Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that can cause vertebrae to fuse together. Once fused, it becomes permanently joined together. It is an autoimmune disorder wherein the immune system mistakenly attacks the patient own body parts like: joints, vetebrae, eyes (uveitis) and etc.
I had my first episode of uveitis (inflammation) of the eye when I was 24 years old. I was so curious what triggered the inflammation activity. Was it infection or allergy? I was not referred to a uveitis specialist at that time. That more than a month inflammation caused some of my eye muscles to fuse together.
How does uveitis feel? I feel cloudy vision. I was photophobic. Our eye muscle normal instinct is to make the aperture of the iris smaller when there is bright light. When it is dark our iris dilates. Whenever my iris moves (whether dilate or contract), it is terribly painful. Even if I cover my left eye, my left eye will move synchronous with the right iris. It is painful!
I forgot when was the first time I had lower back pain. I thought it was because of my improper posture. Sometime the pain was dull. Sometimes it was so intense. I thought I have torn my muscle.
One time I had a very lengthy conversation with a neurologist. He tried to associate uveitis to lower back pain. He recommended HLA-B27 screening and series of xrays. Oh no, I have HLA-B27, spondylosis, osteoarthritis ... Then he refered me to a rheumatologist.
I cried when I saw my HLA-B27 screening result. I cried that I will suffer, tendonitis, sacroiliitis, uveitis and other inflammation for the rest of my life. I felt I am an unless citizen. I belong to the handicapped society! Eventually, I learned to accept my fate and I tried my best to stay positive!
No comments:
Post a Comment