I'd like to hear from anyone older than me who has this.

United States
September 29, 2010 5:59pm CST
I'm 21 years old and was diagnosed with AS last March while in basic training. I've been symptomatic my whole life but really started having problems around 15. I'm currently taking Humira and Cumbalta to help control the symptoms. Has anyone taken these for a prolonged period of time? I exercise almost every day but it's getting harder to make and keep improvements. I recently spent 4 months in jail and lost 25lbs probably due to poor diet and no humira. It's really frustrating when i've worked so hard to build up size and strength to lose so much of it in so short amount of time. Very discouraging when lifting and can only lift a shadow of what I could just last spring. I'd like to know What do you do to consistently control your symptoms? And what can I do to improve my athletic performance?
1 response
@dennisjb (52)
2 May 11
I am also sufferinmg with this condition, I am 60 years of age. I was being treated for back pain for years before it was properly daignosed and it was too far advanced for them to do much. I am now on Enbrel and methotrexate, as a form of arthritis it is incurable but it can be controlled. I have tried several alternative treatments but none have really been effective, unfortunately you will just have to put up with it. Enbrel has made a huge difference to my life, before i started taking that I was unable to do hardly anything.