Head, Shoulders, Knees…and Toes?

Aug
31
2011
girls-dancing

One Summer evening I was entertaining the kids with different games to tire them out. I came across an oldie but a goodie. We have all heard, danced & chanted along with this wonderful song as a child. Head, shoulders, knees and toes. As a child we do the movements with so much enthusiasm. The giggles that came from the kids throughout each new movement was such a beautiful sound. Each time they moved on to the next phrase the silliness would increase. I look at these words now as a person with Ankylosing Spondylitis and realize the song takes on a new meaning. It's strange how easily I can relate it to my AS. So many unrelated ailments and yet, in the end, they come back to this chronic illness I fight daily. So let's put on our dancing shoes and see how AS moves to this children's song. Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes. And eyes and ears and mouth and nose. Head, shoulders knees and toes, knees and toes. Head - Can I even move my head today? My neck is so … [Read more...]

Pam’s Fight Like A Girl Story (Ankylosing Spondylitis)

Mar
04
2011
Pam Ankylosing Spondylitis H

Hey there. My name is Pam and I am 40, yeah, older than dirt as my little girl says. It seems I have had a lot on my plate lately and would love to say I am winning the battle. My head is still above water, but it's getting harder to stay afloat. It all started when I was about 18. I was then diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and thyroid disease. I was having episodes where I could barely walk and the pain was getting very hard to bare. I managed to put myself through college and during my last week of student teaching my husband walked off and left me for another woman. So after my Mom shaking some sense into me and talking me out of giving up, I held on to the side of the building as I walked and would go to the bathroom every few minutes and wipe the tears and finished my student teaching. I finally got my dream job of teaching those with special needs. I knew God's plan in my life was finally taking shape. I met the true love of my life, had a beautiful baby girl at age 33, … [Read more...]