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Real members of MySpondylitisTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has anyone been told that if biologic medicine doesn’t help you, nothing will?

A MySpondylitisTeam Member asked a question 💭
Dallas, TX

After 15 yrs with my previous pain management doctor, I went to see a new one. He explained, that when you break your finger that’s a certain type of pain. Ouch that hurts. With AS, our type of pain is different because of the inflammation our disease produces. Biologic medicines are what is used to reduce or eliminate the inflammation and pain associated with AS. If that’s not working, there is no amount of pain/opiate medication he can prescribe to relieve the pain. We will be chasing… read more

September 11
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Reactions
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

@DarlineMullin. Thank you. Right now I am on 15mg morphine, twice daily, and oxycodone 10-325, 5 times daily. Sadly, it’s barely doing anything. I am getting worse. Sitting than trying to stand, trying to get up from lying down, driving, and mobility in its self have been deteriorating over this past year. I keep telling myself that there are people out there way worse off than I am and I’m not dead yet. Hopefully my new doctors can preform more trial and error medications and a little luck to help. It is what it is though. Best wishes for all of us suffering and surviving.

September 14
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

@A MySpondylitisTeam Member I do understand what you're going through. For myself, I've been on a bunch of different biologics over the years and in June my Rhuematologist retired. I'm only seeing the new doctor tomorrow and I'm hoping for something new in the treatment area. Since I am not on any treatment as such I've been prescribed Hydro Morphone, 1mg for pain when needed. So my AS has advanced and I'm experiencing different sensations now and pain. Keep your appointment, there are quite a few options. I hope the best for you. Your not alone.

September 14
MySpondylitisTeam

What a journey — and what a weight to carry every single day. The frustration of trying treatment after treatment with little relief is something many MySpondylitisTeam members deeply understand. Your new doctor's explanation about inflammation-driven pain versus injury pain is actually a really important distinction, and Show Full Answer

What a journey — and what a weight to carry every single day. The frustration of trying treatment after treatment with little relief is something many MySpondylitisTeam members deeply understand. Your new doctor's explanation about inflammation-driven pain versus injury pain is actually a really important distinction, and it sounds like he's being honest with you about how AS pain works.

The good news is that there genuinely have been advances in treatment options over the past five years. It's absolutely worth going into that February appointment with hope. Here's a quick overview of what's available now that may not have been fully explored in your previous treatment journey:

- TNF inhibitors – such as Humira, Remicade, Enbrel, Cimzia, and Simponi
- IL-17 inhibitors – such as Cosentyx (secukinumab), which work differently than TNF inhibitors
- JAK inhibitors – a newer class of oral medications (not injections), including Rinvoq (upadacitinib) and Xeljanz (tofacitinib), approved for AS

If one biologic didn't work, a different one — or a different class entirely — might respond better. Bodies can react very differently to each type. Physical therapy is also worth revisiting alongside any new medication plan. A physical therapist experienced with AS can help manage pain and maintain mobility without directly manipulating the spine.

Going into February with a list of what's been tried before will help your new rheumatologist find the gaps and explore what hasn't been attempted yet. You're not out of options — and having a fresh set of eyes on your case could make a real difference.

September 11
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

@A MySpondylitisTeam Member I'm so sorry to hear of this terrible pain. My last flare-up lasted a month. Just know your not alone and they are always coming up with new options. Hopefully they will find you a meds that will give you relief. If you find that you can't wait, call the office and tell them it's an emergency and you need to see the doctor. I know you can do this here in Montreal Canada. Take care of you. 💐🌺

September 15

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