Learning to Slow Down with Ankylosing Spondylitis...For once, I haven't had constant flares, I think it has to do w/ my left hip replacement in July of this year. I thought, "Hey, I could probably do...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
The Upside of Getting a Diagnosis...The night I found out I had AS is permanently imprinted on my mind. I was working late supervising a new team member and saw the doctor’s number come up...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
There’s No "One Size Fits All" With Axial Spondyloarthritis...If you and I were to sit down and compare notes about our health we would probably have much in common. I’m guessing we both have either a confirmed or...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
What's In My AxSpa Toolbox?...Ever since I learned of my axial spondyloarthritis diagnosis, I began to gather tools to add to my coping toolbox! AxSpa can really take a toll on our mental and...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Dynamic Disability Means I Get To Define My Experience...For so long, using the term "disabled" to describe myself felt so it’s off-limits to me. It still does. Unless my AS severely worsens, it always will. So I don't...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
My Chronic World Continues...They said to think more positive. They said tomorrow will be a better day. They said try another treatment plan it might help, but we have to wait and see...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
I Got Scoped. Twice! ...My 2021 included a personal medical safari through hematology to treat a life-threatening anemia, gastroenterology to find the source, and close monitoring with my GP to manage it all. The...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
AS & Covid Vaccines...Hi Everyone, I am new to this forum. I was diagnosed with AS when I was 28 (now 44). I had a really bad year when I was diagnosed, to...Reactions0reactionsComments2 repliesSide EffectsFlares Diet & Nutrition
How Do You Spend Your Weekends?...After a long tiring week, us with chronic illness probably welcome a 2 day break more than most. I was wondering what you guys do at the weekend to recharge...Reactions0reactionsComments20 repliesTips & Advice
Do I or Don't I Dilemma? Newly diagnosed....I'm a 52 yr old 'healthy' woman, with controlled asthma and migraine/cervicogenic headaches. My professional background is biomedical research/clinical trials. After 10 years of back and neck pain and various...Reactions0reactionsComments6 repliesHealthcare TeamNewly Diagnosed Diagnosis
A Letter For Every Time I Feel Like Giving Up...Dear me, AxSpa warrior: I know you were so excited, that you were having some good days and on a roll. I know you started making plans for the following...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Do I Need a Colonoscopy?...I had my first colonoscopy in 2021 due to a life-threatening anemia, unexplained fatigue, weight loss, and abdominal pain. Most cultures have some taboos around this area, making it an...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
My Balance Between Self-Discipline and Self-Deprecation...There is a very fine line between having good self-discipline and striving to live a perfect life. Towing that line has had a profound impact on my mental health and...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
No More Adventures with My Dogs...Meet Maggie and Charlie. Maggie is a 5-year-old Basset Hound and Charlie is a 4-year-old mix between a German Shepard and a Huskey. They are great loyal dogs with lots of character. They...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
The 2 Types of Grief and How They Affect AS...Grief. We all know what grief is, but did you know you can experience grief when you have a chronic illness? I didn’t at first, but when I realized how...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
AS and Piriformis Syndrome...Has anyone noticed any correlation between Ankylosing Spondylitis and Piriformis Syndrome? I am on day 41 of an AS flare. The length of this flare is highly unusual for me...Reactions0reactionsComments9 repliesTreatmentSymptomsFlares
Non-Radiographic AxSpa and Spinal Injuries...One of the hardest things to deal with when living with axial spondyloarthritis is determining the source of pain and whether to push through it or ask your doctor. This...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
I Hope That College Remains Online...I have passed all my exams and I am finally in the final year of my degree! I’m excited and nervous to get through this year of college. I have a...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
The Importance of Having a Medical “Dream Team”...My biggest regret over the last 16 years of being chronically ill is this: I wish I had assembled a team of medical experts early into my diagnosis. If there...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Autumn and the Seasonal Shift of Symptoms...Fall is by far my favorite time of year, especially when living in a place with prime foliage. The few weeks at the end of September and beginning of October...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
