Diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis before 30

@EmilyJP Hello EmilyJP, thank you for starting this discussion. Being diagnosed with a chronic condition can certainly be life-changing. Let me tag some members who can maybe share on this subject.

Hi everyone, how are you today? At what age were you diagnosed with AS? Were you diagnosed earlier or later in life? How did you cope with the diagnosis? Is there anything Emily should know about AS? Feel free to share here!
@Kmartin143‍ @pnj0113‍ @Shadora‍ @Dyllan‍ @Justmichelle91466‍ @Jodyolson69‍ @Jillybug‍ @toniboroni123‍ @Wiederich‍ @DiannePunky‍ @bhoney4829‍ @Kaykayloveee‍ @jford76‍ @Claracaïl‍ @joslynbauer‍ @Philippa‍ 

Take care,
Courtney

@Courtney_J @EmilyJP Wow you poor thing, I can't imagine dealing with AS so young. I was diagnosed well into my 40s. I guess I'd tell you to really lean into your support system or make sure that you have one. Make sure your family and friends are there for you and ready to support you, because AS is not fun. You may be forced to slow down a bit on the social things, or you'll have to change the way you do things. Instead of running a marathon, maybe take up something that's easier on your back like yoga. Maybe instead of going to the club, have a wine night with your girlfriends at home. Your life doesn't have to stop because of your AS, especially when you're so young, you just have to know your limits and figure out how to adapt. You can get through this! 

@SouthernBelle Thank you for your kind words and advice. I'll definitely have to change some things, but like you said, I guess my life doesn't have to "end" :)