The Northern Great Plains Support Group

I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis April of 2016. I had been having lower back pain, leg pain, and the growth of many bone spurs in my feet. I had visited many doctors. No one could figure out what was wrong. My family doctor referred me to the Mayo Clinic. After a number of tests, the rheumatologist at Mayo told me that I have AS. I was started on biologics and NSAIDs. To this date, I have been on four different biologics, and have had an allergic reaction to all four of them. I have decided to take a bit of a break from them before I try another one.

I am a wife, a mother of three, and a Nana to five. My husband is a big support for me. My youngest (age 23) also has AS. I work as a paraprofessional at the local middle school. It keeps me moving but also allows me to sit if I need.

I feel that there is a great need for a support group in the Great Plains. I would like to make more people aware of what ankylosing spondylitis is. I would like to be there to support others, to talk to if they need, or just to let others know that there are many like them. I also like meeting new people sharing my knowledge and learning new information with/from other people. I look forward to meeting you soon.

Hope you are having the best day that you can.