How will the autoimmune disease affect future health?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 29 years old male. I have an autoimmune disease that affects my SI joint. Since last year, I have had hemorrhoids that have not yet recovered. I am also lactose intolerant and have flat feet. I experience pain during running, driving a manual car, fast walking, and jumping. I am not sure about the impact of other activities. I am currently taking Voltaren medication.

I have the following questions:

Does my condition worsen over time? If yes, what are the challenges as I grow older and my body weakens?
What are the potential complications for my sex life and physical intimacy after marriage?
Are my hemorrhoids and gut issues related to my autoimmune disease?
Can injectable treatments for my condition affect my overall immunity, and are they advisable?
Is there a risk that my future children could develop this condition?
How could these conditions impact my married life?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for reaching out.

Autoimmune diseases (conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's tissues) that affect the sacroiliac joints, like ankylosing spondylitis (inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine), typically worsen over time. As you age, natural wear and tear on your body can exacerbate symptoms, leading to increased pain, reduced mobility, and stiffness. This can make daily activities, maintaining physical fitness, and managing chronic pain more challenging. Prolonged inflammation may also cause joint damage, potentially requiring more intensive management or surgical interventions.

Regarding your sex life and physical intimacy after marriage, chronic pain and reduced mobility can present significant challenges. Pain during certain movements or positions might affect sexual activity, potentially causing decreased libido or anxiety about intimacy. I suggest openly communicating with your partner and consulting a doctor for a physical examination, which are essential steps to manage these concerns.

Hemorrhoids (swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus) and gut issues are not directly related to your autoimmune condition. However, inflammation from autoimmune diseases can sometimes affect the gastrointestinal tract, which may exacerbate symptoms.

Injectable treatments like biologics or corticosteroids can modulate the immune system and are commonly used to manage autoimmune diseases. These treatments should only be initiated under the supervision of a doctor following a physical examination. There is a genetic component to autoimmune diseases, meaning your children may have a higher risk of developing similar conditions.

Your current medication, Voltaren (Diclofenac sodium 50 mg), is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that reduces inflammation and pain. Your treating doctor should monitor long-term use.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.