Hi @A MySpondylitisTeam Member, if you have received your answer from above, AS is short for Ankylosing Spondylitis. It is a type of arthritis of the spine, causing inflammation and gradual fusing of the vertebrae. Often the neck curves down, deforming and creating pain. It is the immune system attacking the facits as if they are a disease. As it develops it fuses the entire spine into one piece (bamboo spine).

Mentioned Users

A MySpond...

Hey Debra, my did you get whomped with a lot of stuff! The problem in getting medical help is learning to call things by the right name. Mention chest pain, and you will quickly get sent to the ED for a heart attack. And indeed your other conditions could mask a heart attack. I assume you are describing intercostal pain from where the ribs hinge to the breast bone. This is common with AS. Lidocaine patches can help. You can apply up to three at a time. They are sold OTC(such as Salonpas) but the prescription ones are stronger. Only codiene and morphine drugs work better. Everthing from Tramadol to oxycodone can help. A doctor who specializes in pain is best. Look forward to your regular posts. God bless.

@A MySpondylitisTeam Member I have come to understand that my initial diagnosis of IBS and fibromyaliga were non-specific and inaccurate descriptions for the pains that I was having. In the end, Enteropathic Spondoloarthropathy explained my body pain and inflammation in my gut as one disease. I just started taking biologics for it. It sounds like you have had a similar experience with different diagnosis from different doctors

Mentioned Users

A MySpond...

Your so welcome! I hope that you are able to find something to relieve your pain and discomfort & get well soon!!

Mentholatum, like vapor rub, and maybe benadryl and or day or night quil for coughing. If you continue to have chest pain I would recommend seeing the doctor and if it from coughing maybe breathing treatments with albuterol were very helpful when my children had bad coughs in the past. Take care, I hope you get some relief.