Learning to Manage AxSpa is a MarathonThey say “Life is a marathon, not a sprint.” The meaning is that we shouldn’t get hung up on the little events we experience. Life goes on for a long... By Jed Finley3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Health Professionals I’ve Added to My AS TeamOver the years I’ve visited a number of different health professionals to help me manage my axial spondyloarthritis. Some have not proven helpful for me personally (both chiropractic and osteopathic... By Anne-Marie Raymond2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Why Advocating for Yourself Feels Difficult, Especially With FamilyFor those grappling with Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA), moments with family can quickly become challenging encounters that leave us frustrated and misunderstood. I vividly recall a recent holiday visit with my... By Tomesha Campbell3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Tips For Dating With ASDating with a chronic illness sure can be tough. We have a complicated enough relationship with our immune system, so having another one with a human being on top of... By James Hollens3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments3 comments
From Pet to Partner: How My Dog Helps Me Navigate Life With ASIt wasn’t my idea to get a dog. My 9 year old daughter was obsessed. I can’t tell you how many times a day she would tell us she wanted... By Anne-Marie Raymond3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments3 comments
My Post-Surgery Flare Up Without BiologicsI got my breast reduction surgery in early July of this year. It was my first surgery and I got through it. Add it to my list of accomplishments--I'm so... By Nicky Flikas2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments5 comments
The Perfect Solution for Managing AxSpa: Trial and ErrorThe perfect solution does not exist. But, please keep reading. Every morning I wake up not having any idea what kind of day I am going to have. Sure, I... By Jed Finley5 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
My Life Didn’t End When I Was Diagnosed With ASSeven years ago, my already chaotic, 18-year-old world was rocked. Amidst a blur of final exams, breakdowns and breakups, my back and hips caught fire, or at least that’s how... By Cassia Pelton2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments6 comments
Three Reasons I Chose Not to Panic About (Another) DiagnosisAs I sat in that sterile conference room, awaiting confirmation from my genetic counselor, I couldn't help but feel detached from the situation. The alphabet soup of diagnoses I had... By Tomesha Campbell3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
An Interview With Personal Trainer and AS Patient, John FrazierHere at AxialSpondyloarthritis.net, we know that fitness and AxSpa can have a complicated relationship. Exercise is important to reduce stiffness and maintain mobility, but it can be difficult to commit... By AxialSpondyloarthritis.net Team5 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Addressing My Gut Health To Help With My AS SymptomsThree years before my diagnosis, while I was playing college tennis, I was having a lot of gut and joint issues. That’s when I first looked at changing my diet... By Lana Buettner2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Today Will Be Better: Managing Mental Health With Chronic ConditionsEditor's note: This article discusses suicide and mental health issues.Dave Courtney lived a truly fascinating life. Growing up in a similar area of South London as myself, Dave made a name... By James Hollens5 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments6 comments
Food Swaps: How Dietary Changes Worked To Reduce My SymptomsChanging my diet has been a game-changer for me in reducing the painful inflammatory symptoms of axial spondyloarthritis. Ten years ago I began learning as much as I could about... By Anne-Marie Raymond3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments5 comments
My Experience With Taking Biologics for ASI’ve been on biologics now for two and a half years. Before biologics, I was desperate for relief from the pain my AS was causing. I was taking the maximum... By Joy Tilbrook3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments7 comments
Redefining Success on Our TermsAs anyone living with axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpa) knows, one of the critical aspects of navigating AxSpa is redefining what success means after diagnosis. The sense of loss and frustration can... By Tomesha Campbell3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Will a Breast Reduction Help My AxSpa Symptoms?I was sitting my rheumatologist's office, when he mentioned "I think you should look into a breast reduction." This never crossed my mind. I was so angry at my doctor... By Nicky Flikas2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments5 comments
"Ask Me Anything" With a Health CoachAre you living with axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) and looking for ways to improve your quality of life? Do you have questions about how lifestyle changes can help you manage your... By AxialSpondyloarthritis.net Team1 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Quitting Is Not Giving Up: Learning Your AxSpa LimitationsI used to be a runner, a golfer, ice hockey player, and could stay up all night laying down floor tiles. I once created 12 six-foot tall plywood letters, and... By Jed Finley4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Tips For Weightlifting With ASSince I was a teenager, I have always enjoyed lifting weights at the gym. It was probably the first hobby I had that didn’t get me into trouble! I loved... By James Hollens4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments11 comments
Awake in the Dark: Navigating Nighttime Pain With Axial SpondyloarthritisBroken sleep and nighttime pain are challenging aspects of living with AS. Over time I’ve developed some strategies that help me manage when these symptoms crop up. It’s usually the... By Anne-Marie Raymond3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments8 comments