UNIT 20 Disability

美国学生习作

Remaining Normal

Anklyosing Spondylitis. When I first heard these words, I was tempted to say "God bless you," because I had never heard of such a disease. I could not appreciate that I would be living with it for the rest of my life. Anklyosing Spondylitis (AS) is a form of arthritis that affects the peripheral joints of the body, including the spine, bowels, and even the eyes (iritis). It causes the joints and ligaments that allow the back to move to become inflamed. It often begins in the late teens or early 20’s and if it is not treated correctly, it can cause the spine, hips, and ribs to become rigid, which will make bending, turning, flexing, and breathing difficult. The actual severity of these symptoms vary a great deal from person to person. An early diagnosis along with proper treatment can help pain and stiffness be controlled and reduce or stop major deformity. It is important for all those afflicted with this disease, their families, and their friends, to fully understand the causes and effects of this arthritis and the ways to manage it throughout life.

The exact cause of AS is still unknown. Over 90 percent of people with AS possess a genetic marker called BLA-B27. This gene is involved in the body’s defense against infection. It has been confirmed that other genes are involved in this disease as well, but they have yet to be identified. A person can have this gene and not have AS. There also exists an environmental factor in the onset of AS. It appears to be normal bacteria in the bowel.

I was diagnosed with AS after several occurrences. I suffered a head injury during a wrestling match. My skull was cracked and I was put on an antibiotic to fight off any possible infection. This drug caused my bowels to become infected by another disease called C-Difficile bacteria. After that was cured, I became afflicted with a Septic Hip. My hip was filled with infectious fluid. During this time I developed iritis, an inflammation of the eye. I had suffered iritis before. To make sure the infections would not come back, I had to stay on a home IV for six weeks. I was also identified as a carrier of the gene BLA-B27. During this time my doctors simply put the pieces together.

Before I was diagnosed with AS, I had never heard of it. Even though it shares many bonds with other popular ailments, it is not widely known. Organizations such as The Arthritis Foundation offer it attention in its bimonthly magazine Arthritis Tot*. But it is not as popular or as widely diagnosed as afflictions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoporosis, and JRA.

The Spondylitis Association of America (SAA) informs people about Ankylosing Spondylitis and its related diseases and promotes education, research and mutual support. The Association publishes a quarterly newsletter titled Spondylitis Plus. The SAA, along with the University of Texas-Houston have established the North American Spondylitis Consortium (NASC). The NASC is composed of nine prominent medical institutions spread across the country that will work with each other to help find a cure for AS. The SAA is also the creator of The Quest for the Cure, an organization dedicated to raising money for AS research. The National Spokesman for the SAA is the first baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies, Rico Brogna. He is a prime example of how a body operates if the disease is properly treated and managed.

The proper treatment and management of AS is a regiment of exercises that concentrate on the back and pelvic area. These numerous exercises can be obtained from any Rheumatologist, the Internet, or a Physical Therapist. Even more important is the maintenance of perfect posture. Someone with AS should remember to always sit up straight. Exercises that keep the back and neck strong will also help maintain good posture. Breathing exercises and aerobics can help keep the chest and ribs flexible. Sports such as Swimming and Volleyball are also helpful because they stretch out the muscles in the body and are lower impact forms of activity. Swimming also helps the spine, neck, shoulders, hips, and breathing. Medication is an important part of treatment. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) usually reduce inflammation and pain. It is important to talk with your doctor about which drugs are for you.

Maintaining as normal a life as much as possible and remaining active as possible without overdoing it are essential. I am not allowed to participate in high impact sports anymore, but I plan to be on the outdoor track team this year. I also walk, play baseball with my brothers, lift weights, and stretch every single day. The most important thing to do is not to let AS dominate your life because there is so much more out there.