Spondylitis Association of America Forums General Discussion Young Adults - The 20-Something Club Welcome to the 20-Something Club

Hey! I see this place doesn't get too much traffic, but figure it's nice to have some people to talk to. I am 24 years old (omg am I getting old!) Been playing around with the DX for 3 years now, I don't have the gene but bw, and a bizillion radiographs plus physical exam and family hx point to some kind of spondylitis. More atypical with the symptoms starting as hip pain progressing to more of the c-spine than L. also affecting shoulders, hands, jaw, etc...Unfortunately past the point of NSAIDS and sulfasalazine. Can't stomach tramadol or any other opiate-related drugs. And of course steroids can't be used long term. So, Humira is the drug of choice lol.

Unfortunately now you guys are going to have to deal with all my replies... sorry!

We're happy to deal with your replies! Make sure to pop in on the general forum too if you haven't already.

Is Humira effective for you? It was my first anti-TNF. I had an amazing 6 months of effectiveness from it. Just wish it lasted longer! Recently started Simponi and it seems to be beginning to kick in.

I'm sorry you can't handle opioids. I'm allergic to most that I've tried which is... inconvenient, to say the least. I was on Fioricet, a barbiturate, for quite a while with good luck. You might look into that route. It's usually prescribed for tension headaches, but worked well for my PsA pain. Just be aware that barbiturates make most hormonal birth control ineffective.

I'm so glad you found your way here! I'm always sorry to learn that someone else is suffering from one of these diseases, but glad to have another youngin' around the place.

Looking for some advice!
I've been on methotrexate for 6 weeks today, and I'm a bit concerned. Due to the fact that it's a form of "chemical therapy" some of the side effects are hair loss etc. I haven't noticed anything yet, but I'm absolutely terrified of the thought of having no hair! I'm taking folic acid every day as well as a "hair, skin & nails" supplement to try and avoid this horrid effect. Has anyone else experienced hair loss or am I being my normal, paranoid, self!?

While I have heard of some folks experiencing some hair loss with methotrexate at arthritis dosages, it's never been hair loss to the degree that it occurs when used for cancer treatment. Essentially they lose hair faster than they normally do, but don't go bald or anything. Even so, I don't know a great many people who have had hair loss as a result of this arthritis treatment. It sounds like you're doing what you can to avoid it! I don't know your gender, but I personally think that I (and other women) look gorgeous bald. A short buzz cut is one of my favorite looks that I've rocked.

Thanks, Mary!
I've always had thick, thick hair and the thought of having none was horrifying! I think it's just the perception of "chemo" that got me freaking out a bit! (I'm of the female gender, just by the way!) I think I'm going to keep on doing what I've been doing and hope for the best!

teehee ;0) i miss my buzz cut!

you and i would get along real well. just had to say it LOL

I miss mine too! Of course, I'm never buzzing it mid-winter ever again. I like having insulation for my head.

Thanks! I'm so glad to have found this forum! I'm not quite in my twenties yet, still 19, but I've been diagnosed with a.s. and suffer from severe and chronic pain. I was put on enbrel a few years ago but it's stopped working and combined with my fibromylsia the pain is debilitating and keeps me from having a life. I don't have any friends any more and i can rarely leave the house. When i do go some place i'm left feeling sicker and weaker than before and have to come home and crash for a another few weeks to gain my strength back. I have several other disorders that keep me fatigued and in pain, and none of them are curable-but can be treated.

Welcome Annie. I'm glad you've found this forum, but sorry you "qualify" to be here. I'm up with painsomnia right now so I'm not totally coherent, but wanted to go ahead and say hi. You should start a new thread on the main forum and introduce yourself there too. You've come across a great group of people; a group who have been one of my main sources of support since my diagnosis at 21 (disease onset age 17).

hello all
i have been diagnosed as AS 4 ys ago..
i am 29, and yeah this pain goes and gets back, on MTX,
i am not goin to give up,not now,not ever..that which doesnt kill you makes you stronger!