Insurance is Crucial for Patients With AxSpAI was informed I had a gene mutation a few months ago that could contribute to more severe health complications down the line. After speaking with my healthcare team, we... By Tomesha Campbell3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Why Advocating for Yourself Feels Difficult, Especially With FamilyFor those grappling with Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA), moments with family can quickly become challenging encounters that leave us frustrated and misunderstood. I vividly recall a recent holiday visit with my... By Tomesha Campbell3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Three Reasons I Chose Not to Panic About (Another) DiagnosisAs I sat in that sterile conference room, awaiting confirmation from my genetic counselor, I couldn't help but feel detached from the situation. The alphabet soup of diagnoses I had... By Tomesha Campbell3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Redefining Success on Our TermsAs anyone living with axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpa) knows, one of the critical aspects of navigating AxSpa is redefining what success means after diagnosis. The sense of loss and frustration can... By Tomesha Campbell3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Lesson in Traveling With IntentionI’ve never been a massive fan of “traveling,” but I appreciate arriving at my destination. Before 2020, I used to travel quite often for work, but nowadays, I appreciate the... By Tomesha Campbell2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Finding Acceptance, Belonging, and Embracing Your JourneyLiving with a chronic inflammatory condition like axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) can often make us feel like outsiders in a world that doesn't fully understand our experiences. One of the unique... By Tomesha Campbell2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments6 comments
Balancing Understanding and Boundaries With Friends and FamilyLiving with an autoimmune condition like axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) can be a challenging journey, filled with physical and emotional hurdles. Sometimes, the well-intentioned advice from friends and family members doesn't... By Tomesha Campbell3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Overcoming Anxiety and Navigating the Future With Axial SpondyloarthritisIf you've recently been diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) or another health condition, it's natural to have concerns about the future. I remember receiving my first two health diagnoses; it... By Tomesha Campbell3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Navigating Winter Walks: A Guide for Dog Parents With AxSpaWalking my dog outside during the wintertime is a form of torture I don't wish upon anyone. As walking her is something that I have to do, rather than something... By Tomesha Campbell2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Navigating the Maze: Inconclusive Tests and Life Beyond Axial SpondyloarthritisYour results came back inconclusive. When I heard those words, I couldn't help but feel disappointed and a twinge of anger. After months of waiting to hear about the results... By Tomesha Campbell3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments4 comments
When the Cost of Care Makes Access an IssueWhen I was growing up, my family reserved hospital visits for emergencies that couldn't wait until the doctor's office opened in the morning. During that first year of my diagnosis... By Tomesha Campbell2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Keeping Warm and Cozy With ASThe winter months were always my favorite time of the year as a child, not because I enjoy the cold. I enjoyed the winter because it was almost guaranteed that... By Tomesha Campbell3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Becoming My Own Healthcare AdvocateOne of my earliest memories is of the doctor's visits my mother used to attend with my grandmother. I remember my mother taking notes and asking the doctors many questions... By Tomesha Campbell2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Navigating Autoimmune Healing Without Succumbing to Dietary FadsIn today's society, the prevalence of autoimmune conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), is rising. These conditions, affecting millions worldwide, require careful management to alleviate symptoms... By Tomesha Campbell4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Managing Seasonal Joint Pain for a More Fulfilling LifeThere was a time when the changing seasons used to bring me joy, but now it seems to give me joint pain mostly. I used to think it was "all... By Tomesha Campbell2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Navigating Work Stressors With an Autoimmune Disease: Tips for SuccessLiving with an autoimmune condition like axSpA can present unique challenges in various aspects of life, including work. Multiple symptoms, from lower back pain to fatigue, may affect your ability... By Tomesha Campbell3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Losing Friends and Finding Community: Living With ASIt’s no secret that getting diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can be a life-changing experience. It is an inflammatory disease that can cause pain, stiffness, and immobility in the spine... By Tomesha Campbell2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments4 comments
3 Tips for Managing Anxiety If You Have ASIt's no secret that living with a chronic illness can be challenging—mentally and emotionally, as well as physically. I remember when I was first diagnosed, there was the mental stress... By Tomesha Campbell3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments12 comments
3 Types of Physical Activity to Consider With AxSpaWe all know that physical activity is essential for our health. Being physically active can support our brain health, strengthen our bones, and improve our ability to do everyday activities... By Tomesha Campbell2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments7 comments
3 Tips to Help Relieve AS SymptomsI don’t have to tell you how frustrating and debilitating your symptoms can be. From joint pain to blurred vision, many ways in which ankylosing spondylitis (AS) symptoms can impact... By Tomesha Campbell2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments9 comments