Combating A Negative Mindset With Wellness PlanningI’ve been struggling lately. Things haven’t been going my way for quite some time now, and it’s really begun to take a toll on me emotionally. I’d say the beginning...reactions9comments
Ways I Didn't Expect AS to Affect Our LivesLooking back on my life, it's always strange to think about what it was like in college. Keegan, my husband with AS, was just beginning to show symptoms. We studied...reactions6comments
Periods and Ankylosing Spondylitis: How I ManageWhenever my period is on its way, I know the true (monthly) battle is beginning. Not only do I contend with the fatigue and pain from ankylosing spondylitis (or radiographic...reactions14comments
The Frustrations Of Arthritis AdvocacyOutsiders could be forgiven for mistaking the constant parade of advertisements for treatments for arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis for proof that the war is over. Taken together...reactions1comment
Like Mother, Like Sons: Part 2Editors note: This is part 2 of Jed's interview, and part 1 can be found here. If you didn’t read “Part 1” yet, Brenda (32) is diagnosed with RA, while...reactions1comment
A Holiday Season Like No OtherThe holidays are a time for family, for gathering and catching-up and enjoying the company of our loved ones. Living away from family, the holidays are one of the few...reactionscomments
Women Don’t Get AxSpA?! This Old Story Needs to Go!I have recently changed rheumatologists. I have been living with AxSpA for seven years, if we don’t count the years I had symptoms but was not diagnosed with a particular...reactions2comments
Reflecting On My Past Year With ASI turned 35 on November 3 (yes, election day, and no — that wasn't ideal at all, ha!). The night before — before midnight — I got into the bath...reactions1comment
Stepping Back From the Community When It Becomes Too MuchI've said it a million times, and I'll probably say it a million more; the chronic illness community is one like no other. There is so much love and support...reactions1comment
Spondylitis, Spondylosis, Spondylolisthesis: What Is the Difference?The names of 3 health conditions that affect your spine sound very similar. However, spondylitis, spondylosis, and spondylolisthesis have some key differences. Here is a guide to each one. As...reactions2comments
Cultivating Resilience In Hard Times 103: Celebration & BeautyI’m writing this in October, the 70th month of 2020, in the year of our Despotic Overlord COVID-19. The pandemic has shoved 2020 into the record books as a year...reactions2comments
What Next?: Feeling Lost Immediately After DiagnosisI remember the moment when the doctor's office called Keegan, my husband, to tell him of his AxSpA diagnosis. I remember it was rainy that day, and I had just...reactions1comment
When It Comes to Treatment, When Do You Leave Well Enough Alone?Finding an effective medication for any chronic disease can be a challenge for both patient and doctor. Before I got sick myself, it seemed simple enough: Just match up the...reactions3comments
How AS Affects the People Around Us: An InterviewI wanted to interview my two closest friends to see how my AS affects them. How do they feel when I’m in a flare-up? I know how I feel, but...reactions1comment
Finding a New Normal with AS2020 has been an interesting year, to say the least. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a global response and altered the day-to-day lives of people across the world. One thing I’ve...reactions1comment
Is Chronic Illness My Entire Identity Now?When I got seriously sick and diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis in 2017 — I mean, I'd had symptoms (uveitis, fatigue, stomach issues, light back pain) for a decade but we...reactionscomments
Exercise is Medicine!This saying is not from me. I heard it during the presentation of a rheumatologist specialised in AxSpa. I thought this was a strong message delivered by a specialist. I...reactions5comments
Cultivating Resilience In Hard Times 102: Structure, Commitments, And OpportunitiesThe iconic Hills Are Alive scene from The Sound of Music has been reborn a thousand times over in memes. Generally, a picture of Maria, arms outstretched, with the Alps...reactions1comment
The Second Wave of COVID-19 is HereIt’s not a huge surprise. We all knew it was coming. School has started back up and here we are. I live in Canada, so the numbers aren’t as staggering...reactions1comment
My Spine is Like a Roller CoasterI like roller coasters. I have not been on one for several years as my arthritis issues generally do not allow me to stand and walk freely around a large park...reactions2comments