What is the life expectancy of someone with Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Maybe you can find some useful ifo here: http://www.clinexprheumatol.org/article.asp?a=1455
and from the MD guidelines: "The prognosis is variable but generally favorable, with a tendency for the condition to be self-limiting with either spontaneous remission or a mild course. The disease may also be active over a period of years with life expectancy reduced after 10 years of active disease. The outcome of medical or surgical intervention varies in each individual, although some lessening of symptoms can be expected in all individuals.
Comparatively few individuals will develop severe functional disability. Disability correlates with duration of disease, disease activity, fixed spinal deformity, and spinal mobility. Severe hip involvement also results in greater functional impairment." (source http://www.mdguidelines.com/ankylosing-spondylitis)

The normal life expectancy for those living with AS is that of normal people without the disease unless a severe complication arises. Complications such as fusion can lead to bamboo spine or hunchback or of the SI joints as well and also extra bone growth that could lead to surgery. With AS in later progression the heart, lungs, And eyes can be affected leading to infection in the organs causing hospitalization and at times strong antibiotics and you can also get secondary infections from those infections leading to pneumonia, pleurisy, pericarditis, costochondritis, uvitis if the eye and if left untreated can lead to infection in brain, but these are usually caught but can happen and be life threatening. They believe AS is caused by a variety of factors such as generics, environment, and immune system. Also if the immune system TNF marker which is what leads to inflammation is to much the body will inflame and cause severe pain and swelling do the joints. Thjs can cause alot of discomfort and difficulty with mobility as well. Research continues to try and find out further information and is ongoing with many groups which leads to hope amongst the AS community. Although there is no cure at this time we are hoping one day they will find one. As they know HLA-B27 marker is main gene related to AS as well as some environmental fsctors, and our weakened immune systems. Alot of our infections are stemed from the gut so Probiotics are essential if able to take them to help restore good bacteria as well as some vitamins and supplements but talk to your dr about them before starting them. We continue to have hope as research continues that a breakthru will occur.

Not sure.

AS doesnt not significantly alter life expectancy. Get educated and stay up on the latest developments. Also, please share your story often. More awareness means more funding for research.

There's new anti-tnf drugs
Normal life expectancy

The disease itself is not usually life threatening. The medications do have serious side effects which can be however. In rare cases the heart and lungs can become effected. Regular check ups are important as is good lifestyle choices to stay strong and healthy in every other way.

Clueless on this, but I plan on living everyday to its fullest as possible!

Normal, some cases shorter, usually from other complications.

I have been diagnosed with AS 15 years ago, I am now 59 years old and in better shape now that I was in my late 40's and early 50's i started lifting weights a little over 2 years ago and doing cardio and trying my best to eat clean went from 250lbs & 42" waist, to a 32" waist and weight in at 185lbs I also play tennis the reason I say all that, is don't believe that your done because you have AS, do something about it,change your life style my saying"never quit, never give up, it's for life." Obelix58

a bit shorted than normal due to the strain and stress placed on the body.

It is not life threatening, just life altering. Fusion of neck and other spinal areas can create a fall that you may not recover from. Heart attack if inflammation spreads to heart valves.

Life expectancy is just as any other with right treatment.

Every bit I've read indicates that AS doesn't necessarily affect longevity unless an individual has more involved symptoms and/or other conditions in addition to AS

Almost Normal Life with own strong willpower

Le complicazioni sono legate alle comorbidita' come i problemi cardiaci
Ad oggi i farmaci innovativi hanno regalato speranze ai malati di spondilite

I am not sure about answering this question.

But I do believe that the progress as early diagnose and treatment, combined with a better management can avoid or slow down damaged that the previous generations sadly had to go through and that were causing harm to maybe endanger life expectancy (for exemple due to the rib cage and respiratory issues)

Depeding on the severity of the disease and treatments available in your part of the world, you can have a normal life expectancy. The disease can affect the heart and lungs, so keep up with testing. Dont smoke, try to keep you weight down.