It's results day

Today saw me at my follow up appointment at the specialist.  I got my blood test results and X-ray review done, and the doctor has confirmed that I am an Ankylosing Spondylitis sufferer, and NOT an early stage AxialSPA patient. 

My hip joints and vertebrae show abnormal signs of change, with my vertebrae showing visible signs of "growing".  That just basically means it looks like it's going to connect, what they call the "bamboo spine". My blood test results came back with high inflammation markers, with my inflammation number at 87, when the normal range is 30 and below.  

Thank God I'm still at a rather early stage and medicating should help fight the inflammation.  I'm on Salazopyrin, which, according to the doctor, is a biological disease modifying drug.  

Nevertheless, I remain optimistic and thank God for each pain free day!  I can still vividly recall the pain, stiffness and discomfort I suffered a month ago.  

In addition, doctor says I can continue running, and it has NO negative effects on me.  In fact, he says that it is BETTER that I stay active.  I'm pleased!

I'm prepping myself for a half marathon this coming Sunday. I had not trained for it since my flare up occurred in early September. It's my first half marathon and my goal is just to finish it! 

Did a 10km training session on Monday night and hope that will be enough for this Sunday's 21km race! 

Medication

4th November <Monday> saw me at the specialist clinic. I hadn't seen a specialist since 2007.  On this visit, the doctor tells me there has been development in the research of this condition, and there are 2 categories of Axial SPA.  It is the later stage of this disease with visible (via X-ray) scarring of the joints that it is called "Ankylosing spondylitis".  He thinks I'm at the early stage.  We had an X-ray done, but I will only know the results at my next visit with him on 27 November.

The doctor prescribes me with a whole lot of medication and I initially doubtful.  I didn't like the idea of pumping my body with drugs.  He explained to me that the anti-inflammation pills are supposed to fight the inflammation.  My body is attacking itself, the pills fight back.  Well, okay I guess... It's worth a shot. 

Since taking the pills daily, I have started yoga again (slowly and cautiously) and also did a short run (3.5km) just to see how my body reacts.  I miss being active so much, and I don't regret this decision to medicate.  But I do eventually hope to not be reliant on medication and heal through diet and lifestyle changes.