A.S. Face 0180: Merritt Gregg
My name is Merritt Gregg from Columbia, SC and I was diagnosed with AS at the age of 20, now 30. After being on several NSAIDS (some of which helped but taken off the market) I am currently being treated with Remicade IV infusions every 2 months. This treatment has been working for me for the most part, but I have my bad days as others do. Somedays I struggle with the simplest tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, bending over, lifting heavy items and I can’t remember the last time I ran. I mean just ran (not just for exercise) but for fun or whatever reason. However, I find that I have the most trouble with AS when I’m trying to relax, but keeping an upright posture has always seemed to alleviate some of my pain. I try to make it a priority (ex. in bed reading, eating at the dinner table, watching a movie). I’ve been working in healthcare for almost 10 years now, so whenever others at work see me limping, (sometimes with both legs) lets just say thats never a brief conversation.
I have a general idea of what AS is, but have not looked into it further (maybe) because I’d be afraid of how my life will be projected when I’m older. I don’t know if it’s a hereditary case for me, unless it’s a distant relative, but somehow I wound up with the diagnosis and will deal with it.I married my best friend and am a proud father of a wonderful daughter and another on the way this coming August! I love reading, taking walks, working with computers, time with family and friends and am a movie fanatic.
Thank you all for your support to one another with this debilitating condition and I am privileged to be part of this group. God Bless you all.
Columbia, South Carolina United States of America
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