Arthritis or As suffers? PLease

[monkey5]

Hi members, i have a ? This has happened a few times and some of you might remeber that i am wating to see a Rheumatologist next week, but i have been experiencing this and wondering if it is a possible part of AS or what? I will sometimes wake up and it will feel as if my chest doesn't want to move, like it's stuck, not like a hard a attack or heavy feeling, it's sorta actually hard to describe, but mostly like a stiffness in the lower part of the chest bone area and like i slowly have to move and like get a kink out of it. I am just wondering if this is contributing to my stomach issues!
Love, Monkey

[kera4]

Hi! I have ankylosing spondylitis and am currently on Remicade, low dose prednisone, Ultram. I mostly get pain in lower back, sacroiliac joint and knees. But, I know that AS can affect the ribcage joints as well. I have heard that a stiffness in the chest area can be a symptom of AS. Of all the medicines, Remicade has helped with flexibility the most. I still have pain, but it has helped me more than Enbrel or Humira. Take care, Kera4

[monkey5]

Kera, thanks for the reply, thats what i thought it might be from, but have to wait to see the Rheumy to even know for sure and hopefully start treatment. Your symptoms are so similiar to mine as i have alot SI joint pain, hip and low back, leg and knee and back of ankle pain especially after walking too much and alot of stiffness in the am and better after i move around. Take care!
Love, Monkey

[maebelle]

Monkey, I also experience rib cage tightness and stiffness.Years ago it would kind of come and go.I was told it was costochondritis.Sometimes when I sit or twist in a certain way my right rib cage feels as though something is portruding.Then after a while it falls back into place.Sounds weird I know.
It is very hard to describe.
I still have this as well as what feels like pressure around my ribcage.
Like I am being squeezed or tightened with a screwdriver.Especially across my back.

My pain is in my neck,shoulders,middle and lower back.They all feel like rocks.
My hip area down the sides of my thighs and both knees are stiff and painful.
Let me know what happens with your rheumy appt.Be sure to tell him everything you are experiencing.
Did you get the results of the colonoscopy?

I am waiting on enbrel to be delivered via mail.I had to have a TB test which was neg.When the enbrel arrives I will go to the rheumys office and be shown how to do the injections.
It will be wonderful to have relief!MB

[monkey5]

MB, i am still waiting for the results of the Colonoscopy,hopefully today sometime, before i go crazy with anxiety. I will let you know how the Rheumy appt. goes as matter a fact they called and reminded me of appt. tommorrow, i wouldn't miss unless something serious came up! I hope the enbrel work out good for you also!
Love, Monkey