Has anyone here gone from working full-time with some form of Spondylitis to Short-term Disability to Long-term Disability to Social Security Disability? I have lots of questions about the process and how people survive financially throughout (among other things). Who can people consult about navigating this process? What kind of expertise is helpful for this?
Asked by Rose Bigham disability support general question
Was just diagnosed with AS two weeks ago ( had a bout of anterior uveitis) after 7 years of sporadic lower back pain. I have a couple of very painful bouts a year so far, but most of the time I feel fine. I lift weights, do cardio, Pilates, and will try yoga at some point. I am still in the process of feeling angry and depressed. My biggest fear are the meds, as I know the side effects and don't want to take them. Does anyone know any alternative methods that work?
Asked by W support
Hi Everyone, I live in Melbourne, Australia. Every now and then someone from Australia pops up. I would really like to be in touch with some other Australians who have AS. The AS society here seems to have completely stopped. Is there anyone who would like to be in touch for some mutual support? I'm a 54 year old woman, writer/former teacher who sometimes feels a bit isolated in the AS journey.
Asked by Sari support
Anyone in the Dallas area, my children are there and my husband and I are looking into moving. I thought someone said that one of the best doctors for AS is there. Also any support groups? I want to try and set-up doctors appointment ASAP.
Asked by Deborah M. Vincent ankylosing spondylitis doctors support
A request for the mods: Would it possible to enable commenting on comments? Something similar to how reddit.com is operated. There is a subreddit for AS, but it gets no traffic. In all honesty, I find *this* community to be far more supportive of one another. I think a Reddit-esque system of commenting would lend itself to deeper conversations, more advantageous sharing of ideas, and supporting each other in our struggles. --- Just a thought.
Asked by Robert Dudash support community interaction
What kind of support does everyone have? I am 60 and live alone. I do have a 30 year old son who is wonderful about helping out and he came over today to help plant the garden. I try not to rely on him too much but there are just some things I can't do anymore. I am a very independent person so it really drives me crazy. I want to retire out of the area which means moving away from my only support. How does everyone else cope?
Asked by Chris Lowthian support
Now that I am back on Sulfasalazine I'm having some good days that I can at least get out of bed. I have some realistic goals with my riding, but wanting to know does it make it worse if you push yourself on the bad days? Or is it better to rest and take advantage of those good days? The pain never stops, but overall I am feeling better though I will never feel "normal" and am coming to grips with that.
Asked by Tricia Carsley fatigue support pain
I would just like to say, "thank you" to all of you. I am 32 now, but I have known something was wrong with me since I was about 15 or so. This might sound horrible to say, but I'm glad I'm not in this alone. You all are terrific, and have given me a much better outlook, in just a few short days. I think this is a disease that needs to be brought to the public's attention, because as it would seem to me, research is not properly representing the demographics I am seeing represented here?
Asked by Robert Dudash support thankful Support Group
Help! Anyone in Colorado! I moved here in July & have had NO luck finding a GP to help me (or believe me) & my medical issues. I must have a GP on my side to get referrals to specialist. I've changed 2x's already, with no luck. Anyone know of GP, pain docs or rheumy's in state? It's been 6 months & I'm going downhill fast & continuously because no one will help me!
Asked by Kerry Monique Gaude' pain management doctors support
Those of you in relationships: Are your sig. Others supportive and understanding, or no? Seems like there are lots of stories of spouses not understanding, to the point of almost emotional cruelty. For those of you less-supportive relationships: Is anyone in counseling? Has it helped? If no to either question: Why not? Us single folk are wondering about how partnership works when AS is in it. Thx!
Asked by Rose Bigham support relationship
