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...Reactions0reactionsComments19 comments
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...Reactions0reactionsComments14 comments
The Negative Impact of Positivity CultureI once worked for a company where the notion of positivity was prized above all else. Falling short of your sales target? Stop finding excuses! Current system not working? Stop...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
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...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
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...Reactions0reactionsComments9 comments
The Waiting GameThis chapter of my journey has been a waiting game. Something I’m sure many of you know all too well. It’s like a “coming of age” thing as a chronically...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
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...Reactions0reactionsComments23 comments
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...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
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...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
4 Reasons Why I'm (Kind Of) A PrepperMy mother and I lived with her parents throughout my childhood, which exposed me to lots of stories about The Great Depression, World War Two, and the evils of unnecessary...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
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...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
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...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
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...Reactions0reactionsComments9 comments
Prepare To Share: Learning How to Tell AS StoriesWe all have a story to tell. Some open people's eyes, excite the mind, or take your listeners to another world. On the other hand, some people’s stories are boring...Reactions0reactionsComments8 comments
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...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
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...Reactions0reactionsComments9 comments
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...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
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...Reactions0reactionsComments16 comments
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...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
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...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments