Articles

Sometimes, it feels like we are surrounded by technology. Apps, devices, trackers, and gadgets are everywhere! In this digital age, though, everyone has a different level of comfort using technology...

If you have axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA), you might have considered a service animal to support you. Service animals are often associated with those needing a seeing-eye dog or mobility assistance...

Throughout my life I have always been tired, I thought this was "normal." I have suffered from mild back pain on and off for years, mostly in my tailbone. I...

As the COVID-19 pandemic drudges on, so does my frustration, as I watch people I once thought to be intelligent make brainless decisions that contribute to the spread. These poor...

When I first was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, I didn’t see or read a lot about stress management. In fact, all of that seemed strangely disregarded, as though our minds...

I used to live a full-on life, enjoying planning many things such as dinner with friends, holidays, weekends away, various activities, and gatherings in my house. I would get very...

Since I've started writing and moderating for AnkylosingSpondylitis.net, I read countless stories about how difficult it is for AS patients to find rheumatologists. This was definitely the case for my...

For anyone, dating can be scary — putting yourself out there, being vulnerable, and hoping that the other person accepts you. Having a chronic illness adds another dimension to that...

Starting school while living with the often-times debilitating symptoms of AS can be nerve-wracking. About six months ago I began my first semester of journalism, and despite how ready I...

At the beginning of the holiday season, I was struggling through the start of a flare up. I knew that the holidays had been very difficult in the past and...

Something that I’m sure is common with many of us ASers is that we aren’t happy with our bodies. It’s reasonable…I mean, our bodies do actively work against us every...

Keegan, my husband with AS, always has loved being outside. When I first met Keegan, I was surprised at the 30-minute ride in the hills of southeastern Ohio resulting in...

When I was first diagnosis with nr-AxSpA, I was relieved. I finally knew what was “wrong” with me. There was an actual diagnosis to learn about. I had a ton...

I think this topic is something that people with AS struggle with. I know I do, so I wanted to write about it in case anyone else was too. Are...

Most of the pain I feel these days--well, for the past two decades--is chronic pain related to AxSpA. As I’ve previously mentioned, pain is difficult to describe and I struggle...

Being in nearly constant pain is a very difficult concept for anyone to come to terms with. It can feel so isolating, and can really disrupt your life, and at...

Costochondritis is a condition that causes pain in the chest area. It usually happens when the cartilage around your ribs gets inflamed and swollen. Your rib cage is made up...

I can tell you 10,000 ways AS has limited me, annoyed me, pained me, frustrated me, and made me feel just awful. I know you can, too. In fact, I...

Read part 1 here (where I go over how city life affects me, and how it's affected others). In this part, I'll go over what people go through when they...

I thoroughly enjoy hiking--it’s one of my favorite weekend and after-work activities. Hiking means my joints get some much-needed movement, my body some low-impact exercise, and my mind a bit...