Ankylosing Sponkylitis ?

[Spaceystac]

My father has this disease, and I was wondering if anyone here had any family with this disease. My Grandfather also had some form of RA, and by his 70's was hunch backed and had multiple knee replacements. Ankylosing Spondylitis is a autoimmune disease, I just learned this. I was tested for the genetic marker of this disease and It was negative, but that doesnt mean I cant develop it. Also, men get this disease WAY more often than women. I am wondering if maybe the disease presents like a different disease in women.  It also has other complications similar to  EDS, like Dural Ectasia. (I think this is where my Tarlov cyst falls into all of this). Severe cases of Dural Ectasia can even cause CSF leakage leading to Chairi like presentation on MRI with the cerebral tonsils and hind brain crowding .  Dural Ectasia also can lead to other types of spinal cord cysts because the dura is weaker than in a normal person.   So I just wanted to see if any one here had ever of this AS. I know I could ask the Rheumatoid Arthritis community, but I want to see if there is any kind of genetic family linkage.   Stacey
  

[Spaceystac]

Thank you for your reply! I am still learning what kinds of things I need to keep an eye out for with my dad so any more info that we should know would be greatly appreciated.

[Alicia696]

Hi there is one way to find out if you AS. MY husband and my oldest son have AS. We found out my husband had AS when he kept getting iritist ( its when the eye swells and gets red and you can loose your vision if not treated. There are many forms of AS my oldest has back and knee problems but they dont have chiari. The blood disorder that is related to AS is HLB-B27. I was check for it cuz my dad had it an I dont have it and I have chiari. Im not say it couldnt be related but my husband and son both have AS with no chiari.

Best of luck to you
Alicia

[Spaceystac]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dural_ectasia
Dural ectasia
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Dural ectasia is a widening or ballooning of the dural sac surrounding the spinal cord usually at the lumbosacral level. It is one of the major manifestations of Marfan syndrome. It may cause low back pain, headaches and neurological signs such as weakness and loss of bowel and bladder function, but in many patients it is asymptomatic.

Dural ectasia may also manifest in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome,[1] Neurofibromatosis,[2] and cauda equina syndrome in ankylosing spondylitis.

[selmaS]

Oh...I never heard of it, I am sure it is a local program in ur state and is the reason.

We all have spelling issues, if I didn't have spell check on most of the time I would have my own language going on here : )

[Spaceystac]

Ankylosing Spondylitis   totally misspelled it in the title of my post.  I have had a bad time with spelling and typing lately.

[Spaceystac]

GAU assistance, I dont know what it stands for but its what they call the program I applied for. It is for people that need emergency medical, have children living in their home, or are disabled. Im not 100% sure that I am approved, but I will find out Monday.

[selmaS]

Stacey I have to admit I am not sure what GAU refers to...but it appears from ur reaction it is a good thing so congratulations.

When u look into family history it is funny how much u find out....my Grandmother had a goiter and diverticulitis as well....my patents both had their GB's out....but digestion, IBS, issues seem to be the norm for us.....and I know it is genetics and I know there r many studies looking into it all....

I look forward to ur updates : )

"selma"

[Spaceystac]

My dad also has heart problems, and very bad memory. He has taken a few falls him self. He lives with me so I can help and keep an eye on him, he just turned 60. He has fused vertebrae in his neck from birth. He had diverticulitis and hernia surgery at a very young school age. He also has hiatal hernia, Barret's Esophageal tissue.  I am going to work on getting him it to see some specialists, Im sure now that there is a common cause to all this.  My sister has a lot of the problems that come with EDS, severely flat feet, hyper extensive joints, tummy problems, skin problems.    My mom has 4 herniated disks in her lower back and a herniation that resulted in a fusion in her neck. My mom has had too many health problems to list.    It is all starting to make more sense. I am fascinated by genetics, I will keep you posted on my research.

So this has nothing to do with my post but I had to share. Last night I went to the grocery store and get some food with the food stamps the state gave me (they made me take them) and on my reciept it says that there is a cash balance and I know that I wasnt there a couple days ago. They dont give you money enless you get GAU, and insurance. I dont know for sure but i think I got approved I am so excited!!!  I called and it just says status is active so this is very good!!!

[selmaS]

There r sooooo many aspects of Chiari and it's related conditions that I do not know if there is an answer...but I do know we r prone to autoimmune disorders like RA and connective tissue disorders too.

As for a genetic link, it is being researched and believed to be the case.

Many chiarians have found a family link...some may not as  like myself my father whom I feel is my link, refuses to get tested.His brother has a son with spina bifida and more recently a grand daughter with spina bifida  as well.

My dad has many symptoms even the fatty cysts under his skin, HA's....he falls alot and has no idea why.Feels it could be med related...has heart palps......

Nething else u find out would love to hear about......


"selma"