A.S. Face 1539: Samantha Cannon
I was diagnosed at age 34, when an infection caused massive widespread inflammation throughout my body, affecting my hips and knees until I couldn’t walk. I spent two weeks in the hospital, and was released with no real explanation for what was happening to me. In comparison to a lot of stories, it didn’t take me very long to get my diagnosis, which is a blessing. I found a fantastic rheumatologist who almost immediately suspected AS. However, it was still about a year before I could begin treatment with methotrexate and Humira. I had a lot of physical therapy and finally was able to ditch the cane and I’m back to walking mostly normally (a little bit of a limp, but I’ll take it!)
The most difficult part for me has been trying to explain AS to others. The name sounds like a toddler made it up and very few people have ever heard of it, so that part is frustrating. But I am very thankful for the supportive people in my life, who are right there for me, even if they can’t pronounce the name of my disease. :)
Georgia, United States of America
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