Patty
Dear Joanne, I was diagnosed with AS as a teenager as well. I am now 48 years old. For several years I was on all kinds of pain killers, indocin, various forms of cortisone etc.. I finally felt that the side effects from the meds were as bad or worse thatn the disease. I wanted to become pregnant, so I went off all the medications and started to see a chiropractor regularly as well as trying to strengthen my body through good nutrition and excercise. I am happy to report that I have had 3 healthy children and I am able to lead an active life. There are times when I am in pain, but most of the time I have complete movement of my joints and can manage the pain with Aleve if necessary. Read all that you can about nutrition especially from people like Andrew Weil. I was told that my spine would be fused by the time I was 35. I wasn't willing to accept that without a fight, and thank God it payed off. I wish you the best.