Signs Someone is Struggling With Their IllnessThere’s a lot of weight that comes with living with a chronic illness. We often don’t show it, because if we did surrender to that struggle, it would be difficult...reactionscomments
Breaking the Vicious CycleI’ve returned to that point again, one I’m sure you’ll recognize. The dreaded flare. Bit by bit the pain has crept back in, interrupting my sleep and turning me into...reactions3comments
Spiritual Health, Caregiving, and ASWhile not a topic that pops up often, it’s one that’s close to my heart. The journey I’ve taken with Keegan, my husband with AS, shifted my perspective on spirituality...reactions2comments
A Realistic Outlook on ExerciseIf you read my articles "An Unrealistic Outlook on Exercise" and the "All or Nothing Approach" you'll know that I haven't been successful with finding an exercise program that works for me...reactions14comments
3 Tips for Caregivers When They’re Not NeededSometimes Keegan, my husband with AxSpa, doesn’t need me. Sometimes, Keegan is back at 80% or 90% or 99%, and I am not needed. It’s a strange place to be...reactions4comments
Coming Out of the "Chronic Closet"To be frank - when I was first diagnosed with AS I was embarrassed. I didn’t know a single person with an arthritic condition aside from my grandmother who was...reactions14comments
A Piece of My HeartI woke this morning around 4:30 a.m. thinking of my father. When I was a child, he was up at the crack of dawn watching the sunrise, drinking his instant...reactions3comments
March Is the Worst Month (and the Best Month)I’m sitting here after a long day of work along with Keegan, my husband with AS, talking about how the weather wrecks his body every spring. For Keegan, while the...reactions1comment
There Is No Universal AS ExperienceOne of the things that really helped me understand and move through some of the grief and confusion of my AS diagnosis was the realization that not everyone with ankylosing...reactions4comments
Self-Care For Spoonies: More Than A BuzzwordThe National Institute on Mental Health says that self-care “means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health.”...reactions4comments
In Sickness, and in Health“In sickness and in health” is a pretty common wedding vow, I don’t know who wrote it, but their script is a best seller. Brides and grooms say this vow...reactions1comment
Take the Health and Media Habits Survey!The Media Habits Survey is now closed. Thank you for your interest! Managing a chronic condition is not easy and can be physically and mentally exhausting. What types of media...reactionscomments
Lifting COVID Restrictions Makes Me NervousIn 2022, everyone is extremely sick of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trust me, so am I. I’m just not so eager to completely get back to normal, and here’s why. I...reactions1comment
Creating Routines With Unpredictable SymptomsCultivating and sticking to a strict routine when your symptoms can change, worsen or arise quite suddenly can be challenging to say the least. I have always been someone who...reactions3comments
2022 SpA Awareness Month Giveaway Terms & ConditionsOfficial Rules, Terms and Conditions for the Spondyloarthritis Awareness Month 2022 Giveaway NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE...reactionscomments
Returning to Rock ClimbingWhen I was in graduate school, I started dating my future husband, who was a rock climber. After a few months of dating and not seeing him on the weekends...reactions6comments
The Blue Badge of CourageGetting my blue accessible parking pass was a big moment for me. Being able to hang that tag from my rearview mirror was another step in my quest to achieve...reactions4comments
Finally Getting an Appointment at the Pain Management ClinicAfter suffering with months and months of pain, my family doctor decided to send a referral to the pain clinic here in Montreal. I had tried numerous treatments, but nothing...reactions8comments
Lifestyle Changes for Ankylosing SpondylitisWe here at AnkylosingSpondylitis.net have connected with people from all different backgrounds, and with all different experiences. Some people who come to our community prefer to use biologics and other...reactions1comment
Becoming ButterfliesThe idea of raising butterflies never crossed my mind until I spotted two mature Eastern Black Swallowtail caterpillars lazily munching away on the fennel in our kitchen garden. Their cheerful...reactions4comments
