Well, I'd like to say "hello" to you all. I just joined today. Without further preamble, I will make my first post...
I was diagnosed with AS about a year ago, but I still am not even sure I have it. I have had severe neck pain and stiffness for many years, but I figured it was the result of an auto accident I had over 20 years ago.
Meanwhile, I have total fusing of C1-C6 (the top cervical vertebrae? please correct me if I am using the wrong terminology) with only C7 not fused to the rest. My neck and shoulders are in constant pain/spasm and I have frequent headaches.
My Orthopedic surgeon is recommending PENS therapy. Has anyone heard of this or used it, and to what effect?
I must also say (well, "must" is not really the case, but it's probably a good idea) that I have the following things going on, as well:
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (under treatment)
• Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (taking medication, including Coumadin)
• Heel Spurs (three of them)
• Diabetes II (recently diagnosed, taking meds and trying to modify my diet)
• Some sort of extra tissue (diagnosed as benign about 20 years ago) in my right hip joint, but which gives me pain on occasion
• Recently had Carpal-Tunnel release surgery (both wrists)
Many of these may be weight-related (I could stand to lose a goodly amount of it), but as I have been reading up on AS, I am wondering if any of them could be AS-related instead.
Anyway, because of the coumadin, I can't take aspirin, or NSAIDS. Codeine makes me sick and acetaminophen doesn't do diddly. So I was just wondering if PENS might help, at least with the pain. I'm just hoping my insurance will OK the therapy, so I can at least find out for myself.
I've rambled a bit, and probably overstayed my welcome, but I hope I can find a few friends around here, and I look forward to meeting you, whoever you may be.
It only hurts when I laugh.
Too bad I find life so funny...
