hef0902

Hello,

I think there is a reduction in the pain. But I do know there is a decrease in the inflammation time period. Typically a flare-up would last at least a week, maybe two, and if I am able to work through the pain in my yoga sessions the pain almost goes away completely. But there are times when the pain is too much and some of the moves are impossible to do and I have to wait till the pain subsides.

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a strange disease because I might have a flare up in the right hip and without warning the left hip will flare up while the right hip pain goes away. The diet is a tough one. For example, peppers are a great anti inflammatory food for most people. But for me they actually cause inflammation. I try to avoid beef because something in it causes flareups, but all other meat is ok. I’ll talk to other AS carriers and beef is fine. It takes a lot of discipline, journaling and trial and error to figure out the diet component.

I do wish doctors would take the time to learn the holistic approaches to diseases like Ankylosing Spondylitis. With that said, I know when I need to schedule an appointment my doctor is scheduled out three months. I’m not sure she even has the time to actually study the holistic benefits. That is why I think it is important for AS patients, and I guess all people, to be their own advocate and not just rely on medical professionals (medical professionals are important element to a person’s health too).

David