Will The True Diagnosis Please Stand Up!
In June 2007, I began having severe neck pain that did not go away but, instead, spread down to my shoulders and arms and eventually down my spine in to my hips, legs and feet. Before June, I was a solid 165 lbs, benching 300 lbs, ate like a horse and I was riding high and strong in my career. That all changed. I was inititally diagnosed by an Ortho. as having Cervical Spondylitis. I treated with him until Dec 2007. By then I was in severe pain every day, and it had spread down my back and settled in my hips. I got a second opinion after that, and was diagnosed with having Polymyalgia Rheumatica. He referred my to my current Rheumie, with whom I've been treating since Jan 2008. After the MRI's and XRays, I was diagnosed with my current disease, Ankylosing Spondylitis. He began an aggressive treatment plan, including biggies like Methotrexate (severe side effects), Humira (worked for a while), Enbrel (increased my pain and did nothing else), and finally Remicade (severe allergic reaction), Simponi (not effective) all the while on a base of 5 other medications, not including the ones from the Pain Management Doctor and the Psych doctor (yes I am depressed). My dad died of Acute Myeloid Leukemia 3 months after my initial diagnosis. Add the incurable disease diagnosis, loss of job, loss of income and mobility etc, and yes, I can say I'm depressed. Who wouldnt be?
But there are a lot of people who have it worse and I am fortunate to have 2 Cobra payments left to at least have health coverage for 2 more months. After that, I cant get my meds or see my doctors. Its finally happened. I've run out of money and my SSI appeals hearing is still 2 months away. I have fought the good fight for 3 years and its a miracle I've lasted this long.
I dont know what the future holds but I have my integrity and I am a survivor. If I dont see you all, its been nice having the privledge of being able to read everyone's posts and taking from them and in the same spirit, trying to give back by sharing my own experiences with AS. God Bless.
