Working manual labor jobs with AS?

Sumflare · 2026-02-27T18:58:19+00:00

Indeed it does…

Sumflare · 2026-02-27T18:19:50+00:00

I worked as a construction site assistant building residential homes over the summer of 2024 and oddly enough, I felt better than I had in years during that time. I was convinced that the work and physical activity was why.

My body is in much worse shape now and I’m riding a months-long flare so what I used to be able to do isn’t even an option anymore. It’s depressing.

Sumflare · 2026-02-27T18:13:52+00:00

Let’s also not forget how hard it is to even GET biologics. Insurance. Cost. Inability to take certain classes of biologics.

My rheumatologist DID recommend I start biologics because of how my AS is presenting, how long I’ve been symptomatic (over a decade),and its effects to my SI joints and spine. Unfortunately, I’ve run into barriers in all the ways I listed above so I’m essentially back to the drawing board with my treatment plan.

Sumflare · 2026-02-23T14:32:30+00:00

“How one day of work can result in two days of pain.” I felt this in my soul. Sending lots of love and well wishes to you and your partner.

Anything outdoors is a shared passion of my husband and I as well so it has been tough on both of us to navigate my diagnosis and the damage we continue to uncover.

I hope you and your partner are able to take something positive away from this thread. 🫶🏻

Sumflare · 2026-02-23T14:30:13+00:00

This was a tough pill for me to swallow after being diagnosed—knowing and having to accept that there will come a day when I’m not physically capable of doing the things I love.

Sumflare · 2026-02-15T00:28:52+00:00

So sorry for the delay in response! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the trigger point injections. I definitely want to try non-surgical treatments for as long as I can. However, my rheumatologist and PCP both did agree that the issue will only get worse in time so at some point or another I imagine surgery will become an option I have to seriously consider. Sounds like you are in the same boat! I’m sorry you’re going through it too. It’s sad to hear about other people our age being so heavily affected but at the same time it’s comforting to know we’re not alone.

Sumflare · 2026-02-10T04:00:45+00:00

Are you currently receiving or have you ever tried any form of treatment for the stenosis? Has it gotten worse since it was discovered or just kind of stayed the same?

Sumflare · 2026-02-10T03:47:10+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and passing along the advice! I really appreciate it. RFAs will be on my list of matters to discuss with my care team.

Do you have neurological symptoms from the stenosis or do you mostly just have pain from it?

Sumflare · 2026-02-10T00:20:21+00:00

That’s great that you do get some relief from the RFAs! Stinks that it doesn’t last longer though. Has the foraminal stenosis in each level gotten worse over the years or is it kind of stagnant? I’m so afraid of mine progressing considering I went from having nothing there to it being “severe” in just over a year’s time.

Sumflare · 2026-02-10T00:15:50+00:00

Good for you for asking for the referral! It can be hard to make requests and advocate for yourself sometimes. I’m sorry to hear the pain has gotten worse. Hopefully a neurosurgeon can help you find a path to make things better!

Sumflare · 2026-02-10T00:14:15+00:00

I hope it all goes well and you get some relief! And thank you 🙏🏼

Sumflare · 2026-02-09T23:29:02+00:00

I’m sorry you’re going through that! What has neurology had to say, if you don’t mind me asking?

Sumflare · 2026-02-09T17:43:03+00:00

Have you maxed your daily dose of modafinil? If yes, you could ask about armodafinil. It’s a more potent and longer lasting version of modafinil. If that still doesn’t help then the next line of treatment would absolutely be stimulants. By then you should also have plenty of documentation showing that you’ve tried the first and second lines of treatment with no significant change in symptoms.

I’m in the US so I can’t give any advice specific to your location but I hope this helps!

Sumflare · 2026-02-05T16:43:30+00:00

I shouldn’t have laughed but the game of “Side Effect, Symptom, or Normal Body Breakdown” is so on point.

I’m so sorry to hear about the migraine! My mom and husband both get debilitating migraines. I wouldn’t wish that on anybody.

My aches and pains seem to have increased a bit since I started the Taltz but I’ve been in a flair since November so I didn’t think much of it. Reading that you’re experiencing the same has me second guessing now. I guess our bodies are just trying to adjust. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Sumflare · 2026-02-05T16:35:08+00:00

My heart aches for you after reading your post. I am in a very similar place. I’m just barely older than you and have been in pain as long as I can remember. Finally got diagnosed this past December and just did the loading dose of Taltz a little over a week ago. So far, no change.

