has anyone been here?

[sweetieeee]

I HAVE ALOT OF MEDICAL PROBLEMS BUT LATELY  MY LOWER BACK LIKE BY THE WAIST OR TAILBONE AREA IS IN SO MUCH PAIN  IT HURTS SEVERLY AND I  HURT WHILE STANDING FOR A WHILE. EVEN WHEN I TRY TO BEND OVER  EVEN A LIL BIT AND I TRIED STRETCHING BUT NADA .SOMEONE TOLD ME THAT SINCE I HAVE JOINT PAIN ASSOCIATED WITH MY ULCERATIVE COLITIS BUT I HOPE THATS NOT TRUE  DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYTHING THAT MIGHT HELP ME IM ONLY 26 CAN MY BODY BE FAILING ALREADY?

[IBSDubai]

You should definitely see a rheumatologist and I'm sure they can help you. If it is AS then it is manageable so don't worry!

I have ankylosing spondylitis and irritable bowel syndrome. I think they are most definitely related. I've been following a low starch diet (Carol Sinclair's IBS Low Starch Diet) and it has really helped. I've also recently started seeing a nutritionist and had food intolerance tests done, am taking Schussler Tissue Salts and incorporated the Anti-Inflammation Diet Plan into my menu planning. All this is detailed on my blog www.bonappetitreview.blogspot.com

Ultimately, if you are really suffering with AS there are different levels of treatments from NSAIDs up to immuni-suppresants. Last year I had a 3 month course of Humira and it didn't help but I then had a 3-month course of Enbrel and it put my AS into remission. Both of these treatments are very expensive and not pleasant as you have to have injections on a bi-weekly / weekly basis into your stomach.

I am now trying to maintain my remission through managing my diet, daily exercise, daily stretching (see a physiotherapist to get the right exercises) and daily meditation (I think stress is a key trigger) plus monthly massages to keep my soft tissue moving and relaxed.

[determinedinTexas]

I was researching additional pain I have a ran across your comment.  You have classic symptoms of AS, ankylosing spondylitis.  It's an autoimmune disease that attacks the spine primarily.  Almost 2 years ago I was diagnosed.  Finding a doctor was half the battle, but once you have a name for your ailments you can move forward!  Please see a rheumatologist!!! Along with the AS I have classic IBS. It hurts to sit somedays, stand for long periods, some days I apply heat all day on my neck.  Currently I can't get over the pain in my glutes and hamstrings - I'm guessing I have inflammation where the ligaments attach to bone.  Anyway, doing well but more info is always good.  If you doubt me, click on the website www.kickas.org.  I hope you get your answers...and please make an appt. for a rheumatologist!!!  Best wishes