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 Comments5 repliesSymptomsWeather
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 SamsonBookmark for later Reactions 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 SamsonBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments0 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 SamsonBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments6 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 SamsonBookmark for later Reactions 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 SamsonBookmark for later Reactions 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 SamsonBookmark for later Reactions 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 SamsonBookmark for later Reactions 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 SamsonBookmark for later Reactions 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 SamsonBookmark for later Reactions 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 SamsonBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments
Mobility Aids Are FreedomMany people use mobility aids. These include canes, crutches, walkers/rollators, wheelchairs, etc. They are common things you can come across every day. I use my cane a lot when I... By Anna SamsonBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
My Achilles Heel Is Literally My Achilles HeelAn aspect of AS that is often overlooked is foot pain. AS can cause a lot of pain in the foot, especially the heel. One of the symptoms I did... By Anna SamsonBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments19 comments
Struggles With SleepPain makes it difficult for me to fall asleep. While I've tried to improve my sleep hygiene and use pain management techniques before going to sleep, the struggle to sleep...Reactions 0 reactions Comments15 repliesInsomniaSleep
Caring for Pets When DisabledFinding out I have ankylosing spondylitis was terrifying because I had no idea how it would affect my life. I lost friends and couldn't go to school anymore. It became... By Anna SamsonBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Disabled SummerSummer is the season for going out and having fun. As children, summer break couldn't come fast enough. We just couldn't wait to hang out with friends. The possibilities were... By Anna SamsonBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Time Slowed Down When I Became Chronically IllMy birthday was a couple of days ago and it got me thinking about the passage of time. Specifically, how it has slowed down for me ever since I got... By Anna SamsonBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Young and DisabledI first began showing symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis when I was 16 years old. I was officially diagnosed with AS three years later. While the diagnosis offered relief, it started... By Anna SamsonBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
