Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group (Spine) L5, S1

Hey, Tree:

Ooooh you hit a sore point.

Yes, from my photos, I have bridging activity at S1/L5--I think we all have this from lumbago--IT IS ALL related to AS; NOT because we are getting old! Well, AS is like progeria of the spine...

L1/L2 was the location of my previous surgery to add Harrington rods so that it would heal, but my trip down the stairs apparently undid all that, and I have severe pains there again. I blame S1/L5 for not being flexible enough, causing L2 to let go with a pseudarthrosis (fracture) or break clear through--that was PAINFUL!

Happy Water Skiing,
John

I'm fused in the left SI joint and squared off through 4 of my thoracic vertebrae. The way I'm feeling these days, I wouldn't be surprised if my right SI is trying to fuse, even with the Remicade. argh.

Hugs,

hmmmm, just had a revelation after reading some of John's posts on NSD forum---during my "parasite" treatment I was treated with Cipro, Flagyl (and another I have to look up). My appetite was nil so I was eating mainly a type of Thai chicken broth with ginger, and/or chicken quesadillas (tortilla is starch, I know) -- that was all that appealed to me (ok, and an occasional margarita) My stomach nausea was so horrible, i had forgotten about the pain in my back (it had magically gone away) , and I was pain free for about 3 months. Skinny, but pain free. The pain in my back started again about the time I returned to California and went back to my bad social eating habits (starchy, starchy). What do you think John, could the reduced starches in my diet have helped without me even being conscious of it? Or in order for the NSD to work would all starches have to be omitted, and it was just a coincidence? Thanks for your input. Warmest, Teresa

Big time

Hey, Teresa:

Quote:

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What do you think John, could the reduced starches in my diet have helped without me even being conscious of it? Or in order for the NSD to work would all starches have to be omitted, and it was just a coincidence? Thanks for your input.

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Yes, the reduced starches probably helped; not ALL starches need to be omitted to achieve some level of symptom reduction--as in Ebringer's LSD. It was probably no coincidence, but antibiotics do good and bad in a complex way, and after taking the Cipro in my own plan, I had considerable and lasting relief--much more than the strictest NSD alone was able to provide. The problems with antibiotics are the Herx (flare from bugs dying off), general attack on intestinal mucosa (killing off the good bacteria) that can increase LGS slightly, and the potential for candidiasis.

I was always worried that you would pick up something really bad down in Panama! India was a horrible setback for me--glad I only learned about the NSD after I returned. I am extremely careful in Philippines, but I always have antibiotics at the ready.

Best to You,
John

One wing up here!
I'm fused by surgery from L4-L5 due to herniated disc. But I have fusion l5-Si from the AS monster. I believe I had bony growths or something like that last time I had an xray a couple years ago.

There you have it... thats my story and i'm stickin' to it.

I always have Cipro at hand down here. But do have to say that the most excrucitating pain that I have ever experencienced is Dengue Fever---I have had it twice. It puts AS to shame. You hurt from the top of your head to the tip of your little toe. The locals call it "break-bone" disease. It lasts about 10 miserable days, and there is absolutely nothing you can do to treat it--pain killers. Thanks for your input, Warmest Teresa

Yes, me too - showed up about seven years ago on an MRI - I also have scoliosis...hope this helps

Hi There,
Yeap I am fused in both areas, but I must mention that my pain decreased greatly once the fusion occured there. It however then went to my thoracic spine. I have had A/S now 22 years, andthe thoracic spine is squaring off and I find my pain is less.


Janet

P>S
I can still touch my toes My butt is flat, and I do have a little different gait when I walk, nothing weird or noticeable, but my family has commented on this.