I probably should have asked this earlier in the day, but I guess better late than never.
So as a 21 y/o male I have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. My rheumatologist recommended that I go on Humira. I talked to my general doctor too and he said that it would probably be a good idea to get it sorted out as early as possible.
However, both doctors did remind me about the side effects of the medicine and since it lowers my immune system, I would be more susceptible to infections and disease.
I just wanted to ask if any of you also have ankylosing spondylitis or know of people who have it about the lifestyle. Whether or not humira is a good way to go or not.
I'm just worried about the unknown long-term effects. I'm worried about a lifestyle worrying when the next infection will come around. I feel like I'll have so many more precautions that I'll have to jump through than I already have.
My asthma is well controlled and I know that I won't have to worry about it. I have another disease that affects my esophagus if I eat something I'm reactive to, but that is also well controlled and I don't have to worry about it. Both of these come with medications that I know I can continue taking without being worried I'll get cancer or TB.
Humira changes everything, and I think the anxiety won't be worth living through. BUT that's just my opinion. I have looked up reviews of humira working for AS but I thought I'd also ask you guys too. Should I be worried? Is it worth it in the long run? What is the lifestyle? Do you have it? Do your friends have it? What -can- they do? What -can't- they do?
I see my rheumatologist to talk about it again in a few hours. And I'm not sure if I'm confident enough to make a decision just yet.
I've two friends on it with chrones disease. One is seemingly fine, the other complains about having to always wear sunscreen, but his isn't prone to illness or anything. Seeing as the alternative is an increase in the speed of worsening symptoms with eventual surgery and possible colostomy bag it seems like a no brainer for chrones.
>>18465129
How long have they been on it?