I have been fairly active throughout my life. Playing sports in high school, working on cars, running, etc. What originally was a lower back pain due to a car accident, would later turn out to be Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). At the time, I was just diagnosed with lower back pain. Over time, I would have occasional flare ups from inflammation, which I just assumed was soreness from working out or over doing it in the yard.
After many years of pain in different areas, I was accurately diagnosed in 2005. Throughout this time, I had seen several doctors, and had taking numerous CT scans, and MRIs. It was not until a nurse suggested that I see a Rheumatologist that I was properly diagnosed.
I am passionate about health and feel we should help others by listening to and perhaps helping them understand the disease more. My aim is to increase awareness on AS and all related complications and to help support one another, finding better ways to cope with challenges we face. Additionally, helping to support our younger members and those, recently diagnosed, to acclimate to the changes we all have to make to maintain our mobility and decrease the impact of this disease. I believe that the more knowledge and exposure we can gain and disseminate on AS, the stronger the impact we can make on finding a cure, or at least a solution to some of the areas that challenge us. Stay strong AS Warriors.