Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion Friends and Family Support Group Any room for another newbie?

Hi everyone. My name is Dawn, I'm 37, and I was diagnosed with AS 2 months ago. I have had ongoing problems associated with AS since I was 17, but I've seen mostly military doctors and they usually won't hear about multiple symptoms. When I would go in they would only treat one symptom at a time so that even though I had terrible back pain, neck pain, hip pain, iritis, and pain in my feet, and a major family history of AS, they wouldn't put them all together. Recently I was switched to another doctor and almost right away she knew there was more going on. She took her time, found out all my history and symptoms, and then referred me to a rheumatologist. It didn't take long before she had me diagnosed. I already have fusion in my neck and my lower back, but she got me started on Methotrexate and I've been on it for almost 2 months now. I was worried at first because the med didn't seem to be helping at all in fact I think I felt worse for a while, but last week it finally started helping and it's really taken the edge off my pain. I'm also on Celebrex. I feel like I can start getting back into the many outdoor activities I love to do.
My husband has been supportive, but I can also sense his frustration because I'm always in pain, tired, and he can't do anything about it. I've found that a hot bath in the morning helps a great deal and also my karate helps a lot unless it's too active that particular day. A videotape I ordered helps too (although it hurt a lot at first). It's a form of Yoga for pain relief in the low back, hips and sacrum area. Well I hope the relief in pain is continuous and I'll just keep feeling better. It helps to read through the forums and see that other people really do understand while I'm going through and that it's not in my head like most of the doctors insisted on in the beginning. I really hope my daughter doesn't end up with this and I hope doctors continue to research AS and find more ways to help people with it.

Always room for more. I am glad you found us. Welcome. Yes sometimes family has a harder time than we do. My husband watched more go from over acheiving Type-A to a professional couch potato. My kids (grown) had a harder time adjusting. They still are. My son goes from giving me hugs and telling me I am over doing to telling me I should go back to work. I am glad your meds are helping. The use it or fuse it is true.

Hello KempoGal - Welcome to KA. Sure am glad that you found this site - the best site bar none for AS-knowledge, friendship and support: a real AS family.

Love your photos - yr daughter is sooo cute, real pretty. Are you much into photography? Several of our members are terrif photographers. They'll all be along soon to introduce themselves and to welcome you.

Any questions, don't hesitate. As we were just saying in a recent thread: 'there aint no such thing as a silly question!'

Molly C (France)
Keeping on Keeping on (as we all do)

Thanks Molly and Patty. I feel welcome already. Yes, I love photograpy. I usually irritate family and friends because I almost always have a camera in my hands. Thanks for the comment on my daughter. She is so adorable and I love her more than I could ever dream I could love someone. She is also my favorite photography subject. She's so used to the camera now, that I can get fantastic candid shots of her.

Hey dawn,

welcome!! im relativly new here too but everyone is really sweet and supportive!

Hey there KempoGal, you stumbled into the best thing imaginable here. This place is so full of information, including links to current research around the world, nutrition and diets, helpful tips on coping and most importantly, you have a group of people who understand your struggles and are always here to listen...except for people like me who mostly like to talk about themselves - that's ok too!

I'm an ex-naval officer up here in Canada (been a civie for eight days now). There are a number of ex-service members in here.

I know you're gonna love it,

Chris

Thanks Chris. It's nice to know there are people that understand exactly what I am going through. I wish non of us had to know how this feels, but it's wonderful that we can support each other this way. My hubby is Military also, but he is retiring in June. Most likely we will move to Colorado so he can work as a civilian. By the way...how does it feel to be a civilian? It's a huge lifestyle change and it's a bit scary leaving the security of the military.

just another quick welcome.

yes, it can take a long time to get a dx.

and yes, it can be hard for family as well.
i know my husband feels pretty helpless at times,
probably even moreso than i do.
but, it is great just knowing how much they care.

sue

Hi Dawn!

I hope you will find answers here, and will start feeling better-

My wife also says Karate helps her as well. A quick blow to my head usually does the job!

Welcome Dawn!

This is a great site - very informative, fun and supportive.