A.S. Face 0978: Nancy

A.S. Face 0978: Nancy

I am Nancy, from Canada.
I am suffering from AS ever since I was 17. It started with intestine problems. I was diagnosed at 35, when I had uveitis : my doctor finally found with this piece of puzzle.
I was having such a hard time walking that I had to use a cane from age 22 to 29. Then it got worse and worse: difficulty with breathing, rib cage compression, shoulders… I slept for about 6 years only for 2 hours in bed and the “rest” of the night ( 2 or 3 hours) sitting almost straight.
I thought about suicide so many times.
One thing that saved me is that I kept moving. I continued working ( I am a hydraulic hose specialist so I work physically, which was challenging and painful but it was the thing to do and I didn’t know it then but I was poor so I had to survive) 40 to 50 hours a week.
I gained weight and I decided to walk : another good move that helped me. After a couple of months walking every day, I started not to need my cane anymore. I walked further, faster. I got better. Then I decided to go to the gym : the rib cage, shoulders, back and hip pain was vanishing slowly. Then I had uveitis and it is chronic so I lost sight to my left eye.
Then I decided to go further : get rid of the stress. It was obvious for me that stress was making me sick. Almost 2 years ago I started yoga and meditating on a daily basis. It did miracles ! I am 43 now and I run 5 to 6 KM every 2 mornings, I walk 5 to 10 km every 2 other morning. I go to the gym 3-5 times a week to get those muscles strong; Add yoga and meditation, yes indeed, this is a lot of time in my schedule but it gave me back not only my life : I have never felt this healthy in my entire life. Or maybe when I was a kid.
Keep moving and enjoy what you have. The rest might come by itself, naturally. Keep moving.
Quebec, Canada