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AS: The Never-Ending Chronic Pain

Ankylosing Spondylitis is such a debilitating disease that makes you feel like you’ve gone crazy all of the sudden! Those around you cannot see anything wrong and look at you as though you are just being wimpy and just can’t handle pain. You start to feel so isolated!

Recieving a diagnosis of AS

I was first diagnosed with psoriasis and shortly after, hashimoto disease. It was so devastating! Since then I’ve been hit with psoriatic arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, plantar fasciitis and fibromyalgia! I knew nothing about this disease that had invaded my life.

My husband, who is such a blessing to my life, decided we needed to learn all we could about this strange disease that seems to be attacking me from the inside of my body! Our immune system is what we rely upon to help us, NOT to come against us in attack mode. However, that is just what it does. That is why it is chronic! Because even when it lets up, it never goes away! The medicines and injections only hold it off or try to keep it from progressing but it doesn’t cure it!

My husband, my support system

My husband decided he wanted to go with me to every Dr appointment so that he could learn about this disease and be my support. If it were not for my faith in God and my understanding husband, I don’t think I could get through these days ahead. My family and friends are all great but they do not understand this disease and they do not see what I go through every day, so sadly I do not share much with them.

It is a huge help if you have someone who is special and close to you who really wants to go with you to Dr visits to hear what you are going through and to learn more about your disease. It is so important to have that comfort and support. Try to not isolate yourself, it’s a difficult disease and we all need support.

God bless you all.🙏

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The AxialSpondyloarthritis.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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