A.S. Face 0191: Tia

A.S. Face 0191: Tia

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My name is Tia.

I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondyltis in 2000 when I was 40 years old. I have had lower back & bilateral hip pain for many years though…probably since I was in my early 20′s. Trying to function & working is a challenge, especially during a flare-up…when the pain in my joints is exacerbated. There is no rhyme or reason to when this disease flares up but when it does, a flare for me can last a few days or a few weeks or a few months, the worst thing is the fatigue. I’ve tried many medications, pills & injections, to control the pain and inflammation. Nothing seems to help for long and there is no cure that I know of. At the time of this writing, I’m feeling fairly well taking only two Aleve, two 5 mg. Valium twice a day with Norco and Prednizone as needed. This disease has the capability of robbing one of a normal life. I don’t have a very severe degree of it but during flares it has screwed up my work and social life on too many occasions. I think that’s the part that frustrates me the most, not that I have pain but that I give into the pain and let it stop my living.

Life does go on though. Thank God for all the good things on which to focus.

Take care & count your blessings!