Carolyn
I have suffered with autoimmune disease since a severe bout of chicken pox at age 7. I am now 40 and have finally been diagnosed with AS in contrast to Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease. I take Methotrexate by injection weekly and that has kept my disease from flaring more than once or twice a year. I have had iritis. If any of you have not had it and you get severe eye pain, see an ophthamologist immediately. You can lose your eye if you wait. I lost my sight for 8 weeks and have been 10 months getting it all cleared up. I have just started on lumbar nerve blocks which have totally eliminated my foot and hip pain although the joints are still damaged. I am starting on Duragesic patches but won't know how they are working for a while. I have an active life and work full time as a teacher but pain took the joy out of many things. I have some limitations but not many. I am hopeful that I will benefit from the pain therapy as well as water exercise that I will start next week. My hot shower is my best friend