Hi, my name is Jessica. I am 17 years old, and I have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis.
I am the forth generation to have A.S in my family. My great grandfather had to be wheelchair bound before he died. His daughter (my grandmother) had surgery on both knees and on one of her shoulders. My father also has A.S (grandmother’s son). His neck and spine are fused together, he can hardly move his neck. His condition is not stopping him from working or finding work everyday. My father does construction, so no matter how much he hurts he will keep going to support the family.
Now for myself, I’ve been diagnosed for a couple of months. I am going through the first stages, such as pain and stiffness. Last week I had an x-ray, and the results showed that my hips are fusing together. It is really sad because when I get older and get married (depending how my joints are) I might not be able to have a child. I know that I have a long road ahead of me before that time, so let the A.S. journey begin.
I am ready to FIGHT LIKE A GIRL.
Jessica M
Tennessee
Submitted 5-19-2012
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.
