Spondylitis Association of America Forums General Discussion Women Only Message Board Odd or Not?

I'm currently going through the gamut of tests for AS so not quite diagnosed but not far off...

Does anyone else have a long and painful history of thrush/cystitis/Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) as well as AS symptoms?

I read a journal a few weeks back that mentioned it is an indicator of AS, especially in women, but I haven't been able to confirm this information. It could be totally unrelated but its a question that has plagued me!

--Kris--

Hey Oz,
Yes, I too have suffered from "female issues" like yeast infections, bladder infections with more frequency than my girlfriends, sisters, etc. I also get mouth ulcers often.

My uneducated guess as to why this happens to me is due to the fact the AS is an autoimmune disease. We already know our immune systems are not working properly and these types of infections (especially yeast) tend to attack immunocompromised people. What does everyone else think?

Oz, I'm sorry to hear you suffer yet another annoying symptom like I do. All the best to ya!

Sharel

Thanks Sharel - I've always been at a loss as to why I suffer all these issues (including mouth ulcers etc) more than anyone else I know. Add these symptoms to severe acne since I was a kid and I'm starting to get a much bigger picture of my symptoms and the effect of the immune system! If only my rheumy acknowledged these lesser known impacts...

Now, where did I leave my fairy godmother, I need to make a wish

--Kris--

Hey Oz,
Did you see the post on Accutane, the acne medication, and if so, did you ever take it for your cystic acne. Like you, I also had cystic acne and was treated successfully with Accutane.

Today, I read a scary post on this website from an AS sufferer who thinks there may be a link between Accutane and AS/auto-immune diseases. I had symptoms of AS before taking Accutane, but developed IBS and a worsening of my condition starting the same year I finished the course of Accutane. Question posed: Did Accutane exacerbate my condition?

Just thought this might relate to ya. Take a look at the post (Accutane and AS) dated 01/15. All the best to ya.

Sharel

Hey Oz,
Did you see the post on Accutane, the acne medication, and if so, did you ever take it for your cystic acne. Like you, I also had cystic acne and was treated successfully with Accutane.

Today, I read a scary post on this website from an AS sufferer who thinks there may be a link between Accutane and AS/auto-immune diseases. I had symptoms of AS before taking Accutane, but developed IBS and a worsening of my condition starting the same year I finished the course of Accutane. Question posed: Did Accutane exacerbate my condition?

Just thought this might relate to ya. Take a look at the post (Accutane and AS) dated 01/15. All the best to ya.

Sharel

Despite having (and still having) horrendous acne I never actually agreed to take Accutaine - Living in Western Australia and spending much of my time outside with the temp averaging 100 - 105 fahrenheit (38 - 40 deg celcius) it would have restricted my life too much. I did take other medication but always refused Accutaine, a decision I now am very relieved about.

Kris,
Do you have any stomach issues? I know Crohns can affect the whole digestive tract. Also, John (tacitus) has alot of info about reactive arthritis that starts with infections of the urinary tract and (I'm going to butcher the word) candidias? Yeast basically. It's possible you started out with reactive arthritis and has now gone on to AS. You may want to contact him and ask him. He's a walking encyclopedia when it comes to spondylitis and I don't think he'd be the least bit uncomfortable discussing this with you. He can probably give you some great links to the info too. Just a thought.

Sarah

Oh god!! I have just read the posts on Roaccutane for Acne!! I too have just been treated for Acne last August and still on the medication!! And have just been told I have AS!! Could this be a connected? if so will I mention it to my Doctor? Also in the past I have had constant thrush and prone to water infections!!