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http://www.healthline.com/health/ankylosing-spondylitis/doctor-questions
10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Ankylosing
Spondylitis
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| Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/13/questions-to-ask-your-doctor-for-men_n_2860373.html |
Written by Linda Andrews | Medically Reviewed by George Krucik, MDPublished on April 2, 2012
You’ve been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a form of
arthritis that causes inflammation of the joints in the spine. But putting a
name to your back pain is only the beginning. There’s still a lot to learn
about taking good care of your spine and making the most of medical treatment.
And the more you educate yourself, the better you’ll be able to manage your
pain now and reduce serious problems in the future.
Below are 10 key questions to ask your doctor about AS. Add your own
questions, and create a master list to take with you to your next appointment.
What do you need to know about my back pain?
The information you provide is crucial. It helps your
doctor choose a treatment plan for you and gauge how well it’s working. Among
other things, your doctor will want to know how long you’ve had pain, where
exactly you feel it, when it feels better (such as after exercise), and when it
feels worse (such as first thing in the morning).
Is there a medical test that can confirm my diagnosis?
A diagnosis of AS is based largely on your medical
history and physical exam. There’s no single test that can tell for sure
whether you have the disease. But in some cases, your doctor might recommend
getting an X ray, CT or MRI scan, or blood test to confirm the diagnosis and
rule out other conditions.
Could a problem other than back pain be due to AS?
The primary symptoms of AS are back pain and
stiffness. However, the disease can also cause various other symptoms
throughout the body. For example, it sometimes leads to pain in other joints,
heel or chest pain, eye problems, and fatigue. If you have additional symptoms,
ask your doctor whether they might be related to AS.
Which type of medication do you recommend for me?
Treatment for AS usually involves taking medication.
But several different classes of drugs are available, and one may work better
for you than another. If your doctor prescribes a medication, make sure you
know which class it falls into (for example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drug, tumor necrosis factor inhibitor), how it works, and why it’s the best
choice in your situation.
What are the risks and benefits of this medication?
If you’re prescribed medication, also make sure you
know how much to take, when to take it, and whether there are any special
precautions to follow. In addition, you should understand what benefits to
expect, what side effects to watch for, and when to call your doctor about
problems.
Which kinds of exercises should I be doing?
When you have AS, exercising and stretching play a key
role in managing your pain and maintaining your flexibility. Both strengthening
and range-of-motion exercises are important. Ask your doctor for
recommendations on specific exercises and activities. At times, a referral to a
physical therapist may be helpful.
What steps can I take to maintain good posture?
Practicing good posture is another integral part of
managing AS. Your doctor or physical therapist can recommend exercises to help
maintain good posture. In addition, make sure you know how to monitor you
posture so you can detect any changes early, before your spine becomes fixed in
an abnormal position.
What else can I do to take care of my spine?
Your overall lifestyle affects the health of your
spine. For example, if you’re overweight, losing a few pounds can take some
stress off painful joints. If you smoke, quitting can make it easier to
breathe, which is especially crucial if your lung capacity is already limited
by AS-related changes to your ribcage. Talk with your doctor about healthy
lifestyle changes that help you live well with your disease.
What is the outlook for my health in the future?
AS is a progressive disease, which means that it tends
to get worse over time. However, it may sometimes be possible to prevent or
delay this progression, especially if you start treatment early. At any stage,
treatment can also help relieve pain and improve quality of life. Ask about
your doctor’s treatment goals for you.
Where can I find more information and support?
Your doctor may be able to recommend local resources
and support groups. Other reliable sources of information include the
Spondylitis Association of America (www.spondylitis.org, 800/777-8189) and
Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org, 800/283-7800). When it comes to living
with AS, knowledge really is power.
