turn in bed pretty easily now. The pain and stiffness that used to make me hold on to the edge of the bed so I can turn to my side are gone. And I don't miss it at all.

But a few minutes ago, I did something that really made me feel the difference. I sneezed.

And it was okay. I did not feel that painful aftershock on my lower back which used to make me dread sneezing or coughing.

This prompted me to write this post and at least share what I have been doing differently the past few months.

I have been doing three things: eating, drinking and moving.

No drugs, except for the occasional Ibuprofen (last time I took one was two weeks ago). No supplements, except for salmon oil (last time I took it was also two weeks ago).

So here's my current diet: low starch, high protein, with a glass of chardonnay.

The low starch diet did not make me feel better overnight. I almost gave up on it after weeks of not feeling any relief at all. But I lost 8 pounds! And I wanted to lose a couple more pounds so I stuck with it. I'm glad I did.

Whenever I would feel back pains worse than usual, I also drink a glass or two of white chardonnay. Sometimes, I get carried away and drink more. But that's just me. Let me be clear on this though: I do not drink it everyday, okay? Only when I feel stiffness and pain creeping back again. And then I continue on with low starch diet.

Since I started feeling better, I started moving around more. I try to get up from my computer chair every hour and walk around a bit. I'm also using my elliptical trainer more these days. My husband looked for a low-impact workout equipment and this is what he bought it for me. Knowing him, who has all the patience in the world to read reviews and compare product features and prices, I'm sure this is a good one.

As you can see, there really is nothing special to it. The low starch diet was only hard in the beginning. Now, I think I have pretty much nailed it. And I will try to post some of my recipes to make it easier for you too.

Until then, stay healthy!

Get moving!

I found these helpful videos of good exercise routines for people with AS.

It includes warm up, mobility, flexibility and breathing exercises. I now have it bookmarked and will make sure to do these routines as often as I can. We gotta move it, move it, you guys.

Go sweat!

Drink up!

The more I read about Ankylosing Spondylitis, the more I feel disheartened.

I feel like it will take some major, major sacrifices and lifestyle changes to keep this condition under control. So imagine my delight when I came across this study from the American Society for Microbiology!

Wine actually kills Klebsiella pneumoniae which is the major suspected pathogen causing Ankylosing Spondylitis.

And to be specific, it's been observed that the white chardonnay seems to be the most effective, mainly because of its acidity. 

Now this is a therapy that I will certainly try.

The culprit

I am feeling really down today.

I received some bad news on Tuesday and as it turned out, my eye problem is only a taste of a bigger health issue. I had hints and clues of this problem for many years now but I kept dismissing it as a common back pain. Now it has a name.

Ankylosing Spondylitis.

And what an ugly name!

When I was a child, I remember my mom having these back and hip pains from time to time. She never had it checked, so eventhough I'm pretty sure I got it from her, I am not sure of anything else. She is fine and mobile up to this day. She never had the Iritis. Does that mean mine is worse?

Now, my dilemma is whether or not to go on these treatments that the doctor is proposing -- Enbrel or Remicade.

I have no idea. The side effects sound worse than the disease.

And how about having a baby? How is this going to affect that?

I feel sorry for my husband. We are only married two years and just getting started on a family. And here I go with my health issues.

Too many risks to consider. My head hurts.

I'm afraid.