What is your ankylosing spondylitis story? Let's share!

@Courtney_J Hi Courtney, thanks for keeping us busy on here! I was diagnosed about 10 years ago now in my 40's. I had been having a lot of pain and stiffness in my lower back over the years and eventually it got to the point where I went to the doctor for it. Low and behold, after a few scans and things they told me I had AS! I'd never even heard of it. I'm currently taking Cosentyx and it's been really great for me. 

@Courtney_J I was just diagnosed a few weeks ago. I'd been having severe back and neck pain. I assumed that it was from my years of dance as a kid and teen or from scoliosis, so I was shocked when they told me what it was. I've started taking some prescription NSAIDs and I'll be starting physical therapy and some yoga classes soon.

Hello, everyone! How are you doing today? 😊

Let me go ahead and revive this discussion with input from some of our new members:

@Mariben @Juzzdabomb1 @Msmothers72 @Ivysky24 @Lovinnerdythings @Pattie67 @Valentina @RJWysocki @Anna2641!! @Aubbie @Tina63 @Tmohrdonohue @Char4237 @Gaya1299 @hgraham1987 @Auriahem @Jakette @Laurie2172 @ShirtMac @Lilly1999 @LisaBell1969 @agrayson5287 @jmjj2456 @desiree7799 @Toni660 @Bearmom @MaryleePA @catherene @Odessa @MBWhitehouse @Ranlymberis @Jackieelkins79 @Kristie68 @NancyB @Gdepozsgay @lucasj @TerriJeanne @MsDiagnosed @Lonnie1 @Lmg21532 @Babegurl17 @Katkat @antonia3 @Nettyfitz @mariannamay @AdelevS @Iainrocks @Perm111 @MandyD @Snolen @MultiXx @Leonardotrue @FelinaStolk @meremesnell @Marns1978 @empengui @TerryReed @bitmap @Leahr215

Take care and have a wonderful day! 🌼

Somya from the Carenity team

I'm a newbie

@Fabbonusmom @rfhernandez01 @monkey mart @asaan32 @rgalarza2 @AS1218

Many people with AS see multiple doctors before receiving the correct diagnosis. It's common for it to take several years from the onset of symptoms to get a definitive AS diagnosis @age of war

Games let you think about the right and wrong things you can do. A character can do good things or bad things. [This content has been moderated by an administrator.] 

It's inspiring to see this community supporting each other. Sharing experiences with ankylosing spondylitis is invaluable.[This content has been moderated by an administrator] Finding the right treatment for AS can feel like that, a continuous journey. Keep sharing your stories and advice; your experiences could be the breakthrough someone needs. Let's help each other win this game called life.

Living with AS has been a long journey of finding the right balance between staying active and managing the morning stiffness. It can be a daily struggle, but connecting with others who truly understand the pain makes the whole experience feel a lot less lonely!

Hey everyone, thanks for starting this thread! It's great to connect with others who understand. My AS journey began about 8 years ago with lower back pain that I initially dismissed as just getting older. It took almost 3 years and seeing several specialists before I finally got a diagnosis. I tried various NSAIDs and physical therapy, but biologics have made the biggest difference. For those newly diagnosed, don't be afraid to advocate for yourself and explore different treatment options. Sometimes finding the right approach feels like climbing a steep slope, but the view from the top (or even a more comfortable level!) is worth the effort. I wish you all the best!