Hardly any flare-ups thanks to healing gallery therapy
Ankylosing spondylitis
Lisa de Vries from Unterföhring has been coming to the Gastein Healing Gallery for treatment for almost 15 years . This has helped her to manage her ankylosing spondylitis, with its associated pain and flare-ups, and today she radiates a zest for life. We spoke to her about her ankylosing spondylitis, her journey to the Healing Gallery, and her current outlook on life:
Frau de Vries, Sie leiden seit fast 40 Jahren an Morbus Bechterew, das ist eine ziemlich lange Zeit.
"That's right! When I was 25 years old, I started experiencing the first symptoms in my knee joints. I was examined for rheumatism at the time, but nothing was found. Three years later, I had my first flare-up and experienced severe pain in my lumbar spine. Injections and painkillers did not help. A few years later, I had another flare-up, which brought with it constant, unbearable pain in my thoracic spine. None of the doctors had any idea what could be causing it. It took 25 years before I found out that it was ankylosing spondylitis."
What symptoms indicate ankylosing spondylitis?
How did you finally arrive at the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis?
"In the meantime, I was not only receiving injections for the pain, but also cortisone, which had additional side effects that affected me. My circulation was unstable, my face was swollen, and I was constantly having flare-ups. Some doctors blamed it on my mental state and labeled me a hypochondriac. That was awful. So in 2000, I insisted that everything be thoroughly examined. In 2001, the HLA B27 value in my blood tested positive. That's when I finally received the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis."
And what happened next?
"At first, I was just happy to have a name for my pain, even though my doctor told me it was a serious diagnosis. But it was still better than not having one! From that point on, I was able to cope better with my illness, the flare-ups, and the pain. I started doing physical therapy, circuit training, and sports to combat the impending stiffness caused by ankylosing spondylitis. But the pain remained."
But you have also found something to help with Bechterew's disease pain.
When I found out that I had Bechterew's disease, I joined the German Bechterew's Disease Association (DVMB) and read a report about the Gastein Healing Gallery in their newspaper. I didn't want to let the disease and its flare-ups get me down, so I told myself, 'You're not going to give up on anything just like that...'. So in 2005, I tried a treatment in the Gastein Healing Gallery.
What was it like going into the Gastein Healing Gallery for the first time?
"Well, I was excited and a little scared to drive into the mountain through a tunnel. But ultimately, it's no different than riding the subway through a tunnel. When I was at the therapy station for the first time, everything was fine right away."
And did you notice anything?
"Yes, I noticed immediately that something was happening in my body. I still notice this today with every treatment. After the first one to three sessions, I always experience a certain amount of pain. But for me, that's a good sign, because it shows that my body is responding. Shortly afterwards, the pain goes away again."
What specific effects does the tunnel have on your ankylosing spondylitis?
"After undergoing treatment in the fall, I have very little pain throughout the winter and rarely catch colds. The tunnel also strengthens my immune system. Whereas I used to have to take cortisone and painkillers every year, I no longer need any medication. I can play sports again without pain. I am very happy that this tunnel exists and that I know where to go when I am not feeling well."
What about your flare-ups, do you still have them?
"No. When I regularly undergo treatment in the healing gallery, I don't have any flare-ups. Before that, I had flare-ups in my lumbar spine at least twice a year."
What makes you so sure that it is due to the healing cave therapy?
I tried it! From 2005 to 2015, I visited the healing gallery every year and then took a two-year break. That wasn't a good idea, because I immediately suffered a severe flare-up of ankylosing spondylitis. In the 10 years before that, I never had a cold. That year, I even got pneumonia. So I went straight back to the tunnel, which helped me immediately. I haven't had a flare-up since ."
How often do you go to the healing gallery?
"Basically every two years. But if I notice that I'm feeling worse, I go more often."
Who bears the costs of treatment?
"My health insurance covers the treatment. However, it was not straightforward initially, as my first application was rejected. I then contacted the patient service at the healing gallery and received assistance there. Since then, my health insurance has covered the costs without issue."
What do you do at home to stay healthy?
"Lots of exercise, because that's the most important thing with Bechterew's disease. I go to the gym, usually walking 10 kilometers twice a week and doing backstroke swimming. I also go to physical therapy regularly to counteract the stiffening of my spine. Because even though I'm feeling much better, you can't forget that the disease is still progressing. I also pay attention to my diet."
How can you enjoy life despite and with ankylosing spondylitis?
And in Gastein? Are they also active there?
"Absolutely. I always come here with my husband, and we really enjoy hiking, climbing mountains, and relaxing in the thermal baths. When we come to Gastein, it always feels a bit like coming home. After all, we've been coming here for almost 15 years. We also have our favorite tours, for example to Nassfeld. And we always have to visit Heidi at the Schareckalm to drink fresh buttermilk. Once we've really warmed up, we also hike up the Ankogel, the Schuhflicker, or up to the Bockartsee."
That sounds like a great way to live!
"I do that too! I try to make myself look nice every day, despite my serious illness. The healing gallery has made my life easier and I am glad that this therapy exists. It allows me to enjoy my retirement, travel a lot, meet new people, and constantly discover new things. I am very happy about that!"
Thank you very much for this wonderful conversation. We wish you all the best for the future and, above all, good health!
Thank you very much for the open conversation.
