A.S. Face 0795: Colin Misconstrued
My name is Colin Misconstrued (yes it’s my real name) and I am from Kansas City. I was diagnosed with A.S. last December. I’ve had psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis for probably 8 years, but nobody ever put the two together. I was probably 8 or 9 when I started complaining about joint pain. It started in my knees, shoulders, and neck. The often response was that it was growing pains and that I should just push on. I’ve had a problem with a stiff neck and migraines ever since. The final straw was last fall when I got so bad, I could barely walk. I finally found a pcp that I liked and was referred to see a rhumotologist. That was the turning point in what would become the rest of my life!
Armed with the knowledge of what is wrong with me, I can move forward fighting my A.S., with more than just luck. I’m changing my diet to a more paleo approach and it seems to at least improve my stamina. I’m not one for taking a lot of pills and can’t really afford the biologics, so I decided to start with the things I can control. My wife has narcolepsy, and together we rely on each other for a lot. I am always looking to connect with fellow spondies, for they can truly understand what my challenges are.
I am very much an adventurer and avid extreme sport junky, which I fortunately get to enjoy with my wife. I figure what the hell, it’s the only chance I get to enjoy this life! I can’t say that my A.S. doesn’t drag me down at times, which is usually the most in opportune moments. I always seem to pull through and live to fight another day….stay strong my fellow Spondies, there is hope out there for all of us!
Kansas, United States of America
No comments:
Post a Comment