At first, you might be working with your primary care doctor and a rheumatologist to determine your diagnosis. After an ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis is confirmed, a rheumatologist will probably lead your ankylosing spondylitis care team, prescribe medication, and make referrals to other specialists, and your primary care doctor will continue to be the point person for any other conditions you may have, as well as your overall health, says Robert Inman, MD, a rheumatologist and professor of medicine and immunology at the University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada. Because each person experiences ankylosing spondylitis differently, you might need more or fewer specialists than those on the following list to address your specific needs. You also might need other types of specialists over time if you develop other conditions that affect your ankylosing spondylitis. Other healthcare professionals on your team may include: Physiatrist or Physical Therapist Dr. Inman says these team members will help you maintain range of motion through exercises, stretches, and core strengthening and can give you tips to help you move through your day with confidence. Physical therapists design safe exercise programs that can help you reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. A physiatrist specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation and may oversee your physical therapy program. Physical therapy is strongly recommended by the American College of Rheumatology as part of ankylosing spondylitis treatment. It may take just six months of appropriate exercise to see improvement in your ankylosing spondylitis, according to an analysis published in November 2016 in Arthritis Research & Therapy. Occupational Therapist If the pain and stiffness of ankylosing spondylitis make daily activities difficult, an occupational therapist can show you ways to perform tasks more easily and efficiently. An occupational therapist can also evaluate your job site and suggest adjustments to help you work more comfortably, as well recommend assistive devices to help reduce stress on your joints. Cardiologist “Ankylosing spondylitis is associated with significant risk of heart attack and stroke,” Inman says. A cardiologist may be consulted to assess your risk. “Ongoing care of people with ankylosing spondylitis should include appropriate preventative strategies, such as smoking cessation and lipid and blood pressure control,” Inman says. Gastroenterologist A number of people with ankylosing spondylitis have inflammatory bowel disease, as well. If that’s the case, you’ll benefit from working with both a rheumatologist and a gastroenterologist. Dermatologist Some people with ankylosing spondylitis also have psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by patches of thickened, red, dry skin. If you have any kind of chronic skin rash, see a dermatologist for an evaluation, suggests the American College of Rheumatology. Eye Doctor Up to 40 percent of people with ankylosing spondylitis experience episodes of uveitis, an inflammation in one or both of your eyes, according to the Spondylitis Association of America. Be sure to check in with your eye doctor if you experience symptoms such as redness, sensitivity, vision issues, or eye pain. Registered Dietitian While there’s no specific diet for ankylosing spondylitis, following a well-balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight can help you manage the condition and improve your overall health. A registered dietitian can help you design a diet that suits your lifestyle and meets your goals. Mental Health Professional Living with a chronic condition can take a toll on your emotional health. If that’s the case, a psychologist, psychiatrist, clinical social worker, or other mental health professional can help you cope with the emotional challenges of managing ankylosing spondylitis. Pharmacist Your local pharmacist can be a key player on your care team. In a study published in June 2016 in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, researchers stated that patient education delivered by pharmacists can have a significant impact on the clinical management of individuals with inflammatory diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, particularly if they are taking specialty drugs. Your pharmacist can help you understand your medication, including the correct dosage, scheduling, and administration; what side effects are possible; and how to store the drug and dispose of any unused products or devices used to take the medication. If there are drug-drug or drug-food interactions associated with your medication, your pharmacist will alert you. Additionally, the pharmacist is your go-to person if you have allergies or rare side effects to the drugs.
Maintain Your Medical Records
Because you’ll be working with a number of healthcare professionals, it’s important to stay organized and keep track of your medical information. Even in the era of electronic medical records, it’s a good idea for you or a trusted friend or relative to maintain a thorough file of information about your ankylosing spondylitis and any other health issues. “A list of all medications, past and current, should be kept,” Inman says. This list should include medication for other conditions you might have along with ankylosing spondylitis. Also, keep a list of any over-the-counter medication, herbal remedies, or dietary supplements you take regularly. But don’t stop with lists. “Keep results of imaging X-rays and MRIs [magnetic resonance imaging scans], which are helpful to doctors caring for people with ankylosing spondylitis,” Inman says. Imaging tests may be compared over time to see how well a treatment is working or if your condition is progressing. In addition, be sure to have all of your care team’s contact information close at hand, including:
After-hours contact informationEmail addressFax numberMain office phone linePrivate cell number
It’s a good idea to keep this information in a folder on your nightstand in case you have a nighttime emergency. Along with your important health information and physicians’ contact information, have photocopies of your picture ID, insurance cards, Medicare or Medicaid card, and other essential information. All of these will be necessary if you must be hospitalized for any reason. Make sure a loved one, friend, or neighbor knows about this information and where it is located. Once you’ve created your personal ankylosing spondylitis care team and have made a habit of tracking your medical information, you’ll be set to manage your condition effectively. Additional reporting by Deb Fulghum Bruce, PhD.
