Anna Samson

Anna Samson (they/she) is a queer, desi person in their twenties from Canada, living just outside of Toronto. They have a Bachelor of Arts in English & Cultural Studies and write about their experiences with disabilities.

They first began showing lower back pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms during their teens, which gradually worsened over the next few years. After countless tests and doctor's appointments with several different specialists, Anna received an official diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis and fibromyalgia from a rheumatologist in late 2019, at 20 years old.

Since then, they have tried several different treatments to find some relief. They’ve tried NSAIDS and are now trying biologics. Learning of their condition sparked a long and ongoing journey of navigating the healthcare system and life in general as a young and disabled person.

Their condition has progressed since their initial diagnosis and they now regularly use a cane to walk and frequently use a walker. With the progression of their conditions, Anna has found solace and understanding in the chronic illness and disabled communities online. They also post about their experiences with chronic illnesses and disabilities on their Instagram page @disabilitywithanna.

They find comfort in reading, doing yoga, and spending time with their pets. Anna loves to write and hopes they can use their writing to advocate and raise awareness for axial spondyloarthritis and those living with it.

Click here to read all of Anna’s articles on AxialSpondyloarthritis.net.