My story begins with my father saying, “You have an amazing immune system.” What he was referring to is that I never missed a day of school from K through 12th grade. In fact, I never had a cold, runny nose, or fever from kindergarten into my late twenties. Then things changed.
At age 26, the eye doctor diagnosed my red, painful eye with iritis. One year later the same symptoms occurred. The doctor recommended that I be tested for HLA-B27, a genetic marker associated with autoimmune inflammatory disease.
Shortly after my second iritis attack, I had a visit to my local emergency room due to severe abdominal pain. My parents thought that it was appendicitis, but I left the emergency room with no definitive answers. Less than one year later I had a similar event. This emergency visit was followed up with GI testing with possible IBS or Crohn’s disease.
Two years after my first iritis flare up, I tested positive for HLA-B27. I experienced abdominal discomfort from time to time. This led to my first colonoscopy, with the results leaning toward IBS. My rheumatologist prescribed a biologic along with information on anti-inflammatory diets and physical therapy.
Less than six months later, the biologic caused psoriasis (editor’s note: Studies suggest that 2–5% of patients who receive TNFα inhibitors may develop paradoxical psoriasis, a rare side effect). I immediately stopped that biologic and was prescribed a JAK inhibitor. Severe acne began to appear on my face and my lips became swollen. I then was referred to a dermatologist.
My feet, hands, and scalp were very painful. In fact, I found it hard to walk, and because I use my hands at work, it was hard to grip things. The dermatologist prescribed an IL-23 biologic. In May 2026, I will have been on this biologic for two years. Most of the psoriasis has cleared up, but the skin seems to be damaged. However, my most recent rheumatology appointment with x-rays showed persistent inflammation in the sacroiliac joints.
When being examined by the doctor, I downplayed any discomfort or pain that was occurring. My father requested that I schedule another rheumatology appointment so that I could let the doctor know that I had moderate to severe pain in multiple locations. The rheumatologist referred me to a D.O. specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The intra-articular corticosteroids injection was performed on both SI joints with little to no relief. Physical therapy was added to promote mobility and possible relief.
Besides visits to emergency rooms, rheumatologists, blood labs, and GI doctors, I have had two root canals over the last two years. Both were unsuccessful leading to having two teeth extracted. I have always focused on good oral hygiene, brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental visits. Finding a dentist that is familiar with AS and can offer solutions is a must.
My father is retired now. However, his forty-five years in the wellness, fitness, and rehabilitation industry has unretired him to focus on my journey into “lifestyle medicine”.
Two years ago, my father introduced me to the Wahls Protocol. He read two books written by Dr. Terry Wahls using paleo principles to treat all chronic autoimmune conditions. We hired a certified Wahls Protocol practitioner to guide me in adopting a new way of eating. After completing four tests including food inflammation testing, I began the process of new dietary interventions. It is our hope to heal the gut microbiome which in return will allow us to manage inflammation.
To say the least, this is a work in progress and not an easy journey. Eliminating gluten, dairy, sugar, processed food and increasing plant-based foods, grass fed beef, wild fish, fermented foods, organ meat in the form of beef sticks along with nutrient dense smoothies is a lifestyle commitment.
My family’s lifestyle has always incorporated fitness including strength training, cardio, and mobility exercises. Since I’ve had sensory issues along with poor motor control since birth, fitness activities present a challenge. However, I must and will continue my fitness at home and with physical therapy.
A third component of “lifestyle medicine” is managing stress and increasing mental/emotional resilience. Inflammation caused by chronic stress will only hurt me. I am ready to go from the “readiness to change” to “action stage”. Stay tuned.
In writing my story and recently being introduced to SAA, I hope to provide helpful information to others. I know that my family and I are searching for ways to manage this autoimmune disease. We are open to getting a second/third opinion, trying other medicines, and perhaps attempting different supplements and other therapies. Any feedback would be welcomed and much appreciated.
Connar and his father Mark welcome hearing from readers who have experienced similar skin or dental side effects, or who have explored the Wahls Protocol. By contacting SAA, you can be connected with the Jones family to share experiences, ask questions, and discuss details more directly.
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