A lot of people in the medical field don't know squat about it...lol I've been a nurse for 34 yrs and learning the hard way..tens unit is your best friend, everything is important to a good rheumatologist mine is great even wants to know about a split in your toenail lol...every organ can be affected in one way or another... sleep is so difficult...be prepared for the worse and when it doesn't happen your a step ahead..I use a cane but went ahead a bought a rolator and keep it in my SUV because you just never know...and keep a pillow in my vehicle in case I need to take a nap when going to out of town appointments.

I just learned I have AS a year ago. After a cervical and lumbar surgeries. I have multiple health issues including asthma, chronic kidney, major depression. What I have learned from AS is to do research, especially from the Nation Institutes of Health. Pace yourself and be as active as you can. Find doctors that you trust and trust you. Trust your own feelings.
None of this easy. But AS,.in its many faces, isn't easy either. Peace and love.

I have been dealing with AS since I was 15. It is now 60 years later. I wasn't diagnosed until Spring of 2023. I have learned from my experience in dealing with doctors to be more insistent with them when I know something is wrong with my body. I have also learned to "let go" of my frustrations because I am unable to accomplish certain tasks. I appreciate the My Spondylitis Team Site and have enjoyed keeping in touch with "The Folks". God has been My Strength through it all! 😊

@A MySpondylitisTeam Member I love my tens unit, blocks the pain the best.

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A MySpond...

Tens units do nothing for me. Nsaids hurt my stomach and intestines. Doctors won’t prescribe pain killers. I just have to keep tight thyroid and diabetic control, watch my diet, keep muscles built up. I’ve learned I can’t cheat on the diet like I used to. Had to cut calories by 1/3 to a half. I say half because the 1/3 didn’t count all the cheat days so it might be half. I just can’t get away with things and it isn’t worth it, I’ve avoided having to go on diabetic meds so I’m grateful for that.