The Year of Living Painlessly

I’m firmly knocking on wood as a write this, but it’s been 12 months without a flare.

Apart from two pregnancies, during which my body decided to stop waging war against me, it’s the first time in 20 years I’ve had a year without pain.

There has certainly been the odd uncomfortable night here and there (usually when I’ve done too much), but nothing that couldn’t be relieved by some over the counter painkillers.

Why is this happening?

Apart from feeling immensely grateful and fortunate, my natural reaction is to stop and ask myself why. What has made this year different? I thought it would be worth sharing my theories, with the disclaimer that I (along with my rheumatologist) don’t completely know.

It’s now just over a year since I started taking LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone), a minute dose of a drug normally used in addiction recovery. It’s not widely prescribed but is known by a number of doctors world wide as having a positive effect on some people with autoimmune conditions. There wasn’t a dramatic or immediate change I could identify but it’s possible I'm one of those people and this has helped keep my symptoms at bay.

Vitamin D and vitamin K

Also in the last 12 months I’ve upped my Vitamin D intake, having discovered a while back that I was very deficient and didn’t seem able to either store it or make it from sun exposure. I teamed this with Vitamin K2, a companion vitamin for D which is reported to regulate calcium uptake among other benefits. I very quickly noticed a big difference in my inflammation levels and have continued to take these supplements under my doctor’s supervision.

A significant portion of the past two years has seen my home town (Melbourne, Australia) under lockdown due to the pandemic. Throughout the first year this was stressful, frightening and isolating but over time we started to adapt to our circumstances.

In hindsight I can see how this may have benefitted my overall wellbeing and contributed to better health. Life became simpler. The hectic calendar of social events, kids commitments and travel was replaced with...well, very little. There was time to sleep, relax and revisit hobbies. There were long walks (one of the few treasured reasons we could leave home) and time to prepare good food. As a family we became closer and communicated better. At times the situation was oppressive and frustrating and it seemed like it would never end, but the up-sides were undeniable.

Yoga helps, too

Around 18 months ago I began doing specialized yoga classes for people with AS. Stretching and strengthening my body through yoga a couple of times a week has been a game changer in building strength, increasing my range of movement, connecting with my body and so much more. When I feel myself getting tight or sore I know it’s time to get on the mat as it always brings great relief.

So what has made the difference? Is it one or all of these lifestyle strategies that have tamed my AS? My instinct tells me it’s most likely a combination, along with the work I’ve put into prioritizing my overall health and wellbeing for nearly a decade. Small steps, adding up over time to support my mind, body and soul.

I’m sure the war isn’t over, but for now? I’ll take this win with much gratitude.