Symptoms lists are too long, surprised me. The need for Cataract Surgeries surprised me. AS being activated by food allergies surprised me. The many neuropathic issues: walking, coordination of hands and feet, spasms everywhere, feet expanding 2 sizes, belly expanding 2-4 inches during flare-ups, talking, remaining upright, the thousands of falls, the lack of chest expansion (reduction in breathing volume, from 3,500+ to 840 max, Ave 480, low of 0). Others are, heart arrhythmias, constipation, eye issues, finger/toe nails growing at different rates and thinning, Hypoxia, COPD, Psoriasis, etc ad nauseum. The symptoms list overwhelmed doctors, yet, is very much a part of this disease.

I have overcome some symptoms: incontinence, lack of sleep, Syncope, inflammatory blistering throughout the digestive track and sinuses, and bleeding from the rectum and nose. But, these are more related to food allergies, and, these food allergies activate and increase AS symptoms.

Doctors do not track my symptoms. So, they clearly are not disciplined enough in on-going AS diagnosis and treatment plan adjustments. Questions like this one are vital for us. And, it contributes to some doctors becoming more familiar with the symptoms and improving diagnostic tools.

My life's lesson from symptoms and researching them is below.

Be open to a greater truth,
Love yourself and those nearby,
Maintain clear and honest self-awareness,
Let go of unnecessary actions in life,
Focus on what truly matters.
Do what produces positive, meaningful memories that uplifts life and others.
Be true to yourself and open your life to uplift others without prejudices.
Live in the present moment as an investment for tomorrow so that an increasing number of others will reap benefits.

We need this question. Thank you for asking.

Hair loss was a complete surprise. I noticed a slow loss of hair at age 37 along with itchy/achy scalp...but I didn't know I had AS. Folks thought I was a hypochondriac. In July my hair thinned out so bad I looked crazy so I cut it off and started using Scalpicin. Ive done extensive research on A.S and hair thinning. Because our disease is an inflammatory response our scalp becomes inflammed so I figured I should attempt to reduce the inflammation on my scalp. I purchased SCALPICIN from Amazon. This scalp liquid contains Hydrocortisone 1% which is a steroid (corticosteroid) medicine. It works by calming down your body's immune response to reduce pain, itching and swelling (inflammation). It is working my hair is growing back really well

Losing my hair! Horrible!! Not being able to stand up straight!!! Dn't like to complain, so ... that's enuf for now ~HA;)

I have had so much pain in my thighs'. Especially my left one and it makes it very painful to go up and down steps. My left side is more affected than my right but that is par for the course for me.

Severe heel pain without having planters facetious. Fatigue