The backstage of looking healthy: acting with ankylosing spondylitis
“How much dancing will there be in this show..?” That’s one of the first questions that goes through my head when I’m looking for a new acting job. And no, not just because my version of dancing isn’t unlike a toddler’s on a day of high sugar intake. It’s because when you’ve got ankylosing spondylitis, dancing for hours straight day after day is not the easiest and the most fun you’re going to have.
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My experience with studying and spondyloarthritis
Studying with spondyloarthritis can prove to be challenging in so many ways, however there are some tricks that can make it a little bit easier. I’ve spent my entire time at Uni balancing a social life, uni work and my arthritis – or maybe “juggling” would be a better term for it.
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Things to keep in mind when travelling with ankylosing spondylitis.
Travelling is one of these great things that always leave you with a desire to see more, but with ankylosing spondylitis it can be a bit of a challenge. However, you just have to be a little bit clever about planning your travels, and figuring out what works for you. I am fortunate enough to have travelled a lot since being diagnosed. I am certainly not an authority, but I will share some tips and tricks that I have learnt along the way.
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Changing life through Zumba!
Life is full of unexpected things. Sometimes the unexpected can change your whole attitude towards the world in a good or a bad way. To my relief, having AS didn’t mean I had to give up dancing and along the way I also discovered something that changed my life: Zumba.
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What the ‘fuse’? Ankylosing spondylitis won’t bring me down!
I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis just over 2 years ago. As soon as I was told by my doctors about it and heard the word ‘fuse’, it really got to me.
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Putting a name to it: journey to diagnosis.
On Wednesday, last week, my diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis was confirmed by a Rheumatologist. It’s been an odd journey getting a diagnosis, and I’m still not sure what to do about it.
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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.
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Russ journey to eat, sleep and breath Zumba
Russ Welch is 35 years young, he’s been Zumba instructor for over a year now and still learning. He was born deaf and as a result he’s 85% deaf in both ears. He also has ankylosing spondylitis which affects and can limit the movement in his back.
‘My health has always been at the forefront of my difficulties, but I seem to manage well in my classes now due to Zumba enhancing my flexibility, I am surprisingly 10 cm’s more bendy!’
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.
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