Your Guide to Living With Ankylosing Spondylitis

Our site has been here since 2019, and in that time, we've published hundreds of articles. Our Patient Leaders have share their stories, journeys, tips, and tricks with us. Whether you've just been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, or you're searching for a diagnosis, or you just want to learn more about your condition, we've probably published an article on it!

Consider this your master guide to ankylosing spondylitis. We've compiled your most common questions, and linked tons of articles that may help answer those questions. We hope this guide provides you with information, support, and empathy.

How can I get diagnosed with AS?

• My Journey to Getting Diagnosed by Nicky
• My Diagnosis Day by Steff
• My Diagnosis Journey by René
• The Long Path to Diagnosis by Steve
• Part One of My Journey: Getting Diagnosed in China by James
• Decades for a Diagnosis, Part 1: At a Loss by Nira
• How To Get The Most Out Of Doctor Appointments by Dawn

What will my symptoms be like?

• Every Day is a New Mix of Symptoms by Auldyn
• My Symptom Tracking Method by Lisa
• Psoriasis Flares During Stress by Lisa
• Early Signs of AS That I Didn't Pick Up On by James
• Nausea and Ankylosing Spondylitis: My Experience by Ali L.

How can I pick the best treatment for me?

• It's Not Working: Dealing With Treatment Disappointment by Jed
• From Vitamins to Biologics: Finding the Right Treatments by Auldyn
• How I Found a Balance Between Conventional and Natural Treatment by Anne Marie
• When it Comes to Treatment, When Do You Leave Well Enough Alone? by Diana
• The Potential Reward Was Worth The Risk: My Journey With AS Treatment by Erin

Will this affect my relationships?

• In Sickness & In Health by Jed
• An Open Letter of Explanation to My Friends by James
• The Difficulties of Dating With AS by Steff
• Being In A Relationship When You Have AS by Steff
• How To Deal With Unsupportive Friends by Steff
• Marriage and Chronic Illness by Rick

Will diet change help my symptoms?

• How Changing My Diet Sent My AS Into Remission by Ali C.
• Food for Thought: Why Diet Change Didn’t Work for Me by Erin
• Five Things I Learned About Dietary Change for AS by Anne Marie
• Diet Changes That Helped My AS by James

Any resources for my loved ones or caregiver(s)?

• Spiritual Health, Caregiving, and AS Auldyn
• How to Care for the Caregiver Auldyn
• A Look at My AS Caregiver Journey by Ben
• Ways to Support Someone Living with a Chronic Illness by Katie S.

How can I find support?

• Get Yourself Connected by Jed
• The Need for Support by Steff
• How AS Patients Can Be Better To One Another by Lisa
• The Importance of an "AS Buddy" by Auldyn

Tips on coping with my emotions?

• Riding the Wave of Overwhelm by Sarah L.
• Taking a Moment to See the Lightness in the Darkness by Sarah L.
• Keeping Faith for Better Days By Sarah L.
• You Are Strong! by Jed
• I’m So Over It - Chronic Illness and Healthcare Burnout by Jessica
• A Mental Health Flare-Up Kit by Lisa
• Stress, Grief, and Ankylosing Spondylitis by Anne Marie
• Cultivating Resilience In Hard Times 102: Structure, Commitments, And Opportunities by Dawn

How can I get through flare ups and painful days?

• Breaking the Vicious Cycle by Anne Marie
• Flare-Up Emotional Support Toolkit
• My Spondylitis Self-Care Story by Dawn
• Arthritis in Autumn by Nira
• My Flare Essentials by Steff
• Managing Chronic Pain With Medical Marijuana by Auldyn
• My Top Do’s and Don’ts For Flare Days by Diana