Ask Dr. Taz MD May 20th, 2014
Dear Dr. Taz,
My son is 23 and suffers immensely from Ankylosing Spondylitis, Deg. Disk Disease and Malnutrition. Over 20 doctors have not been able to do anything for him, except wanting to put him on Humira. I am so heartbroken to watch my young, smart,sweet son become disabled and lose all hope. He is 6 feet tall and only weighs 123 lbs. He is literally like a skeleton. He hardly complains. Imyself have Celiac Disease. He tested negative through an Endoscopy, which is a poor test for Celiac. He knows he eats badly (no fruits or veggies) but he seems to stay depressed and in horrible pain every single day. God bless you for any help you can give us.
My son is 23 and suffers immensely from Ankylosing Spondylitis, Deg. Disk Disease and Malnutrition. Over 20 doctors have not been able to do anything for him, except wanting to put him on Humira. I am so heartbroken to watch my young, smart,sweet son become disabled and lose all hope. He is 6 feet tall and only weighs 123 lbs. He is literally like a skeleton. He hardly complains. Imyself have Celiac Disease. He tested negative through an Endoscopy, which is a poor test for Celiac. He knows he eats badly (no fruits or veggies) but he seems to stay depressed and in horrible pain every single day. God bless you for any help you can give us.
Answer:Â
I feel for you and have seen so many patients in your situation. May, ironically, is National Arthritis Awareness month as well. My first steps with the many patients battling an autoimmune disease is to start an anti inflammatory diet which includes lowering, if not eliminating, gluten and dairy. Watching sugar, but increasing calories through amino acid supplementation and foods that are easily digestible help to add calories. Again, I have not seen your son, so all advice is based on experience with past patients. Try to start him on a few protein shakes per day, you can try Metagenics Ultraclear Sustain or UltrainflamX.