This is a good question. For 23 years I didn't know what a flare up was because I always pushed my body to the limit every day (as a momma and teacher). So basically I kept my body in a flare and just accepted my condition as life with AS. Last year I decided to start listening to my body. I changed my diet, started daily yoga, foam rolling, cold and heat therapy, meditation... It's not easy, but by making my health a priority, I now have days without flares and when they happen it's now obvious. Here's what a flare means to me: pain (SI joints, lower back, hips, feet, ankles, upper back, and/or knees), stiffness in the morning, extreme fatigue and brain fog so bad I can't finish my sentences or I make silly mistakes. I hope this helps. Best of luck.

Boy, do I relate! Just hang in there and you do you! I lived 30 years doing smoke and mirrors with looking ok and being superwoman and that ended up not being in the best interest of my family. I took a poster board and wrote in sharpie the needs of our home. Pick one each day and initial it as you finish. We entitle our members and we all suffer.
Take good self care of yourself! 💕

Hello Pam and tamcolem, a sunny day here, all washing out with a gentle breeze blowing form the east.
Sunday afternoon two of us went to hear a male voice choir, all songs set in England, Ireland. Scotland and Wales, with the opportunity to sing along as well.
On arrival back at the car, there were 5 people standing on the footpath really sad, as their car had been stolen while they were at the concert.
Have a good and restful week, Hugs , Blessings and Love Joan xxx

When your back is sore and hard to move around I usually use Tylenol and heating pad and just rest

Hello Pam, we had a frost this morning, l have been for a little walk to a A T M as l needed cash for a donation. There is a stall being held in the leisure center this afternoon to help raise funds for Fiji orphanages.
Have a good week, cheers love and blessings Joan xxx