Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Hi, I'm new

I'm really relieved to have found this site. I have been living with AS symptoms for about a year now, but didn't know what it was until a month ago when I was diagnosed by a rhuematologist. I stumbled upon Kick AS last night and spent hours reading through all of the different posts. I was so excited because I think I finally found people who will understand what I am going through.
A little about myself. I am a 26 years old and have lived in Iowa my whole life. I really enjoy running, but haven't been able to since about this time last year. I was about 3/4 thru a training program for the Chicago Marathon when my foot began bothering me. The Dr's said it was tendonitis and to stay off of it. I did, and nothing got better. The pain went to my toes. A podiatrist gave me 3 cortisone shots over a few months. It seemed to help a little, but then the pain would just go somewhere else. Next my knee started swelling and hurting. Then my hip. Then my back and neck. My thumb is now constantly swollen and I can't even use it anymore. I was finally referred to a rheumatologist and when I went in I actually had a case of uveitis in my right eye. I just thought I had worn my contacts too long and got an infection. The Dr knew exactly what was wrong with me in a few minutes.
Since my diagnosis, I have just been waiting on my insurance to approve Remicade, and trying to learn as much as possible about this wierd condition. I have read many posts about the "no starch diet," and think I will give that a shot as well. I just want to feel better. I haven't ran or done any exercise in about a year now and the less I do, the worse I feel.
I have really rambled on and spilled my guts so I apoligize for the lenght. I'm just glad I found a place to let it all out, and have people relate and understand. Looking forward to meeting all of you!

Josh, welcome to KA!

I'm very glad you found us. These are some of the best people anywhere. By the way, I'm hoping that Orch will see this, as he runs as well (so do a few others, but he's the one I thought of first).

Good luck with Remicade. It changed my life completely and I hope it does the same for you.

Hugs,

Welcome,
I lives in Iowa 100 years ago.
Near Sorm Lake.
Nice to meet you

I live in Cedar Rapids which isn't too far from Storm Lake. It is where all of the flooding was not too long ago.

I was curious about Remicade. I'm trying not to get too excited about it because I know the results can vary. Evidently it works well for you?

hi josh,
welcome.
part of me is glad to see all the new people who have found this site in recent weeks, part of me wishes everyone didn't need to be here.
maybe you can find a gentler exercise program????
maybe once you are on the biologic, you will be able to exercise again????

sue

I sure hope so. I liked running because it's free and you can do it anywhere. At this point I probably need to do whatever I can to be more healthy.

Hi Josh,

I am glad that you found this site. You will find a wealth of knowledge here, along with a really great group of people that can relate to what you are going thru. I wish you the best.

Take care.
Cara

Hi Josh,

Just wanted to take a moment and say hello and welcome to KA. I hope you have a fantastic experience here and get to meet lots of wonderful people. There are some pretty smart cookies here who can help you in many ways. Make lots of friends and I hope you get lots of answers to your questions.

Best of luck to you!

Glenn

Hi Cara,

Glad to see you. Missed you for a bit. Hope all is well with you & the family. Been bit of a busy time for me lately with my surgery & all. Hope to hear from you soon.

Glenn