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...reactionscomments
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...reactions6comments
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...reactionscomments
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...reactions1comment
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...reactions4comments
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...reactions4comments
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...reactions3comments
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...reactionscomments
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...reactions3comments
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...reactions2comments
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...reactions14comments
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...reactions4comments
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...reactions14comments
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...reactions3comments
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...reactions1comment
There Is No Universal AS ExperienceOne of the things that really helped me understand and move through some of the grief and confusion of my AS diagnosis...reactions4comments
Self-Care For Spoonies: More Than A BuzzwordThe National Institute on Mental Health says that self-care “means taking the time to do things that help you live well and...reactions4comments
Take the Health and Media Habits Survey!The Media Habits Survey is now closed. Thank you for your interest! Managing a chronic condition is not easy and can be...reactionscomments
Lifting COVID Restrictions Makes Me NervousIn 2022, everyone is extremely sick of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trust me, so am I. I’m just not so eager to completely...reactions1comment
Creating Routines With Unpredictable SymptomsCultivating and sticking to a strict routine when your symptoms can change, worsen or arise quite suddenly can be challenging to say...reactions3comments
