My Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis After Cancer.

As far back as I can remember, I’ve always had aches and pains. My aches, pains, and cries didn’t make my parents investigate further as they just dismissed it as growing pains.

Fast forward to age 38: Married with two kids (both pregnancies were hard, had to stay an extra day at hospital problems with epidural), and a uterine cancer diagnosis. I had to have two surgeries in a month and a half to which all cancer was gone afterward.

My back continued to hurt throughout everything. So, 4 months after my surgeries, back to my primary doctor I go.

My ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis

My Dr ran a bunch of tests (X-rays, ct scan, MRI - not all at once) and bloodwork testing for the hlab27 gene. When all tests came back, she went over the results with me.

Along with Xray evidence, I tested positive for the hlab27 gene and was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. I actually felt this great relief.

My primary Dr said that people who get diagnosed with AS usually cry or get emotional, but not me. I was kinda happy to have been diagnosed with AS because at least I had an explanation and I wasn't hearing those words “cancer" or cancerous”. I didn’t feel crazy anymore.

Sharing my story to help others

So in a nutshell, at age 38 I was diagnosed with uterine cancer, had two surgeries, cancer is gone but my back still hurt real bad. 4-months later I was diagnosed with AS.

I’m 51 now, I'm on a biologic, and have had 1 back surgery 2 years ago. I have managed my pain with exercise, stretches in the morning, seeing a pain management specialist, and a low carb diet.

I would like to transition to the AIP diet someday. I hope my story helps someone. Have a blessed day!