Happy Birthday to the big guy. . . .

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (pronounced ank-kih-low-sing spon-dill-eye-tiss), or AS, is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, although other joints can become involved. It causes inflammation of the spinal joints (vertebrae) that can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort. In the most advanced cases (but not in all cases), this inflammation can lead to new bone formation on the spine, causing the spine to fuse in a fixed, immobile position, sometimes creating a forward-stooped posture. This forward curvature of the spine is called kyphosis.

 

AS can also cause inflammation, pain and stiffness in other areas of the body such as the shoulders, hips, ribs, heels and small joints of the hands and feet. Sometimes the eyes can become involved (known as Iritis or Uveitis), and rarely, the lungs and heart can be affected. 

 Currently, there is no known cure for AS, but there are treatments and medications available to reduce symptoms and manage the pain. Recent studies show that the new biologic medications can potentially slow or halt the disease progression in some people.

Although the exact cause of AS is unknown, we do know that genetics play a key role in AS. Most individuals who have AS also have a gene that produces a "genetic marker" - in this case, a protein - called HLA-B27. This marker is found in over 95% of people in the Caucasian population with AS. It is important to note, however, that you do not have to be HLA-B27 positive to have AS. Also, a majority of the people with this marker never contract ankylosing spondylitis. 

Scientists suspect that other genes, along with a triggering environmental factor, such as a bacterial infection, are needed to trigger AS in susceptible people. HLA-B27 probably accounts for about 40% of the overall risk, but then there are other genes working in concert with B27. There are probably five or six genes involved in susceptibility toward AS. It is thought that perhaps AS starts when the defenses of the intestines start breaking down and bacteria from the intestines pass into the bloodstream directly into the region where the sacroiliac joints are located. 

Unlike other forms of arthritis and rheumatic diseases, general onset of AS commonly occurs in younger people, between the ages of 17-45. However, it can affect children and those who are much older. AS is more common in men, but occurs in women as well. 

The severity of AS varies greatly from person to person, and not everyone will experience the most serious complications or have spinal fusion. Some will experience only intermittent back pain and discomfort, but others will experience severe pain and stiffness over multiple areas of the body for long periods of time. AS can be very debilitating, and in some cases, lead to disability. 

Almost all cases of AS are characterized by acute, painful episodes (also known as "flares") followed by temporary periods of remission where symptoms subside. 

It is important to know that ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic, or life long disease and that the severity of AS has nothing to do with age or gender. It can be just as severe in women and children as it is in men. 

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Ok.  So, you are thinking. What is this about??  

This is about M.  She was diagnosed with AS the beginning of November.  In her words.... At least I'm not crazy.  There is a reason I hurt. 

Now we just learn more about this disease. Stay on top of the doctor appts. Take the medications to help prevent it from getting worse. Take the pain medication.  And keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Happy happy. . . . .

to our first born.

To our Jessica Kay.

29 years!!

Wow! I can remember bringing you home

from the hospital when you were born.

Now your 29. And married.

Love you to the moon and back!

catch up. . . .

Just when I think I'm getting caught up here. . . . . I fall behind.  :-)  Seems to be the story of my life.

I have no pictures to share but can get you all up to date.

Roger & I were to go to my Mom and Dad's for Thanksgiving Day.  But of course we would have an ice storm.  Then we were to head east to spend the weekend with our girls.  That too did not happen.  I was not prepared for Thanksgiving at all.  So we compromised and had chicken and noodles.  Close enough, right??  I do have to say I was pretty bummed all weekend.  

 Last Friday we finally got to head east.  WaaaaHoooo!!!!

Roger, Me, Jorge, Glada, Audrey & Scooter (the new puppy) left mid morning.  When we got to Topeka we got some quick shopping in.  We also got to spend a short time visiting the girls at the bank where they both work.  Now how convenient is that??  Nice!!

Saturday we got to spend ALL day with our girls and their new hubbies.  (Now that sounds funny.  I'm going to have to get used to that.)  We stuffed our selves.  And then we stuffed our selves some more.  It was after 10 pm before Roger and I made it back to Jessica & Gabes.  

Sunday morning we all met at a pancake house for breakfast.  And then it was on the road heading west again.  

It has been 4 days and I'm already having with drawl.  Boo!