How I Cope With AS and FibromyalgiaEveryone deals with pain and fatigue differently. Those are my main symptoms from AS and fibromyalgia. My fibro diagnosis came a few months after my AS diagnosis. At first, I...reactions20comments
My New Food and Movement in Managing Ankylosing SpondylitisContent warning: Eating behaviors and nutrition. There are usually three camps when it comes to managing ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and other chronic inflammatory conditions. The first is the pharmaceutical camp...reactions19comments
The Weight of FatigueOf all the ankylosing spondylitis and fibromyalgia symptoms I experience daily, fatigue is one of the worst. For me, it’s just as bad as the chronic pain. I’m just always...reactions14comments
The Moment I Stopped FightingThe AS warrior! I was a fully fledged soldier on the battle to fight this disease. I threw everything at it and with aggression. Phrases such as "my body hates...reactions3comments
The Big Ride With Ankylosing SpondylitisI did “the big ride of the season,” at least for me. It is the big bicycle ride in downtown Indianapolis; it is called the Indy N.I.T.E. Ride. It started...reactions9comments
Another Sleepless NightAnother night waking up in tears. In tears from not knowing what to do because of the continuous excruciating pain that I have been feeling again for a few nights...reactions23comments
I Had a Busy Summer - How I’m Doing Now!The summer of 2022 was a wild ride for me. It started with being sick for 8 straight weeks, with 2 hospital visits in the mix. After that, I was...reactions1comment
Grief and Chronic IllnessWe most commonly associate the term grief with death. It’s used to describe the emotional state we experience when someone close to us passes away. In its simplest form, though...reactions3comments
Deciding to Have Children With Ankylosing SpondylitisI was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis the year before I became pregnant. At the time, I was living in the Chicago area and had access to excellent medical care. I...reactions4comments
Expectations of Treatment: RheumatologyHaving managed axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) for the past few years, I have not always had great results when dealing with treating physicians. Nevertheless, 99% of the time I have been...reactions4comments
Differentiating Inflammatory Back Pain from OsteoarthritisInflammatory back pain refers to pain and stiffness that comes along with an autoimmune condition such as ankylosing spondylitis. Wear-and-tear osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease usually occurs over time with...reactions13comments
Navigating the Online World of Axial SpondyloarthritisLike so many other places online, the axial spondyloarthritis community has become an increasingly polarized place to inhabit in recent years. I was so thankful to discover an assortment of...reactions3comments
How to Navigate a Diagnosis Without a Good Support SystemA diagnosis can change everything. Suddenly, we’re thrust into a new world of doctors' appointments, treatments, and lifestyle changes. And while having a sound support system, in general, is essential...reactions9comments
I Survived Hurricane Ian With ASI moved to Orlando, Florida from NY about a year ago. I wanted a better environment for my children as well as for myself, the bitter cold weather of NY...reactions6comments
Healing Is A ProcessA few articles from my peers has made me reflect on the stage I am at with AxSpa. I have learned to live with it, manage some symptoms, cope with...reactions16comments
Biologics: To Take or Not to Take? That is the Question!When I was first diagnosed, I asked: "Is there a cure?" I was told there was no cure, but advanced treatments that can manage and slow the progression of AS...reactions3comments
Going on My First Trip Post Diagnosis and PandemicOf course I was very excited to explore Mexico and the USA, but I had no idea how things were going to pan out. I had planned as much as...reactions2comments
My Tug of Spondyloarthritis WarDo you ever get the idea that your joints and you have a distinct difference of opinion about which way to go? This morning when I woke up and was...reactions2comments
An Invitation to an Event Full of EmotionsOne thing I miss about the beginning of the pandemic is not having to worry about events. Not having to worry of how I will get myself there. I been...reactions4comments
Is It Time To Turn The Page?Things have changed so much during my 21 years with arthritis. I was 24 when my symptoms began. My mother, her parents, and even my childhood dog were all alive...reactions1comment