A.S. Face 1589: Shayna Riddle

A.S. Face 1589: Shayna Riddle

My name is Shayna Riddle and I am from Michigan.  I recently turned 18 and am looking forward to graduating high school in just a few short months!  I was officially diagnosed a little over a year ago with Ankykosing Spondylitis with secondary enthestitis complicated by hypermobility syndrome.  I have suffered from joint pain for years, but the last three years have been especially tough.  The severity of the hip and low back pain has become pretty intense as well as my elbows and ankles.  I have undergone three major joint surgeries trying to repair damage from this disease.   I can remember as a young child waking up in the night unable to move. This continues to this day.   My treatment plan is weekly shots of Humira, daily diclofenec, and whole body physical therapy.  I have found massage therapy takes the edge off a little.  At times I will receive injections in my back to help with the pain and inflammation.  I have always been an athlete.  I think the most difficult part in all of this was learning that my body no longer worked the way I was used to it working….the way I want it to work.    I have had some fusion in my spine and I can no longer run or jump as I did when I was younger.  I try to remain as active as I can.  The exhaustion sometimes takes over.  I have an amazing support team in my family and I have friends that have really stood by me through all of this.  God is good and I am hopeful I will be able to leave for college in the Fall with a plan to stay as healthy and active as I can for as long as I can.  I am thankful for this website and for others who truly understand the debilitating effects of this disease.  May you all be blessed on your individual journeys.