If you have Ankylosing Spondylitis, or AS for short, your entire focus is on managing the disease and preventing its symptoms from getting worse. While you're dealing with it, unexpected medical bills and doctor visits can be overwhelming. So today we're going to talk about how to prepare for these unexpected expenses without being surprised.
First, let's see, what is ankylosing spondylitis (AS)?
Simply put, ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis. Some people also call it ``Bechterew's disease.'' The main thing that happens in this condition is that the joints between the vertebrae in your spine become swollen and inflamed. Over time, these vertebrae can fuse together, and your spine can lose its flexibility. This can lead to a forward-bending, hunched posture.
Not only that, this disease can cause pain and discomfort in areas such as the ribs, hip joints, and shoulder joints, and sometimes painful inflammation of the eyes.
The important thing is that there is no cure for AS yet. However , with the right medications and physical therapy, symptoms can be controlled and the disease can be slowed down . Surgery is only needed in extreme cases, such as when there is severe damage to the joints.
Let's take a closer look at the treatment and its costs.
When your AS flares up, your medical expenses can increase. This can be especially true if you have to see your doctor more often and use expensive medications. Even if you have health insurance, it may not cover the full cost, so you may have to spend some money out of pocket. Therefore, by researching and being aware of these costs in advance, you can better manage this financial burden.
Visiting the doctor frequently
With this condition, you will need to see a rheumatologist regularly. Typically, you will need to see them about once every 3 months to discuss your condition and treatment plan. If your symptoms and pain are severe, you may need to see them more often.
In Sri Lanka, you probably know that seeing a specialist in person costs money. So this frequent visit is also something to add to your list of expenses.
Types of medicines and their prices
The biggest expense in treatment is medication. First, your doctor will probably give you a type of painkiller that we all know. We call these `(Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)` or NSAIDs for short. Examples include `Ibuprofen` and `Naproxen`. These are relatively inexpensive.
However, over time, these common painkillers may not be enough to control the disease. Then your doctor may refer to more complex and expensive medications. Let's understand these medications from this table.
| Drug Category | Simple explanation and examples |
|---|---|
| DMARDs | Types of tablets that are usually given to control pain and swelling in small joints. Examples: Sulfasalazine, Methotrexate . |
| TNF Blockers | These are biologic drugs. They are injections that are given to reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints. Examples: adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade) . |
| JAK Inhibitors | A type of pill given to people who don't respond to TNF blockers. Example: tofacitinib (Xeljanz) . |
| IL-17 Inhibitors | These are also biologic drugs. They help reduce inflammation in the body. Examples: secukinumab (Cosentyx), ixekizumab (Taltz) . |
These newer medications, especially the TNF blockers (biologics), are significantly more expensive . They can have a large monthly cost. So it's important to have an open discussion with your doctor before switching to one of these medications.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is also an essential part of this treatment. A good physical therapist can help reduce your pain, improve your strength and flexibility, and teach you exercises you can do at home.
But this also comes at a cost. Imagine how much it would cost you to go to physical therapy once a week, per month or per year. So it's important to consider the cost before adding this to your treatment plan.
Let's be proactive, not afraid of expenses!
It's true that ankylosing spondylitis can be a burdensome condition, both physically, mentally, and financially. But if you research these costs in advance and proactively prepare for them, you can greatly reduce this burden.
Talk openly about these costs with your doctor. There may be other drugs (generic drugs) that are cheaper but have similar properties. Or you may be able to get help to tailor a treatment plan to suit your financial situation. Talk about this without fear or shame. Because your health and your mental peace are just as important.
Take-Home Message
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a condition that requires long-term, ongoing management and associated costs.
- These expenses include visits to specialist doctors, expensive medications (especially biologics), and physical therapy.
- Talk openly about costs with your doctor (rheumatologist). They may be able to suggest more affordable options or payment plans.
- Prepare ahead of time. Research costs, understand your insurance coverage (if you have one), and plan your finances. Don't let unexpected bills add to your stress.
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