Hello Kristy and welcome to Kickas
It took me a full year to come to terms with some of what it meant to live with a chronic disease like AS, and I still have my ups and downs 8+ yrs later. That is why this website is so great.... there are so many supportive people here to help you out when you do need that push
They have helped me.
I have found staying active helps the emotional side of AS quite a bit... not necessarily exercise (although I do stretch twice a day and think it is essential)... can be sociallizing, volunteering, gardening, walking etc.... helps to take your mind off of the disease. This was the best advice my father (AS for 30+ yrs) gave me.
You may need to make some adjustments in your lifestyle... I have given up basketball, soccer and volleyball from my 20's, but I have found other activities to replace that I also enjoy.
Also, as you proceed on, you will learn some helpful tips to help out... I use special seat cushions in my car, at home and bought a special chair for work for my hips. I also use my diet to greatly reduce my AS.... I can not take most meds now and doctors will not prescribe due to liver, so I once thought future was hopeless, but learned about the No Starch Diet here and have had good success since.
So stick around, learn some, laugh some and receive the greatest support available for free
Take care,
Tim
Hope is only a post away with KickAS.
