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When I first got the diagnosis thrown around my one friend who knew of the disease got suddenly sad and said "I'm sorry to hear... that is a very debilating disease.." and I continued with life in denial because I didn't have debilitating pain. I had mostly fatigue I thought was from being a mom.





I just wanted to say that what Trudi said above in one of the responses is so true for me. I'm in the early stages of the condition (hate to call it a disease!), and my main issues are muscle tightness and chronic fatigue. I'm currently signed off work, mainly due to the fatigue rather than the pain (although the pain does get to me!!), and at times I feel a bit of a fraud, but then I overdo things, and I realise that yes, there is something wrong with me I am thankful that at the moment my mobility isn't too bad, but sitting for long periods and walking is an issue for me, and I have had to give in and get a cane, which has been a great help

I have now been off work for almost 2 months, with no sign of this flare settling. The idea of going back to work terrifies me, even though I have a great work ethic! Have finally got a Rheumy appointment, but not til end of Jan

Reading peoples posts here, and seeing how badly some of you are suffering with this horrible condition makes me feel even more of a fraud! When I do see friends and family, it is usually only for a couple of hours, and they see me at my best. Only my wonderful partner sees how this is knocking the stuffing out of me. I'm normally such an active and productive person, and it irritates the hell out of me that I can't do the things I used to.

How do you all manage to keep working with AS? Am I just giving in too early? I can't afford to work part time, but my sick pay will run out after 6 months, and I know I have to go back at some point. I'm lucky that I work for local government, and AS is covered under the disability act in the UK, so they can't sack me for this, but I can't see that in the long term, with the chance of more flare ups and the severity increasing, that they will put up with me being off work a lot. My symptoms are not severe enough (yet!) to take medical retirement, and I'm only 35! Also it disrupts the office having someone being off for long periods, and as the only administrator in my department my position is pivitol to the running of the office.

Sorry to sound so negative, but I feel like my world has been turned upside down at the moment, with no light at the end of the tunnel Your responses to my previous posts have been so understanding and helpful, don't know what I'd do without this site!

I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was going to blame you! (Anon)