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Jackie’s Story (Ankylosing Spondylitis)

Ankylosing Ribbon As a young girl I was always ill. I was not always sick, I just never felt good. I always had a pain that I could never explain, my body didn’t move like other’s, and people always said that I walked funny. In 1980, I found out I had a heart condition,  it was nothing major.

After years and years of the pain, and doctors not finding anything, it was making me think I was crazy. This was about the time I wanted to give up trying.  Then in 1998, I found a doctor that did one simple blood test and it came back that I had AS – ankylosing spondylitis. I am sure this is the answer I wanted to hear, not so! My pain increased slowly, but I was still functional until 2005. I then started breaking out in a rash on my hand’s, feet, palm’s, and my sole’s. It felt like they were on fire and blistered. I couldn’t wear socks, much less my shoe’s.  I couldn’t open bottles or doors. I felt like such a mess, but the doctors said I had poison ivy.

After about 6 months of this,  I found a fabulous doctor that told me that I have psoriasis. We immediately started treatment using biological drugs, what a relief it was. It was just about that time, that I thought I was getting better because the use of my hand’s and feet were so much better. However, in 2008 I started getting very tired, even though my skin had cleared up, and I had more mobility than I ever had. Not only was I tired now, but I started to have trouble breathing. I was struggling for air, my left arm was hurting, and I felt pressure on my chest.  I went to ER and was told I was having muscle spasms. I went four times to different ER’s and emergency care. Then “Bam,” I am at the doctors having my mammogram and the technician asks if I am okay. I tell her what I am experiencing, in a very weak voice, with my last breath.  She called another doctor in and they informed me I was having a massive heart attack. I was sent directly to emergency surgery to put in a stent, which they couldn’t get in.

Five weeks later, after more medications, they were successful. I have AIR again. Thank God and the technician that saved my life. Since this time I have been diagnosed with a multitude of other health issues including liver disease. All of my health issues are confirmed to have been caused because I have psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. My psoriasis has inflamed not only my skin and caused lesions but has flared and inflamed my internal organs. I have learned to live my life to be the best it can be. This is why I do not know which cause I should be listed under. Heart disease, liver disease, chronic illness, anklyosing spondilitis, etc. I hope this will help other’s to never give up on finding an answer.

Jackie
Texas
Submitted 10-29-2012

The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

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One comment

  1. Cynthia

    Hi Jackie this did help me a lot. Thanks!
    And I’m in Texas too 🙂

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