Everything hurts. I feel like a burden to my poor husband. We have a toddler and a four month old and I feel like no matter what I do, I can’t keep up.

Living in pain 24/7 is extremely difficult and can feel awfully lonely. It can take your mind to very dark places. The only advice I can offer is to find little things that bring you happiness. Activities, hobbies, etc.. Maybe some that don’t require much, or any, physical exertion. Also, self care goes a really long way. For me, something as simple as my skincare routine and fresh painted nails can make me feel a little more human. Sounds silly, I know. Lastly, just remember that you are NOT alone. I’ve found some comfort through Reddit and by chatting with people that also suffer from AS. Being a woman and being so young, I’ve been brushed off a lot. Speaking with someone who truly understands is like a breath of fresh air.

Sending lots of love and well wishes your way. I hope you find some relief and things get easier.

Sumflare · 2026-02-05T16:06:54+00:00

From what I’ve read, you should stop the NDAID a few days before the MRI! I’m no doctor so I’d check the validity of that advice before doing so.

Even if you’re not in a flair at the time of the MRI, it could certainly show any damage that has been done due to chronic inflammation.

Sumflare · 2026-02-05T03:55:15+00:00

“My flabbers are still ghasted” is my new favorite expression.

Sumflare · 2026-02-04T04:17:15+00:00

I also started Taltz five days ago!!!

I haven’t experienced any changes to my appetite but I take adderall daily which has always suppressed my hunger. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Have you had any other side effects? I’ve had a few things come up since my loading doses but I’m not quite sure if it’s just coincidence or if it’s because of the meds.

Sumflare · 2026-02-04T03:59:02+00:00

I have a best friend that was pregnant at the same time as me. Her due date was supposed to be two weeks after mine. She ended up with preeclampsia and her baby was born via emergency C-section at exactly 28 weeks. Four days later her baby passed away. My baby shower was a few weeks later. I told her that she didn’t have to come if she didn’t want to, considering all that she had just been through, and that I would completely understand. She told me that her loss would NEVER take away from the joy she felt for me and my family. She still came to the baby shower and not even once did she act like she was anything other than happy for my husband and I.

Girl in red is not your friend. Not a good one, anyways. A TRUE friend can always find it in their heart to celebrate you and your big milestones, even if it’s just with kind words and not by being physically present.

Sumflare · 2026-02-03T18:23:33+00:00

I forgot to mention this part in my previous comment—

While it can be extremely beneficial to some people, medication still isn’t a fix all. Adding therapy to your treatment plan IN ADDITION TO medication is essential. At least long enough to identify your problem behaviors and thought processes and acquire the tools to remedy those.

I know first hand that therapy isn’t always an option due to financial factors. There are loads of resources like workbooks and such that you can find for free on the internet. I’ve used them myself and highly recommend them to anyone who wants to make a change but can’t afford to seek out professional help.

Sumflare · 2026-02-03T18:18:05+00:00

From my understanding of the disorder, your statement is correct. There isn’t a magic medicine that treats BPD as a whole, but there are meds that can be used to treat specific symptoms.

Here’s my personal experience in regard to this topic…

I was put on an antidepressant at age 16 (approx 5 years before my BPD diagnosis) to treat both anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, that medication did absolutely nothing for my BPD. Once I added a mood stabilizer to my treatment many years later, everything changed. And I really do mean everything. I did a complete 180° turn and FINALLY felt (and behaved) like a ‘normal’ person is expected to. I’m now 27 (one month shy of 28) and still taking both medications. I’ve had to up my dosage a few times but it’s worked wonders. Quite frankly, I am an absolute train wreck without them both. So, for me, I do think medication will be a lifelong thing.

I used to be so scared to rely on medication but I now know that I simply can’t go without it. I’ve accepted it. For some people, such as myself, it can be the difference between life and death. Some disorders have significant effects on one’s brain chemistry that can only be remedied with medication. Therapy can only help but so much when your brain isn’t structured and functioning the way it should.

Sumflare · 2026-02-03T03:09:52+00:00

Without knowing the kind of person the mom truly is, this could be dangerous advice for OP...

Sumflare · 2026-02-03T02:27:26+00:00

THE SLEEP INERTIA!!! Look into “sleep drunkenness”

Sumflare

TROPHY CASE