A.S. Face 1835: Gordon Baldry
I’m Gordon 48 years old and Happily married to Donna for over 24 years we have two sons an English bull terrier called Daisy a crazy cat called Mitzi and two budgies Ronnie and Reggie in 2010 My life was turned upside down when I became sick and was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis or AS for short its a debilitating disease with no known cure at present It’s a painful, progressive form of inflammatory arthritis. It mainly affects my neck and spine and has led to fusion my posture has also been effected it can affect other joints, tendons and ligaments. My mobility has been effected and I suffer with Chronic or long term fatigue every day being left in pain and stiffness This can make lifting, walking, and sitting an excruciating ordeal. Since so many muscles place stress on the spine when they operate, simple activities such as going to the bathroom, coughing, laughing, and even breathing may sometimes be intolerable Biologic medication painkillers and morphine are my only option along with countless other drugs taken daily to try and slow down the progression of the disease Myself and Donna have become regular visitors to the Rheumatology department of the Norfolk and Norwich university Hospital for various check ups and tests over the years they have been fantastic and with out them and the biologic drugs my life would have been even more painful and unbearable I’m so glad that I have the support of my family and friends but I’m also scared of what the future may hold living with AS From time to time I think the greatest worry I might have is that in two or three or even 5 years time I might not do the things I enjoy and I’m capable of doing now That’s what makes me fear my future living with AS But we have to keep smiling and try to stand tall !!
I’m Gordon 48 years old and Happily married to Donna for over 24 years we have two sons an English bull terrier called Daisy a crazy cat called Mitzi and two budgies Ronnie and Reggie in 2010 My life was turned upside down when I became sick and was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis or AS for short its a debilitating disease with no known cure at present It’s a painful, progressive form of inflammatory arthritis. It mainly affects my neck and spine and has led to fusion my posture has also been effected it can affect other joints, tendons and ligaments. My mobility has been effected and I suffer with Chronic or long term fatigue every day being left in pain and stiffness This can make lifting, walking, and sitting an excruciating ordeal. Since so many muscles place stress on the spine when they operate, simple activities such as going to the bathroom, coughing, laughing, and even breathing may sometimes be intolerable Biologic medication painkillers and morphine are my only option along with countless other drugs taken daily to try and slow down the progression of the disease Myself and Donna have become regular visitors to the Rheumatology department of the Norfolk and Norwich university Hospital for various check ups and tests over the years they have been fantastic and with out them and the biologic drugs my life would have been even more painful and unbearable I’m so glad that I have the support of my family and friends but I’m also scared of what the future may hold living with AS From time to time I think the greatest worry I might have is that in two or three or even 5 years time I might not do the things I enjoy and I’m capable of doing now That’s what makes me fear my future living with AS But we have to keep smiling and try to stand tall !!
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