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Warning-sign checks

Ankylosing spondylitis: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Neurologic symptoms, serious breathing problems, or severe pain after an injury require emergency care.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Do not stop a prescribed medicine without guidance unless urgent medical instructions say otherwise.

    A painful red eye with light sensitivity needs same-day assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Regular follow-up helps the care team assess pain, stiffness, mobility, fatigue, daily function, and treatment side effects.

    The schedule depends on disease activity and the medicines being used.

    Routine visits may include examination of the spine and joints, blood tests, review of exercise goals, and discussion of eye, skin, or bowel symptoms.

    Repeated spinal X-rays are not needed at every visit but may be used when the result could change management.

    Between routine appointments, arrange earlier review if symptoms are steadily worsening, treatment is no longer helping, or medicine side effects develop.

The article also says

People taking medicines that affect the immune system should discuss infection precautions and vaccination with their care team.

Contact the prescribing clinician about fever, a significant infection, or plans for surgery.

Pregnancy planning should be discussed in advance because some medicines may need review before conception, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Ankylosing spondylitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.