Running with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Running may not be a physical activity for everyone with ankylosing spondylitis. The high impact of this exercise can cause extra stress on the joints of the legs and the spine. However, many people not only find running beneficial but clearly develop a passion for it! If you want to run with AS these are our top tips:
read more
Coping with fatigue in ankylosing spondylitis
‘Everyone gets tired’, I’m sure you’ve heard this annoying comment so many times. But chronic and long-term fatigue in ankylosing spondylitis isn’t like tiredness. It can really wear you down and leave you feeling absolutely drained. It can last for days or weeks at a time and no amount of sleep or rest will relieve it. Some people describe it as overwhelming. Unfortunately, fatigue is common among people with AS and there’s a big chance you will experience it at some point.
read more
Never giving up with ankylosing spondylitis
It all started 7 years ago, I was in a lot of pain, so much pain! I was at home hosting my brother’s birthday party and I couldn’t hide the pain any longer. I went to my bedroom and closed the door, thinking and wishing that I will be better after some stretching. I got on the floor and then I couldn’t move, I couldn’t get back on my feet, even breathing hurt, I tried to scream for help, but the pain was too much plus the door was closed and the crowd was too far from me.
read more
A parrot, three dogs and ankylosing spondylitis
I’ve always loved animals; from the smallest bugs to the biggest mammals. So having pets was an obvious goal but I’d never anticipated how it would affect my life with ankylosing spondylitis.
read moreArthritis?! Isn’t that for old people? Well, no… My experience with ankylosing spondylitis
I felt like a huge weight came off my chest after making this video. It is important to be open and frank about the challenges we face. I hope to inspire others that suffer from any conditions to keep pushing and to not let it dictate them as a person. Climbing has become such a big part of my identity not only because of how fun it is, but also as a constant reminder that I have managed to persevere beyond what I thought capable of.
read more
The Butterfly Effect of Ankylosing Spondylitis
My Dad was recently diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. Having to deal with this as a family and accept that there is no cure has brought us closer. At first I thought there would be a huge overwhelming feeling of hopelessness amongst us all, everyone giving each other sympathetic knowing looks. But it’s been the complete opposite.
read more
Incurable, the word that changed my life
I sat at the other side of the desk to my rheumatologist, something I was used to by this point. But this wasn’t quite the normal visit. My mum sat slightly behind me, questioning the Doctor on what the solution was to all my problems. Nothing could prepare me for what I was about to hear. “This condition is incurable.” My heart sank.
read more
Small steps to help you manage your ankylosing spondylitis symptoms
Ankylosing spondylitis can be an overwhelming diagnosis. Luckily, there are lots of small steps that you can take each day to help manage your symptoms and reduce the impact they have on your daily life.
read more
All you need is love and a life worth living…
I’m sure when you were diagnosed with AS you thought ‘what does this mean for my future and my relationship?’ That thought certainly crossed my mind as I sat in my doctors office listening to my test results.
read more
Doodles Dealing with Arthritis
When I learned about ankylosing spondylitis it was immediately made clear that it’s not simply “back pain”. I can relate. I’m so sick of people assuming I’ve just hurt my knees somehow. Yet, these personal frustrations have helped me realize how important it is to listen to people with different experiences, and not immediately try to fix them, but learn from them.
read more