Bad Air Quality, Wildfires, and Flare-UpsLiving with a chronic condition like AxSpa can be challenging on its own, but when external factors exacerbate the symptoms, the struggle intensifies. Keegan, my husband, has been battling AxSpa... By Auldyn Matthews2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Making Camping Trips Doable With ASOne of our family’s favorite pastimes has always been going away camping. I’ve missed quite a few of those trips over the years thanks to AS. It always tugs at... By Anne-Marie Raymond2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Finally Meeting Some Super SpooniesWhen I was first diagnosed with an arthritic condition, I felt very confused and alone. I always thought arthritis was a bit of knee pain that my grandmother used as an excuse to get out of taking me to the park... By James Hollens3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
I Got Disability Support!I have something very exciting to share! After 6 whole years of applying, getting denied, appealing, and getting denied again, I’ve finally been accepted for disability support! It was a... By Steff Di Pardo2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments8 comments
2 Tips for Flying With Ankylosing SpondylitisFlying is always a nightmare with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Even when I've flown in best-case scenarios—like in an upgraded premium seat—the pain remains, and the days after a flight leave... By Lisa Marie Basile2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments5 comments
Getting Complacent With Self CareHaving a chronic illness like AS can be utterly exhausting. Not only are we already exhausted from the fatigue that it forces on us, but we also need to put... By James Hollens3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
The Stress FlareI’ve been having trouble sleeping at night. I’ve been stressed, and not only am I struggling to quiet my mind enough to find deep sleep, but I’m tossing and turning... By Erin King2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments5 comments
Managing Seasonal Joint Pain for a More Fulfilling LifeThere was a time when the changing seasons used to bring me joy, but now it seems to give me joint pain mostly. I used to think it was "all... By Tomesha Campbell2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments5 comments
Faking it With Ankylosing SpondylitisI am a faker. I admit it. But I bet it is not what you are thinking. I fake people out about how well I am doing. In fact, I am... By Lawrence Rick Phillips3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Making Planning Work For YouLife is a tug of war between disruptive chaos and the things we want and need to do. Lots of cool things happen along the way, but this struggle is... By Dawn Gibson2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
A Year of PhysiotherapyI went to physiotherapy from February 2022 to February 2023. Prior to starting physio, I was unable to be active. I could barely walk or stand for more than five... By Anna Samson3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
How Goal Setting Can Help Us Self-Manage Chronic IllnessAs a health coach most of my time is spent working with people on making positive behavior change. Following a diagnosis like AS, a lot of people look to improve... By Anne-Marie Raymond2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
Let's Find Some Positivity Out of This Chronic IllnessHaving a chronic illness of any sort is hard. It's a hard pill to swallow. Receiving a diagnosis or having to live with a chronic illness means this will be... By Nicky Flikas4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Navigating Work Stressors With an Autoimmune Disease: Tips for SuccessLiving with an autoimmune condition like axSpA can present unique challenges in various aspects of life, including work. Multiple symptoms, from lower back pain to fatigue, may affect your ability... By Tomesha Campbell3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments5 comments
How Sound Healing Can Help With AxSpa SymptomsAt the beginning of March, I went to a sound healing session in a lovely venue, beautiful Church, here in Edinburgh. I had attended a couple of similar sessions last... By Julie Vallortigara3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments5 comments
Spinal Surgery Complications: I Have a Loose AS ScrewOuch, that hurt. That was what I told my back surgeon recently when he touched one of those spots that ache constantly. You may recall that in 2019, just as the pandemic... By Lawrence Rick Phillips3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
It's Just Allergies, Right?Seasonal allergies, the annoying across the hall neighbor of chronic illness. They always come over uninvited, eat our food, and try to suck us into their hairbrained schemes. So, I... By Jed Finley3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
My Chronic Struggles With Keeping Up With RepliesWe live in a bit of a "now culture" where people want everything instantly – including replies to text messages and emails. But sometimes this just isn’t doable for those... By James Hollens3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments10 comments
The Power of My WhiteboardWhen in doubt, write it down. As someone who has for so long relied on a very strong memory, AxSpA put a twist in how I organize my life. Before... By Jamie Shinkewski3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
Birthday Planning the AxSpa WayMy daughter and husband's birthdays are a day apart. My daughter was born on February the 10th, and my husband was born on February the 11th. This year, both of their... By Nicky Flikas3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments5 comments