Have you ever watched a child play with a jack-in-the-box? You see them slowly wind the handle. As the music plays they begin to giggle in anticipation of the clown that is about to appear, and then suddenly…POP! The child has a look of surprise as if they didn’t know …
Read More »I’m Dangerous
Those of us fighting Ankylosing Spondylitis or other illnesses know that every day is a test of our courage and strength. We question if today will be the day when we find a cure, our energy will be restored, or even if we will find a bit of relief for …
Read More »Head, Shoulders, Knees…and Toes?
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 …
Read More »Choose to End Our Abuse
There are many different types of abuse in our world. Sadly, the list is long. Each with their own trace of horrible scars that must be hurdled over. When it comes to having a disease like Ankylosing Spondylitis I have noticed, not only for me, but for many others with …
Read More »Where Does It Hurt?
Many people who suffer from not only ankylosing spondylitis, but also other autoimmune disorders are familiar with these four words. The problem with the question is that there is no simple answer. For me, my symptoms can change daily. For example, yesterday I couldn’t turn my neck, but today my …
Read More »It Worked For Mona Lisa
I had a doctor growing up who nicknamed me Mona Lisa. He said I hid behind my smile. I was a mystery to some doctors partly because if they asked how I felt, I would grin and respond with, “I’m fine.” He would say that he could see the wheels …
Read More »I’m Not Sorry
When a person lives with Ankylosing Spondylitis or other chronic illnesses, we find ourselves holding on to hope, facing despair, and constant challenges. We embrace the hurdles. First, because we have no choice knowing we can never give up. Second, and no less important, because we are willing to carry …
Read More »The Game of Ankylosing Spondylitis
I like to compare my Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) diagnosis to your average, everyday board game. I have been to more doctors in my 33 years of existence than most people will ever see in their whole life. As I meet more people with not only AS, but other chronic illnesses, …
Read More »When Ankylosing Spondylitis Chose Me
My name is Amanda, and I would like to welcome you to my world of the daily adventure called Ankylosing Spondylitis. I was diagnosed with AS in October 2008. My first reaction was basically… I have WHAT? What does this mean for my future? I had never even heard of …
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