In some local chapters, SASO contacts are putting their name, telephone number and/or e-mail address in the chapter newsletter, as another way to extend support to those in need. Other chapters such as the Calgary and Belleville/Trenton Chapters have held successful rap sessions for spouses, significant others and family members. In October, a visitor training program was organised by the Brantford Chapter where three spouses attended the sessions in order to become qualified visitors.
SASO News will now be published three times a year, in the fall, winter and spring, a copy of which will be mailed/ e-mailed to all the editors of chapter newsletters.
The SASO pamphlet, Partners' Support Program is in the process of being updated by members of the SASO Committee. At the IOA World Congress in Porto, Portugal, pamphlets were picked up by interested participants. One person in particular, indicated in her correspondence with us that she has presented the concept of a SASO support group at the national meeting of Stoma Ilco, Belgium. It is really amazing how an idea can so easily spread to other parts of the world.
The Truth...
Ankylosing spondylitis is a condition that involves the lower part of the spine and adjacent joints. In addition to pain, it may cause stiffening of the spine, hips, neck, jaw and rib cage. Its course is independent of the course of the underlying bowel disease. As time goes on, the condition may get better or worsen and on occasion, it may develop even after the bowel disease has been removed or improved. The disease usually commences before age 30.
Large joint arthritis usually affects the knees, ankles, hips and occasionally the elbows and the shoulders. The small joints of the hands and feet and the spine are not usually involved. Unlike other kinds of arthritis, this form often worsens as the bowel disease worsens, and improves as the disease improves. It sometimes worsens before the bowel activates. This kind of arthritis does not leave permanent joint deformities.
We do not know what causes these three forms of arthritis that develop with either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Many physicians have attributed the arthritis to some immunologic process which may accompany the intestinal disease, but convincing evidence for this is still lacking.
