Renee
Dear Amy: I am the mother of a twenty-five year old son who was diagnosed with AS at the age of only 8 years old. We feel blessed to have found the right doctor who diagnosed him. Pain management is the difficult part of this diability. With chronic pain comes depression. Both MUST be recognized and treated. We found a wonderful doctor who was both Internal Medicine and Psychriatrist, but not until after my son tried to commit suicide. Make sure that your doctor has the ability to properly treat this disblity. Inquire as to his experience with AS, his knowledge of AS, and that he/she truly knows what the treatment, long term prognosis, and other symptoms that may or may not be encountered. Seek a second opinion if need be. You need a physician with the knowledge, the care and compassion it will take to treat your husband. Interview your doctor like you would an employee. My son is currently taking MSM / GLUCOSAMINE/ CHONDROITIN with excellent results. Consult your physician before taking any medications first. These are dietary supplements from a vitamin store. Look into them. RESEARCH the AS so as to be able to ask the questions that concerns you and your husband. Best wishes.