"The moment I received my official diagnosis, I dropped all my assumptions about spondylitis. It was so freeing." -Member of MySpondylitisTeam

Living with a chronic condition can be difficult and even a burden, but also an opportunity to rid yourself of what you think you know.

Have you heard the saying, "People don't get it until they get it"? That is so true about spondylitis.

"The more I learn about spondylitis, the more I realize that it's not my fault." -Member of MySpondylitisTeam

A spondylitis diagnosis forces us to drop our negative assumptions about life with a chronic condition. Members on MySpondylitisTeam gain perspective from other members' experiences to become better informed about what it's really like to live with spondylitis.

Here are recent conversations from members of MySpondylitisTeam:

• "I was just diagnosed this year right as I turned 40. It's been a bit difficult for me to come to terms with my diagnosis. Between my job and being a mom of 3 I'm supposed to be superwoman right?! So I'm still trying to figure everything out. I am learning how to manage life with AS and truly trying to stay positive."

• "I would like to hear your story and compare symptoms because I am still learning new things that I haven't associated with spondylitis until now."

• "It's HOT. Finding that my body feels better closer to the equator. The longer I'm North the worse my spine hurts. Feel ineffective with all the work that needs to be done. Pacing myself and playing with the ability learning curve."

What negative assumptions have you let go of about spondylitis? Tell us about it in the comments below or directly on MySpondylitisTeam.com.