Swim to maintain flexibility

Q I am a 32- year- old diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis two years ago. I took medicines for three months, but due to continuous pain in my stomach, I stopped taking them and have been off medication now for more than a year. I am experiencing strain in my lower back, especially in the morning and after that, I feel a pain in my ribs. I do yoga and exercises that help me. Should I take medicines for ankylosing spondylitis?

— Mahesh

AIt

seems that you are suffering from ankylosing spondylitis and have stopped medicines perhaps due to gastritis. What you are doing presently is correct as exercises of spine are very good to maintain flexibility; however, swimming will be better. To reduce the intensity of pain, you can take anti- inflammatory medicines intermittently, i. e. take them for one week and drop them for another. Another effective method to reduce pain and inflammation is a sacroiliac ( SI) joint injection, which will reduce your pain for a period of three months to one year. Lastly, please follow a nearby rheumatologist for proper monitoring of your condition and other associated complications. We do not recommend you to be your own doctor.

— Dr. H. R. Madhuri, Consultant Rheumatologist

QI am 29 and into my seventeenth week of pregnancy. This is my third pregnancy and I’m having backache and lower abdomen pain. The doctor who told me that I am having contractions and should take bed rest along with Duphaston ( 10 mg) thrice a day. Am I on the right treatment?

— Anonymous

AYes,

you can take Duphaston ( 10 mg) along with rest and see if the pain and contractions stop. Also check for evidence of infection in the vagina or urinary tract, and take treatment accordingly. Once the pain stops, the medication can be stopped

— Dr. G. Vindya, Consultant Gynaecologist