Since getting the AS moniker, I've had a bit of a problem explaining it to friends and family.

I've read the medical sites which list the problems of AS and it seems like a gigantic white wash. No explanation of the crushing fatigue or stress and pain that can occur while just laying down/standing up. What is listed is so sterile and minor sounding until you get to the parts of a fused spine-which ironically causes less pain smile

I've tried to explain it as an autoimmune disease which affects the joints but then I get people thinking it's not arthritis. Or they use the fact that I can have "good" days to mean I don't have permanent damage like OA does.

It's good to have a diagnosis but it's still hard to explain it to those around me.


Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
Plato