Ankylosing Spondylosis: How I got cured after the struggle of 15 years

By Dr. Kiran Seth in Rheumatology

May 5, 2018

Ankylosing Spondylitis: How I Found Relief After 15 Years

Finding the right treatment took 15 long years for Mr. R.K. Gaur. He suffered from recurrent Uveitis (persistent redness of the eye), chronic low back pain, heel pain, and bilateral knee swelling. His condition was finally diagnosed accurately at Metro Hospitals & Heart Institute by Dr. Kiran Seth.

This is the story of his journey—from symptoms to diagnosis to successful treatment—shared by both the patient and the treating specialist.

Patient Story – By Mr. R.K. Gaur

I am R.K. Gaur, 51 years old. For nearly 15 years, I struggled with repeated Uveitis, severe back pain, and pain in my legs. At times, the pain was so intense that I could barely move.

My eye specialist eventually advised me to consult a rheumatologist so that the recurring swelling and redness in my eyes could be managed better. That is when I met Dr. Kiran Seth at Metro Hospitals & Heart Institute, Noida.

Before meeting him, I had visited several doctors and spent hours reading patient forums, but nothing helped. Luckily, in 2016, I finally received some clear answers. My tests showed HLA-B27 positivity, which, along with other investigations, confirmed Ankylosing Spondylitis with Uveitis.

For years, I lived in fear of my eye turning red again. Every episode lasted two to three months. The back and foot pain began around 2002 and initially came every 8–10 months, growing more frequent over time. Each flare affected both my eyes and joints, and treatments never gave long-lasting relief.

Under Dr. Seth’s guidance, I started treatment with biologic injections—first fortnightly, then monthly, and now every three months. The improvement was dramatic. My pain reduced, my eye swelling settled, and my life slowly returned to normal.

Today, I am able to move freely and live without constant worry. I share this experience to help others who may be suffering like I did. Finding the right specialist truly changed my life.

– R.K. Gaur

Doctor’s Perspective – Dr. Kiran Seth

Mr. Gaur was referred from an eye hospital due to recurring Uveitis, low back pain, heel pain, and bilateral knee swelling. His eye redness, which initially appeared in long intervals, had started occurring more frequently.

Investigations revealed Ankylosing Spondylitis with high disease activity. Before initiating treatment, we completed all safety evaluations. His Mantoux and Quantiferon-Gold tests were positive, although his chest CT was normal. Vaccinations for Influenza and Pneumococcal infections were also completed.

We first started Methotrexate and Salazopyrin for one month, but there was no significant improvement. After discussing all treatment options, the patient chose combination therapy with biologics + DMARDs.

The first dose of a TNF-alpha blocker, along with Methotrexate and INH prophylaxis, brought immediate relief. The very next morning, he called to say he felt “free from pain” for the first time in years.

Over the next six months, we continued treatment with regular monitoring. Once he reached remission, his therapy was gradually reduced. He is currently stable on a maintenance dose of Methotrexate, along with regular exercise and diet modifications.

Today, Mr. Gaur is active, comfortable, and living a normal life.

Why Metro Hospitals?

Metro Group of Hospitals combines experienced clinicians with advanced diagnostic facilities to deliver accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for complex rheumatological conditions.

For appointments:
📞 +91 9910492867
✉️ metro@metrohospitals.com

 FAQs

1. What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine, joints, and sometimes the eyes.

2. Can Ankylosing Spondylitis cause Uveitis?

Yes. Up to 40% of AS patients experience Uveitis, which causes eye redness, swelling, and pain.

3. How is Ankylosing Spondylitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis includes clinical examination, HLA-B27 testing, MRI/X-rays, and inflammatory markers.

4. What are the treatment options?

Treatment includes NSAIDs, DMARDs, biologics (like TNF-alpha blockers), physiotherapy, and lifestyle modifications.

5. Is biologic therapy effective?

Biologics can significantly reduce inflammation, pain, and flare frequency, especially in resistant cases.

6. Where can I get Ankylosing Spondylitis treatment in Noida?

Metro Hospitals, Noida offers comprehensive AS management under expert rheumatologist Dr. Kiran Seth.