8/9/2019 Ankylosing Spondylitis is an on-going Condition

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Ankylosing Spondylitis is an on-going condition which starts in the joints of the back and

pelvis. A/S becomes problematic between the ages of 20 and 40. Mine started at 19.

Beginning symptoms are early morning back pain, pain while walking or bending andiritis. {Red, inflamed eyes with light sensitivity} If left untreated or during flare-ups iritis

can be very painful and can cause blindness. Advanced A/S can calcify the ligaments

anywhere in the body, cause fibrosis of the lungs, disease of the aorta, and amyloidosis{deposits of protein called amyloids in soft body tissues}

Diet is also extremely important in controlling A/S. I cannot eat refined white flour orbaking goods made of it. White rice, cheese, mayonnaise, salad dressings, red meats,

refined sugar, and foods with high bacteria can start a flare-up or irritate the disease.

I can eat fruits, vegetables, fish, chicken, peanut butter, whole grains, juices, lots of

water, and nuts.

My family doctor, Keith Applegate put my symptoms together and sent me for a blood

test for HLAB-27, which was positive. He then sent me to get a spinal x-ray at a

specialist who confirmed that I had A/S. He has followed me and my condition for 20years. He will write a letter that he has seen the stress of harassment and incerations

cause painful flare-ups for 15 years.

Dr. Applegate referred me to and arthritis specialist after my disease progressed more.

Dr. Kelly Cole is the name of my specialist. She knows me well and has been informed

of my on-going court situations. She will testify that my situation and periodic flare-upshave been a direct result of my incarceration and police harassment.

After the most recent false arrest, Dr. Cole referred me to a physical therapist because Ihad told her I spent the night on a concrete floor and had missed three doses of my

medicine. The therapist was Amy Trigo with Bauman Physical Therapy. She wasparticularly appalled and said, Even if you were guilty of a crime, putting someone withA/S on a concrete floor for any amount of time is tantamount to torture. She was

extremely knowledgeable about the disease. She said she would go to any court and

explain the damage my treatment in jail did to me and the necessity of putting me in themedical room, my diet needs and related damage to my back.

My eyes started hurting about a week after my incarceration. I called around and got an

appointment with a doctor at Eyeglass World. This doctor was also very knowledgeableabout A/S and took a particular interest in the effects of A/S on the eyes. She checked for

previous scarring and there was none. However, this recent flare-up had caused an attack

of iritis and had caused permanent damage to my right eye. She recommended follow-upappointments and glasses. I explained to her what had happened with the Jessamine

County Jail and she was appalled that the jail nursing staff was not knowledgeable about

A/S and refused to look it up. She will testify that my incarceration and exposure to filthyenvironment caused the iritis flare-up and damaged my eyesight.

8/9/2019 Ankylosing Spondylitis is an on-going Condition

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Medications:

Tramadol [Ultracet] A pain reliever taken up to 3 times daily. This medicine is not

recommened for over a 5 day period of time. I have been on it daily for several years.Tramadol should be taken with food and liquids.

Side effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, weight loss, loss of appetite

Sulfazine [Azulfidine] A chemotherapy medication taken twice daily. Should be taken

with food and plenty of liquids.

Side effects: Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetitie, vomiting. This medicinecan cause serious, even fatal, side effects such as a severe peeling skin rash known as

Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Anemia, and liver damage.

Celebrex: Taken twice daily with a full glass of water and food.Side effects: Stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, dizziness, anemia,

heart failure, liver or kidney failure. Emergency attention is needed for slurred speech,

chest pain, swelling of face or throat and vomiting blood. A warning is added that it must

be taken exactly as prescribed or can cause death.

FABB [Folgard] Taken once daily. This is a combination of B vitamins because some ofthe medications cause anemia and deplete my nutrition.

Methotrexate: A chemotherapy medication taken six tablets once a week. This is a very

serious medication reserved for cancer patients and serious A/S. All other options shouldbe tried first. This drug lowers the bodys immune response and its ability to fight off

infections. Must avoid contact with infectious environments and people who have

contagious diseases.Side effects: Loss of appetite, lowered immune response, restless sleep, night sweats.

Must be taken exactly as prescribed and no alcohol.

Skelaxin: One tablet taken 3 times daily as needed. This is a muscle relaxer as an

additional source of pain relief.

Side effects: Dizziness, drowsiness, loss of appetite

During flare-ups I have in addition to my regular medications:

Methylprednisolone, Hydrocodone, Lortab, Paxil, Prednisolone, Cephalexin, physical

therapy, cortisone shots and other medications as necessary.