Indonesian Woman Suffering Rare Disease That Has Made Her Unable To Bend Over For The Last 10 Years

#1

Pictures show 35-year-old Sulami a woman from the Sragen area of Central Java (Indonesia), in the grip of a disease known as ‘bamboo spine’ that has turned her completely rigid.

#2

According to the Health Department of Sragen, Sulami's suffers from a rare genetic disorder, Ankylosing Spondylitis.

#3 WHAT IS ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS?

Ankylosing Spondylitis occurs when the spine and other areas of the body become inflamed.

It can initially cause back pain, stiffness and extreme fatigue. Symptoms can either get progressively worse or resolve themselves naturally.

The condition can either be cured with physiotherapy, exercise or medication.

Around 70 to 90 per cent of people with AS remain fully independent.

It does not effect life expectancy itself but is know to trigger other serious conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, spinal fractures, chest infections and kidney disease.

#4

Her condition is so bad that she has to rely on help from her 90-year-old grandmother, Suginem, to care for her.

#5

For the last 10 years, Sulami has not able to sit or even bend over her body, and has to use a stick in order to help her walk.