Insurance is Crucial for Patients With AxSpAI was informed I had a gene mutation a few months ago that could contribute to more severe health complications down the line. After speaking with my healthcare team, we...reactions2comments
The Never Ending FlareI'm in another flare (again). How long will this one last? The days have passed so fast. I forget again what normal feels like. My days are high in pain...reactions17comments
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...reactions1comment
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...reactions1comment
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...reactions2comments
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...reactions3comments
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...reactions3comments
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...reactions5comments
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...reactions1comment
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...reactions9comments
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...reactions4comments
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...reactions1comment
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...reactions1comment
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...reactions8comments
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...reactions5comments
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...reactions7comments
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...reactions4comments
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...reactions5comments
"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...reactionscomments
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...reactions4comments