Gut Issues, IBS-C, and Ankylosing SpondylitisEditor's note: Read the first part of Katie's journey here.Have you ever experienced stomach issues and the need to evacuate your bowels so severely that you start sweating, shaking, slumping...reactions12comments
It's Already 2 Years Since My DiagnosisIt has been 2 years since I received my diagnosis of AxSpa and fibromyalgia. I remember this day like it was yesterday. It's a day I will always remember. A...reactions4comments
Having Independence as a Disabled PersonIn 2021, I started identifying as disabled. My chronic fatigue took over my life in late 2020, and a few months later, in early 2021, I decided to start using...reactions5comments
Social Media Self-CareI'd be surprised to hear that most people aren't feeling like a combustible blend of exhausted, wary, and squashed flat under the weight of these wild times. Add a twist...reactions3comments
Evaluating My AS Offensive SchemeI love the names of NFL offenses. I only have a rudimentary understanding of what they mean, but the names intrigue me. This past season I heard names for all...reactions8comments
Living My Best AS Life!When I was first diagnosed in 2018, I thought my life was over. I had already lost my job, and I lost my apartment, and I lost friends. I lost...reactions10comments
Psoriasis and AS: The Stress ConnectionSeveral years ago, my boyfriend and I moved into a new, lovely apartment with a killer view of the NYC skyline. We were so excited for the move, but it...reactions3comments
Your Guide to Living With Ankylosing SpondylitisOur 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...reactionscomments
How I Pass Time on Bedbound DaysOne of the worst feelings in the world is having a day where you’re glued to your bed, but knowing that time is going to move even slower because of...reactions4comments
The Burnout That Comes With Searching for a DiagnosisAfter Christmas I had fallen into a huge state of burnout. Not only had the holidays exhausted me down to my bones, but this burnout had also stemmed from surviving...reactions5comments
Getting Support Is NOT Giving UpI’m a support group guy! Some advocates are good at policy, others are good at knowing the latest medical trends, but I love leading support groups! That is where my...reactions8comments
Botox Injections for Muscle SpasmsI’ve had two pain management procedures. First being steroid injections into my muscle spasms, a very painful experience that did not work. My second pain management procedure was Botox injections...reactions4comments
Why I Had to Switch BiologicsAfter a long journey to get a diagnosis (see my series entitled "7 Years in No Diagnosis Land") and a bad experience with one of the DMARDS, I was finally...reactions12comments
COVID-19 Pandemic and Ankylosing Spondylitis: Patient StoriesSince the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, so many people have been affected by stress, the unknown, and the changing landscape. However, our ankylosing spondylitis community has been particularly affected...reactionscomments
How I Finally Improved My Sleeping PatternIf you read my previous article "Trouble Falling AS-sleep," you will know just how abysmal my sleep pattern had become. After writing the article I arranged a phone appointment with...reactions17comments
How I Balance My Social Life With AxSpAIt’s no secret that AS has changed my life forever. Five years ago I was a completely different human. I was able to work, go out places, and see people...reactions6comments
Arthritic Hands and Talk To Text for Ankylosing SpondylitisOver the past year, I have started experiencing more and more remarkably noticeable finger joint pain. I’ve always had a little bit of wrist pain, too, as I am a...reactions5comments
Real Life Self-Care TipsI’m not a fan of mainstream self-care culture because it tends to crowd the space for essential health and wellness practices with luxury spa nonsense. This pampering version of self-care is...reactions4comments
Chronic Illness Burnout: Taking a Step BackI've been part of the Health Union community for two years! And I'm so proud of that fact. I pride myself on connecting with so many of you here and...reactions6comments
Interview With Writer and Artist Bára HladíkEditor's note: I truly love sharing stories from people who live with ankylosing spondylitis; from the newly diagnosed, to the young, old, people of all genders, with all different experiences...reactions4comments