Me and Ankylosing Spondylitis Day

Featured Penelists

Dr. Rahul Jain

Rheumatologist

Dr. Akhil Pawan Goel

Rheumatologist

Dr. Bhupendra Vaishnav

Rheumatologist

Dr. Avinash Jain

Rheumatologist

Dr. Deepak Rajpurohit

Physiotherapist

Dr. Aradhana Singh

Rheumatologist

Dr Rashi Maheshwari

Rheumatologist

Event Overview

Me and Ankylosing Spondylitis is a patient-centric storytelling session that creates a safe and supportive space for individuals living with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) to share their personal journeys. The event highlights real-life experiences of diagnosis, challenges, coping strategies, and resilience. By listening to and learning from each other’s stories, participants gain emotional support, practical insights, and reassurance that they are not alone in their journey. The session encourages empathy, acceptance, and strength through shared experiences.

Event Agenda

Welcome and introduction session
Understanding the Power of Patient Stories
Understanding RA & AS, Myths, Symptoms, Cause
Patient Storytelling Session AS & RA Journeys
Q &A
Conclusion

Image Gallery

Q & A

Can people with Ankylosing Spondylitis donate blood safely?

Yes, most people with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) can donate blood if their disease is stable and they are not taking restricted medications. Active inflammation or certain biologic drugs may require temporary deferral. Always consult your rheumatologist and the blood donation center before donating.

How is Ankylosing Spondylitis back pain different from mechanical back pain?

Mechanical back pain worsens with activity and improves with rest, while Ankylosing Spondylitis causes inflammatory back pain that is worse in the morning or at night and improves with movement. Morning stiffness lasting more than one hour is a key sign of AS.

Is eye inflammation (uveitis) in female Ankylosing Spondylitis patients permanent?

Eye inflammation linked to AS can be temporary or recurrent. Some patients experience a single episode, while others may have repeated flares. Early treatment and regular follow-ups with an ophthalmologist and rheumatologist reduce the risk of long-term eye damage.

Is hydrotherapy or water-based exercise safe for Ankylosing Spondylitis patients?

Yes, hydrotherapy is highly recommended for Ankylosing Spondylitis. Water supports body weight, reduces joint stress, and improves flexibility, posture, and pain control. Exercises should be supervised by a physiotherapist experienced in inflammatory arthritis.

Is Rheumatoid Arthritis genetic, and can it be prevented?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) has a genetic predisposition, but genes alone do not cause the disease. Environmental factors such as smoking and immune triggers play a role. While RA cannot be fully prevented, early diagnosis and timely treatment can significantly slow disease progression.

Can Ankylosing Spondylitis or Rheumatoid Arthritis affect organs beyond the joints?

Yes. Both AS and RA can affect organs such as the eyes, lungs, heart, and intestines, and can cause fatigue and systemic inflammation. Recognizing non-joint symptoms early helps prevent serious complications.

Does regular exercise help or worsen arthritis in the long term?

Regular, correctly guided exercise helps reduce stiffness, improve mobility, and maintain independence in arthritis patients. Avoiding movement can worsen symptoms. Individualized exercise plans are essential for safe and effective long-term management.

Why is long-term follow-up necessary even when arthritis symptoms are controlled?

Inflammatory arthritis can remain active internally even when symptoms are minimal. Regular follow-ups help monitor disease activity, adjust treatment, and prevent silent progression and irreversible joint or organ damage.