Hi Friends.

A friend of mine originally from Pakistan, now living in Saudi Arabia, is trying hard to find people in his area that he can communicate with and get support from, make friends etc. Unfortunately he can not find many people near him who have AS and understand his health problems. He would come to KA for help more often but he feels like he is still alone in this, because of the language and culture barriers. Our time difference makes it difficult for me and him to chat so I want to do something that can help him out.

So is there anybody from his area that could make him feel more welcome at KA and not feel alone all the way over there? He's just looking for people to talk to... someone to relate to.

Thanks,
I appreciate this.
Take care,
James.

Well..lol

I am obviously not from Saudia Arabia BUT I hope your friend will still come here, we can at least offer support until he finds some friends and then some.

Im not sure how many AS'ers we would have in that vicinity, hopefully some.

Lisa

Hi Lisa,
I hope he comes more often too. When he's here he's a pleasure to have around. Ive been chatting to him for a while now, but not recently because of how bad I have been feeling. I think my chat days are about over. :-( So I hope this message will help him find some people to relate to on the forum. You know culture-wise and maybe even speak Arabic together so he can have a better understanding of the disease.

Take care,
James.

hey james, you probably already checked the KickAs World Map, and it looks like we have quite a few ASkickers in India, one in Iran, and one in China. Maybe your friend could locate them directly through their profile in the user list. I noticed Amol is there, as well as Rajat, and hansroux---their posts have been limited, so maybe they need someone to talk to as well. Rivalries to be set aside, only to battle AS united--I hope. Warmest Wishes, Teresa

Hi Teresa,
I didn't know the world map had personal entries. I just found this out, thanks for metioning the world map. He's lurking around now I think, so I think he's checking out the map too. I'm expecting a PM from him any minute now. The longer I know him the more I see he he would like to meet people that could relate to his culture and treatments. It would really make his day.
Thanks,
Take Care,
James.

I was raised in Saudi Arabia but I now live in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. I have AS. I'm 27 years old.

I would just like to hear about your daily life?
Out of friendship and curiosity.

Hey! Nice to hear from you, Lon.

In my good days, I actively swim, cycle and play badminton. I walk for as many hours as I can. I don’t jog and trek anymore now.

MY effected areas are right left heel, right knee, pelvic region (both), back of course, neck (everywhere), shoulders, chest and TMJ. In my bad days, I use a cane to walk. Heck, I can’t even turn in bed. It’s hard to execute basic necessities like eating and breathing. My work involves a lot of reading and comprehension of mathematical material but because of the pain, I can't focus nor sit for long hours. I can't manage basic chores. It's hard enough for me to stretch and reach out for food on the table. Once, I fell down from a sofa because of the pain when I stretched my hand, standing on a sofa, to reach a wall clock in order to change its battery. I am expecting to become a father coming January. Because of the incident, I was seriously disturbed by the fact that I might not even be able to pick, comfort or play with my child.

How about you?

I am very slow. I can walk stairs if I take my time and getting my shoes and socks on has been quite a big deal for some. But I do dishes and vacum and such things. I can change car tires and things if I am not rushed.
Every things is a major deal. I hope that you are able to enjoy and help care for your child.
It is amazing how much stronger my daughter is, haing carried this baby around for months. My arms have gotten weak.
It is winter here. But very nice weather.
I will drive to Wyoming next week. I always get so very sore while riding in the car. Nice to chat!

Your friend,
Lon

Everything is a struggle when our disease is full blown. I can understand.

I hope you can continue to stay productive, even with your pain and weakness.

I used to love winters but not anymore, because of the pain they bring.

I hope you have a safe journey! Remember to keep stopping after half hour or a complete hour to stretch your back and legs.

Nice to hear from you, too!

abdullahhaeem-
I am home safe. I did slide on the icy highway several times.
I am not too good at stopping for a break. But I know that even a walk around the car is helpful.
We have almost zero weather here. I did shovel some snow and ice and used my 4 wheeler to move snow. I am also burning wood now to help warm the house, and cut down on gas bill.
It was nice to see the grandkids again. But I realize that I am tired and do not enjoy sitting to lay board games.
What season of the year are you in? How big of family?

My A.S. is active these days and I have kind of given up on ever feeling better. I know I need self control in my eating.

Have a good day.

your friend,
Lon

Dear Lon

It's good to know that your journey went well and that you were productive. I have always wanted to sit beside a fire, sip coffee and read a book.

How were the grandkids? Are any of your children or grandchildren HLAB27 positive?

I recently sat for a board game which lasted for an hour. After the game, my knees gave in, for the first time. I could barely walk, let alone stand.

You're lucky that you're spending time with your family. I'm sorry to hear that you do not enjoy board games. What makes you happy?

It's cold here in Pakistan but the temperature hasn't yet dropped to zero as it used to about a decade ago. The city is becoming polluted and unbearable.

Do not lose hope. That's the worst thing you can do to yourself!

abdullahnaeem-How are you?
We have so much snow and it is often down to zero.
I did ice fish- my friend caught 8 nice crappie Such a nice cold day.
Tell me what you are up to?
I have been going to the rec. center and it is helping.

I do need to stretch move. It is so painful.

I'm in pain these days. It has gotten cold over here. The temperature dips below zero at times in the night. It has been raining constantly. I can't complain because pre-rain was very dry, dusty and unhealthily cold.

I'm currently in my office, working on a project. I teach at university level.

I hope you had fun fishing. Keep yourself warm! I hope you're doing your exercises daily.

abdullahnaeeeem-
I am having trouble getting active again.
But generally I am making an effort to do something every day.
Does scooping snow count?

It takes hours for me to get a work out because I move slower.

Stay strong!

In our bad days, even getting out of bed counts. You're making a big effort.

You stay strong, too! Thanks for the wishes!

How are you today.

I must make myself stop more when traveling....
What are you doing these days ...for recreation?

I'm standing in line for a lasting judgement.

abdullah- I m wondering how you are doing.
I am not sure what you mean by standing in line.

I admire men like you, with your natural skills and talents.

It is nearly Spring, but we had 4 inches of wet snow yesterday and today.

Do you go to an office or work from home?

Dear Lon

I am a bit blue these days. Pardon yesterday's line. There is just so much going on. This is coupled with the fact that I am constantly in manageable pain. I think it's there to remind me that I need to hurry up.

What I think I meant was I'm just letting things go over me, drown me out.

My son is three months old now. He is the only reason I still get out of bed. I teach mathematics at university level.

Start complaining when your pain becomes unmanageable as manageable is not so bad.

abdullahaeem-
I want to know how you are?

I believe you to be a good man ad that you want to offer your son a good life.....

You are in my thoughts and prayers..

Lon