Stay Strong, AS Warriors
What is Ankylosing spondylitis? If you Google it, the definition states, "An inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine and large joints. The condition is more common among men and usually begins in early adulthood."
It's a sad and lousy definition.
If you Google " What is cancer." This is the definition given "Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumors, which do not spread." Which is also a lousy definition. Because usually, cancer isn't that easy and it ends in death or a world-wind of health issues, taking away your life and leaving you to fight until you are dead.
No cure for ankylosing spondylitis
Just like cancer, there's no cure to ankylosing spondylitis. It's also not more common amongst men anymore, like the definition states. Some doctors will even still tell their patients that it's uncommon amongst women. However; if you go beyond the Google definition, you will find that it's not as rare as they think and in fact affects just as many women as men.
It also doesn't only affect the spine and large joints, in also affects organs. This disease takes everything you have and leaves you fighting for your life until it either takes you or you take yourself because the pain is so unbearable. It leaves you and your doctors at a loss for treatment to help the symptoms & pain; which normally makes you more sick anyways. It's the reason for multiple surgeries and the cause of many family issues. It's why we can't play with our children or spend more time with our spouse. Ankylosing Spondylitis will take your job right from under you. It is a life sentence in a body no one would ever want to experience!
Ankylosing spondylitis and mental health
It's not only takin from me; it's given me depression at times and has given me extreme anxiety at times. BUT!! It's given me mental strength to carry on, it's given me hope for tomorrow. It's given me extreme pride knowing that I can withstand any storm. It's given me reason to learn about food and healthier life styles. It's given me reason to want better for myself.
People suffer, that's a fact. But, we don't have to allow our suffering to stop us from life❣ Carry on, warriors! Tomorrow is a new day & a new you✌
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