Hello to the group and fellow AS friends. I am Gary and I live in Virginia in the states. I am currently 68 years old and was diagnosed with AS when I was 18. I was lucky to be diagnosed as young as I was by a relatively young, right out of med school internet.
Throughout my life I have been able to hold down an office job as Payroll Head for a little over 40 years. I was so fortunate to have caring bosses who worked with me during my very low times. Throughout those years I missed a lot of work days with my flares and a few surgeries. I retired 4 years ago and have been trying to keep as active as I can.
My neck, left ankle, right wrist and the bottom part of my spine are fused either naturally or surgically.
starting when I was 18 I was on NSAIDS until 2011 when I went into kidney failure. At that point I found I was stage 3A CKD. At that point I was taken off all NSAIDS and placed in biological. I was also put on different pain pills which just took the edge off of the pain. I am currently on Enbrel and Hydrocodone along with a muscle relaxer, Flexeril at night.
Just in the last two years I have started using canes and walkers to get around. I must say that took a lot to put my pride aside and use what I have to just to get around and stay active as I can be.
I was married for 29 of those years but sad to say my ex could no longer handle the stress of my AS on her. I have two wonderful sons and Daughters in law who are very supportive. I also have been blessed with 4 grandchildren.
Thanks to all the AS support groups on Facebook for their help and support!
Virginia, United States of America
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