Living

Many years ago people tested the authenticity and purity of silver and gold by dragging samples over special stones. The resulting color of the touchstone’s mark verified the metal’s content...

In today's society, the prevalence of autoimmune conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), is rising. These conditions, affecting millions worldwide, require careful management to alleviate symptoms...

Over the past few months, I have struggled to cope with my health anxiety. On some days it's just as prevalent as my chronic pain conditions. When I was younger...

Living 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...

One 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...

When 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...

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...

Flying 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...

Having 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...

I’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...

There 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...

I 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...

Life 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...

I 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...

As 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...

Having 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...

Living 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...

At 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...

Ouch, 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...

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...