Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group India trip

We spent about three weeks traveling through India and meeting AS patients when and where we could.

Although we got back on December 6th, I am still processing the experience--At least both logically and emotionally!

When I began fighting for the diet, I got letters from people who are Irish, claiming "I NEED my potatoes!" And Italians of course who cannot do without their pasta. And I won't get into the implications of PC related to suggesting a specific food is required due to some genetic heritage! However, INDIAN people are vegetarian--not because of anything necessarily genetic, but because of their religion: Their bodies may deteriorate because of AS, but their souls will remain pure and untainted by the karma of killing to live.

It is something I struggled with, as a vegetarian of 22 years when I began NSD; it took nearly a year for me to transition back to meats, and I am grateful to the animals who have given up their lives for mine, if unintentionally and unawares.

There is no sarcasm in this; I am both humble for the health opportunities, and grateful for their support.

I am also grateful for this medium of communication, for this website specifically, and for the work and contributions of Professor Ebringer, help from George McCaffery, dedication and very active work of Pete Younghusband and Timo Markkanen both now gone, Tony Browneller, and so many others who have materially helped KA, which I inherited and the responsibility is felt often, especially on this trip.

When I visited Gautam Dandekar in Mumbai, we had such a great visit and he did something that was kind of stunning to me, in a ritual touching my feet to show respect. He said that this site is helping more people in more ways than I can ever know, and he appreciates the great work we are doing here! He had been bedridden for two years before discovering KickAS perhaps six or seven years ago. Now he can walk again, has recovered his life, and is able to help others who find themselves in the same situation. He has only slight kyphosis and this process has perhaps totally halted.

So, I know the purpose of this site is patients helping patients, and I am very humbled by the experience of being KickAS personified--because of the people I have mentioned, this site exists and I only 'stand upon the shoulders of giants.'

I know what the fellow patients in India are going through and made real connections with each, and hope I can encourage them enough to avoid the mistakes I made and avoid the permanent damage I am stuck with. It is difficult to express just how much I love these guys and gals--AS WARRIORS each, and the members here--we have done battle with this damn disease and even at times with each other, but it is all for a good purpose: So we can encourage one another to have more life in our limited time and more quality time to spend with those we love.

Merry Christmas

John

Hi John,

Thanks for your efforts. I came to know about your India visit through AS India FB.



Thanks for your compliments.

Regards.

Jay

Cheers Dragonslayer - thanks for the post on the trip.

Tim

Thanks, Jay:

I am always impressed, in so many ways, by the people in India, and if in some small way this site can help a few of the willing, I am very thankful.

This is an awesome tool,

HEALTH,
John

Hey, Tim!

You are a big part of the solution that is KA today; Thank You!

Credit is due all around, to the members, supporters, and founders--all deserve much praise.

HEALTH,
John

High five my friend
ETTE
Darrel

My Dear Brother John,
Through the years many of us have stopped posting because it seems redundant or we have said it before. Like Pete said years go "I just run out of words / I don't have anything else to say!"
You keep telling us, prodding us to never give us and to use self control with good information.


I also enjoyed your pictures!
agape'

Lon

Darrel!

Wonderful to hear from You! We were just reminiscing about our trip to Moab and meeting You guys. Hope to see You again soon!

HEALTH
John

Ah, Br'er Lon--

It was a distinct honor to spend time with You in Wyoming--Clearmont (?). Even old friends never really get old. But, oh yeah--I think I've said more than enough about this damn disease! Constant battle...

We had a very interesting time. Hope to see You also in the new year--have a HEALTHY, Happy one!

John

Thanks John!
agape'
Br'er Lon