Thnk u Pitac for all that information it was abig help.I don't like taking drugs they all hv side affects.On biologics for 5 months they did nothing so stopped those.When I go out for awalk makes my back and hips worse.I hope to get back into the pools water jogging when it warms up.Even when I do back excersises my back gets worse.U take care.Carole

@A MySpondylitisTeam Member. The meds that work come with side affects worse than the pain. Opiates or steroids, definitely not something to be on long term. The very best management long term is consitent physical therapy accompanied with Rehabilitative therapies. Exercises to strengthen the core support muscles for the area with hydro massage (jetted tub) and regular massage (i use a chair). External tens units are also helpful, the ones found at drug stores are easy to use. I also found an excellent topical cannabis cream that doesn't cause intoxication (it doesn't penetrate the bloodsteeam). Once i was able to reincorporate 5 days per week targeted physical therapy and stretching for a few months my week long flares stopped, so far. I have 3 herniated lumbar discs, bilateral sacroilitis with sclerosis up to top of both ilium, bilateral torn hip labrums, an intervertebral cyst, sacral cyst, and trochanter marrow lesion. All sounds horrific, and all perfectly livable without heavy meds. I allowed my Rheumi to try me on 5 biologics that did nothing for pain relief and caused much worse complications like kidney and liver damage and neutropenia. Now i take no meds at all. Keeping weight down and daily movement is by far the best therapy. Diet that minimizes inflammation and maximizes anti-inflammatory antioxidants is very affective to reduce pain and optimize quality of life. Feel free to peruse my wall, story, and particularly updates to learn more. Reach out for clarification on any of it any time. Kindest regards Carole. I hope my tips help you. 😌🙏

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@A MySpondylitisTeam Member. I dont know, while not ideal, it's not all THAT awful. I can still get out of bed, do my PT, and walk even if it is with assistance for distance. It could be so much worse, and it is so much better than it was in 2020 when it was all at its worst for me. Perspective is everything Carole. Im not hospitalized. I dont have a pretzel spine full of broken metal. There are some here like that. My life is pretty amazing when i consider the realities of others here. Cheers my Kiwi friend😉🙏😌

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GOSH IT SOUNDS REALLY HARD FOR WHAT U ARE GOING THROUGH.I hv Fibromyagia as well this can be pretty awful worse in the Winter.I am going to see my Dr next week.My Rhumatogist is hving surgery and won't be back until March
.Take care.

@A MySpondylitisTeam Member. I have a lot of difficulty walking too Carole. I understand. I cant walk more than 350 meters without using hiking poles or a cane. But i keep trying. Our summers make it impossible for me though with the heat and humidity staying high even late at night and early morning. So i start over every Autumn and see how far i can get before summer. Another hundred meters each week or two. Im hoping a stem cell treatment into my worst hip next week eventually enables me to get farther by next summer than i did this year. We go by miles here. My goal is always 5. Last year i made it to 4.25 miles before i had an acute hip bursitis in my "good" hip stopped me. This year i only got up to 2 miles, the bad hip has too much torn soft tissue. Anyway, what else is there for us to do but keep trying to get better or at least not get worse? Sitting around whining about it without trying to do anything other than take ineffective meds that make us worse isnt an option for me that I can live with. Not yet anyway. I hope this Spring has been pleasant for you so far in beautiful NZ Carole. 😌🙏🌺

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