- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Interviews
BigStu111's interview
How did all start?
Minor back pain that, over time, got worse. Turned into a steady ache.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Got diagnosed pretty quickly by a rhematologist.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Rhumatologist. Accupuncture.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
High doses of prednisone and oxycodone.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Dealing with pain and lack of mobility.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
AS robbed me and my family of our quality of life. My friends tend to avoid me as I am bent over.
What things have you stopped doing?
Work, sports, playing guitar
What do you think about the future?
It sucks.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
The years prior to the onset. Was able to do whatever I wanted.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Go back to work and have a normal life.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
I am a prisoner of AS as it dictates how my days will be
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Maintain your sense of self and humor.