Hello,
I have been living with the knowledge that I have AS for about 3 years now and I thought I would introduce myself.
I have kind of kept most of this to myself for most of the time that I have beed diagnosed. The love of my life is a big support and does not let me use it as a crutch.
However it has been constantly embarrasing with people even complete strangers asking questions like "what happened to your neck." I am glad to have found this support group - and have contact with others to talk to.
For about 7 years I have experienced aches, pains, and loss of flexibility. I attributed it mainly to my job at the time - building wings for Boeing which is one of the most physically brutal jobs that exist there. After I was laid off I discovered that when I laid flat on the ground I could not put my head down. I spent 2 years trying to find out what was wrong. A chirporactor said I should be checked for AS and I went to several doctors trying to find out. Finnally after I was re-employed I found a doctor, who sent me to PT- which did nothing and then to a Rheumatologist that diagnosed me. After that there was the medication "Enbrel" and trying to be able to aford it - for a while even with assistance I still paid $600 a month for it. I changed medical plans and am now able to get it cheap.
I tried to ignore it for a year, I got kind of depressed about it. Now however I am back on my third month on Enbrel.
I have three vertibrae fused in my neck and aches in several other places.
I do miss being able to look up. I miss the stars.
Any way hello from Seattle Washington.
