Getting Rejected for Disability AidAt the end of my article "Too Disabled to Employ, Not Disabled Enough to Help", I was about to apply a second time for disability allowance, following countless unsuccessful attempts... By James Hollens4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments36 comments
The Mind-Body-Spirit Axis: Holistic Flare TipsI’ve noticed that my flare ups are 100 times worse when my mind, body, and spirit are not aligned. More pain. More tears. More feeling of a lack of control... By Lisa Marie Basile3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments5 comments
My Experience With Low Dose Naltrexone for ASFor many years now my approach to living well with ankylosing spondylitis has involved a healthy dose of curiosity and a willingness to try new things. Strategies that work well... By Anne-Marie Raymond3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments5 comments
Going Through a Breakup With a DisabilityThis is something I wasn’t sure I wanted to talk about openly. It’s hard when you’re in a relationship with someone and want to respect their privacy. Though this is... By Steff Di Pardo2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments
You Are Valid!Living with AxSpA is a daily fight, and yet on top of this we are expected to fight for ourselves as patients and humans. Doubt, misdiagnosis, and getting taken seriously... By Jed Finley4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments5 comments
An Open Letter of Explanation to My FriendsOne of the most frustrating aspects of living with a chronic condition like AS is that often our friends and family don’t fully understand our situation. I can’t say I... By James Hollens3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Flare Up Emotional Support ToolkitWhen I'm in a major flare-up, I already know what I need to do in terms of physical pain management. I need to make sure I’m taking my medication, I... By Lisa Marie Basile3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments
Early Signs of AS That I Didn't Pick Up OnI am often asked if there were early warning signs prior to my AS diagnosis. I used to believe that there weren’t any and it all happened suddenly. I’ve spoken... By James Hollens5 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Trying To Find Some Positivity Out of My Rheumatology AppointmentToday was my 3 month follow up appointment with my rheumatologist. I am trying keep a smile on my face and find some positivity out of today's appointment. I don't... By Nicky Flikas3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
My Meal Prep HeroesMy paternal grandmother was Team Meal Prep before it was cool. She had no choice, working full-time while raising 4 kids on her own, taking in sewing and commissions, and dealing... By Dawn Gibson2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
Having Depression and Ankylosing SpondylitisI feel like it’s almost impossible to have AS and not have mental health issues, too. It just affects every part of our lives. Having depression and AS feels like... By Steff Di Pardo2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
The Easing of COVID Restrictions and My Fourth VaccineAs Covid restrictions ease here in Ireland, my anxiety levels are doing the opposite. I understand that we can’t live forever in a lockdown, we as a world need to... By Ali Long2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
Signs Someone is Struggling With Their IllnessThere’s a lot of weight that comes with living with a chronic illness. We often don’t show it, because if we did surrender to that struggle, it would be difficult... By Sarah Lee2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Breaking the Vicious CycleI’ve returned to that point again, one I’m sure you’ll recognize. The dreaded flare. Bit by bit the pain has crept back in, interrupting my sleep and turning me into... By Anne-Marie Raymond2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
Spiritual Health, Caregiving, and ASWhile not a topic that pops up often, it’s one that’s close to my heart. The journey I’ve taken with Keegan, my husband with AS, shifted my perspective on spirituality... By Auldyn Matthews2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
A Realistic Outlook on ExerciseIf you read my articles "An Unrealistic Outlook on Exercise" and the "All or Nothing Approach" you'll know that I haven't been successful with finding an exercise program that works for me... By Ali Long3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments14 comments
3 Tips for Caregivers When They’re Not NeededSometimes Keegan, my husband with AxSpa, doesn’t need me. Sometimes, Keegan is back at 80% or 90% or 99%, and I am not needed. It’s a strange place to be... By Auldyn Matthews2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
Coming Out of the "Chronic Closet"To be frank - when I was first diagnosed with AS I was embarrassed. I didn’t know a single person with an arthritic condition aside from my grandmother who was... By James Hollens3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments14 comments
A Piece of My HeartI woke this morning around 4:30 a.m. thinking of my father. When I was a child, he was up at the crack of dawn watching the sunrise, drinking his instant... By Rebecca C4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
March Is the Worst Month (and the Best Month)I’m sitting here after a long day of work along with Keegan, my husband with AS, talking about how the weather wrecks his body every spring. For Keegan, while the... By Auldyn Matthews2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments