Thanks, Tami for responding and I'm sorry this happened to you. I was also beaten with a belt. My 5 year older sister was very rebellious and he beat me to let me know he would rather see me dead than like my sister and I was just a kid. Violence, throwing my mom down the stairs, I had a plant thrown during their arguments soared by me while I was watching cartoons. Once when my dad beat my mom and kept screaming he wanted a divorce I jumped on his back and told him: "get one". I was 10. He stopped, turned around, smiled, and said, "Lola, you would make a good lawyer". I've never had counseling and it all happened 3 decades ago. Thanks so much because tonight I contacted my doctor and told her I need help. I hope she responds but I know with labor day, it may be next week. I'm so sorry to say all this on this forum, but I didn't know where I could, feel safe, and just say what is part of my journey. Lola

Hi, I was reading everyone's responses. I was abused as a child as well. From age 5 to 12 (sexually, physical and mentally) and my mom knew about it. I have forgave her for not protecting me but I don't think she cares. I'm not close with my family, but I'm okay with that. I still love them. To hear you Sherri say that the trauma and autoimmune disease are linked. I'm like I've been suffering with this all my life because the trauma never goes away I've just learned to deal with it. My children are and will always be my joy and peace. Thank you Lola and Sherri❤️

Hi again, I meant to say my father did admit it, and he admitted it in front of my mom. I was there at 18. My mom said she didn't know, but her three children, girls, all experienced it. I accepted her not knowing but one night when I met her for dinner, she adamantly told me she was not leaving my father. She said you are grown and you have a husband now, and I'm staying with your dad. Triple abandonment and I know from those I've helped. I have chosen to forgive, and love the limited, but my personal abandonment not just from my Mom then but tonight from her again. Also, my siblings. I screamed at my brother "You had not right to tell us about this", That was in the 1980s it happened and my dad died, it was his funeral day, in 2008. I feel I can fully recover but I've tried to do what I can, to move on. I had cancer in my 30's and survived stage 4. With this AS the skepticism of me saying what is has brought up again a trigger I guess I never fully recovered from. I am a very kind, healing, and loving soul. I'm never going to change. I hope nothing I have said has offended anyone here because as I told my Mom, it's been a lifeline of guidance and support.

@A MySpondylitisTeam Member, I know how you feel because I lived it when I was young. I was around 6 years old when my step dad started messing with me and he didn't stop until I was 10 or 11, I can't remember. He said he would kill my mother if I told anyone and like all children I believed him. My real dad was around when I was younger but he would get drunk and beat my mother in front of me and my brothers and sister so it was violence from an early age. I got with a great psychiatrist and talk therapist to get past all of it that I could. I also raised my 2 children without any form of abuse.

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A MySpond...

Hi Lola. I hope somebody gets back in touch w/you soon. Be persistent, you warrior you! God bless. 🙏🙏🙏