A.S. Face 0017: Deanna Schmidt

A.S. Face 0017 : Deanna Schmidt

Hi, my name is Deanna Schmidt and I was diagnosed with A.S. in December 1996 at the age of 27. At that time I was in the Military and after years of back pain was so glad to finally be diagnosed with an actual medical problem. Unfortunately I was unaware at the time that A.S. would lead me to being medically released 4 years later. Luckily I met a wonderful man in 1998 and we have been with each other ever since. After I was released I worked as a Graphic Designer for 4 years and in 2004 I was blessed by finally getting pregnant.  It was a high risk pregnancy that resulted in an emergency C-Section but she is as healthy as her Father, thankfully.  I’ve been a stay a home Mom for 6 years, which has been difficult because of AS but also because my Husband is in the Military and away a lot.  But I try my best to look after our daughter and the house.  Originally I was supposed to go back to work once she started school full-time but I have recently applied for disability through CPP because I have 3 medical problems and I honestly can not work even at a desk for more than an hour now.  My AS is now advanced, my SI joints are fused and I have kyphosis posture.  I also had a perforated ileum and received a Rt. Hemicolectomy due to Crohns and I also have Meniere’s which is very active.  Oh and I can’t forget iritis, luckily I haven’t had to deal with that in over a year!  I am currently on Humira, I don’t feel any better, in fact I’m more tired now if that is even possible.  Most days I feel so bitter and depressed but then I realize how lucky I am to be married to a wonderful man and that we have a wonderful and healthy little girl who really keeps me going in life

Brandon, Manitoba, Canada