Doing Better With ASDoing things can be difficult when you’ve got axial spondyloarthritis and fibromyalgia. Motivation is nothing compared to pain and fatigue. No matter how much I wanted to do things and... By Anna Samson2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
My Experience Getting Infliximab InfusionsI get inflixmab infusions (under the brand name Inflectra) every four weeks. Inflectra is a biosimilar of Remicade. I get 6 vials of 100mg infused and have been at this... By Anna Samson2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
Applying for Disability BenefitsI've had axial spondyloarthritis and fibromyalgia for about four years now. Well, that's when I was diagnosed. In truth, I've probably had it for closer to a decade. I first... By Anna Samson4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
A Year of PhysiotherapyI went to physiotherapy from February 2022 to February 2023. Prior to starting physio, I was unable to be active. I could barely walk or stand for more than five... By Anna Samson3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Adapting to Life with Ankylosing Spondylitis and FibromyalgiaLiving with ankylosing spondylitis and fibromyalgia is hard. It means being in pain and tired constantly. The never ending pain and fatigue became my new norm. So, I had to... By Anna Samson3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Having a Parent Care for MeI was 21 years old when my AS started getting bad. It's been almost two years since my condition has worsened. I've found some treatments that keep my condition more... By Anna Samson2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments
The Weight of FatigueOf all the ankylosing spondylitis and fibromyalgia symptoms I experience daily, fatigue is one of the worst. For me, it’s just as bad as the chronic pain. I’m just always... By Anna Samson3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments14 comments
Showering With Ankylosing SpondylitisOne of the things I struggle most with due to ankylosing spondylitis and fibromyalgia is taking a shower. What used to be a refreshing and calming part of my daily... By Anna Samson2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments33 comments
Starting Physical TherapySince February 2022, I have been going to physiotherapy (physical therapy) once a week or every two weeks. My family doctor recommended physiotherapy so that I could become more active... By Anna Samson2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments
Do different seasons bring on different symptoms?For me, winter causes more lumbar, SI joints, and peripheral joint pain, whereas summer causes more fatigue, brain fog, and muscle pain. I also have fibromyalgia and feel like that...Reactions 0 reactions Comments6 repliesWeatherSymptoms
Getting My Driver's License With Ankylosing SpondylitisI got my license this month! After 7 years of constantly failing tests, I finally did it. Driving is not for everyone, some struggle with it more than others. I... By Anna Samson3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
Less is More with ASSince getting diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), I've learned that it is better to undershoot than overshoot. Living in a capitalistic society, we're encouraged to push ourselves beyond our limits... By Anna Samson1 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
Nerve Block Injections for ASI have been getting biologic infusions every month for almost 2 years. While it reduces inflammation and slows down fusion, it doesn't help much with pain and fatigue. I still... By Anna Samson2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments9 comments
Having AS and Fibromyalgia in a RelationshipRecently, I have been thinking about my relationship with my partner. Specifically, I'm thinking about how having AS and fibromyalgia has affected our relationships. My partner is always kind and... By Anna Samson2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments9 comments
New Year's Resolution: AxSpA EditionMy resolution this year is two-fold: to be kinder to myself and let go of expectations. Oftentimes I am very hard on myself. This was true before I got AS... By Anna Samson2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments
My Experience With Accessible Transportation ServicesThere is an accessible transportation service in Ontario called TransHelp. Many disabled and elderly people use it. For a reduced fair, eligible people can receive personalized door-to-door transportation. As someone... By Anna Samson3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
Impact of AS on SchoolI am currently a university student but first started experiencing AS symptoms during high school. Being a student is hard enough, but when you mix in having a chronic illness... By Anna Samson2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments7 comments
Pain and SleeplessnessI’ll be honest, I’ve always had some trouble sleeping. As a kid it would take me several hours to fall asleep, but once I was asleep I’d be out like... By Anna Samson1 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
COVID-19 Vaccine And Flare-UpsAs someone living with AxSpA, I've had several flare-ups in my life. Some last for a couple of days, others last for weeks or months. They also vary in intensity... By Anna Samson2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments5 comments
Am I Really Disabled?I am in my early twenties and people are often skeptical when I tell them that I am disabled. In their eyes, I am a young person and therefore deemed... By Anna Samson2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments