Running Businesses with Ankylosing Spondylitis
I’m Richard, a 25-year-old who lives with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). I’ve always been inspired by hearing other peoples stories and now feel empowered to share my own experiences which may benefit others and help raise awareness for the condition. ...
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On the front line – what it’s like to work as a paramedic with axial SpA (AS)
I was diagnosed in 2015 whilst studying in Australia. Since diagnosis I have been on biologic medication to help control my axial SpA (AS). Training to be a paramedic with axial SpA (AS) has been an eventful journey, with many bumps along the way. Growing up in...
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An insider view on services available for ankylosing spondylitis patients
I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis in 2014 just before I was due to start my physiotherapy degree and now sitting here in 2019, 2 years into my physiotherapy career I count that as a blessing in disguise. I have not only had exposure to services available to AS patients as a patient but also as a professional. I’m an insider. The one thing I have noticed is services vastly differ from area to area and from paediatric to adult.
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7 easy ways to get moving at work
It’s hard to make sure you are exercising when you are working 9 to 5. We’ve put together some simple ways of getting moving during the day.
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On tour with ankylosing spondylitis: my story and music
I’ve loved and played music for as long as I can remember… and I won’t let my ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis get in the way of it.
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Work with ankylosing spondylitis: importance of a safety net.
I thought it might be helpful for some of you, younger folks, just embarking on the world of full time employment if I give you my personal story of tackling the abyss of full time work with ankylosing spondylitis. Especially, as recently this has had affected my job considerably.
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Diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. Journey to accepting myself again.
When I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis five years ago, I was far from accepting it. All I wanted was to be ‘normal’. At first, I kept the diagnosis to myself as I struggled to come to terms with it, let alone admitting it out loud. I felt that people around me already don’t understand my pain and limitations. I believed they were unlikely to understand the diagnosis as well.
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My experience with work placements and spondyloarthritis
During my degree I’ve had completed a number of work placements for my physiotherapy course in a variety of settings, all while living with spondyloarthritis. While some of these were quite light work, others took a lot of effort and communication with my educators proved to be crucial.
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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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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!’