A.S. Face 2209: Ian Tait

 A.S. Face 2209: Ian Tait

I’m Ian Tait, I’m 54 and I live in the Orkney Islands in the far north of Scotland.

I was diagnosed with AS when I was 21. I worked in the electricity industry as a metering electrician with SSE for 24 years. In 2009 my neck fusion had become so bad that my driving license was suspended. SSE treated me very badly. I was told to sit in a small office and “find something to do” until they decided what to do with me. I sat in that room for 10 months before I finally broke down and sought legal advice. Within 24 hours I was pensioned off on a medical pension.

3 years earlier I had taken over our family farm from my parents. I was struggling to manage the farm and had a large overdraft to service. It was a dark time for me.

Humira changed my life. I’ve taken it since 2010 and now run not one but 4 farms alongside my daughter and her partner.

In 2016 my wife of 23 years left. We spent 3 years in court where she tried and almost succeeded in taking the farm from me . I didn’t see my then teenage children for 3 years during this time and my then wife repeatedly told the court that she knew nothing about me having AS.

By the end of the court proceedings she was telling the court how my illness had ruined her life!

I kept the farm and the children now live with me. It was a terrible time for us all but I’m now in reasonably good health. I work a part time job as well as the farms.

Never give up!

Orkney Islands, Scotland, United Kingdom

A.S. Face 2192: Léane Ferdant

A.S. Face 2192: Léane Ferdant



Bonjour ! Je suis française et j’habite à Strasbourg. Mon nom est Léane Ferdant, j’ai été diagnostiqué en 2015.

J’ai pourtant mal depuis mes 12 ans mais on me disait que c’était à cause de ma croissance, que je portais un sac d’école trop lourd ou que je me tenais pas droite. Ça a été l’enfer pendant des années alors et mon médecin traitant ne me prenait pas au sérieux.
Finalement, quand il a vu que cela ne s’arrangeait pas même avec des séances de kinésithérapie et des anti-inflammatoires il m’a transféré chez un rhumatologue qui m’a tout de suite trouvé ce qui n’allait pas après avoir passé des examens!
Je suis touchée principalement aux sacro-illiaques mais aussi au thorax, aux doigts et à une épaule.
Je suis sous cimzia. Les anti-inflammatoires qu’on m’avais prescrit au début m’ont fait plus de mal que de bien = gastrite chronique.

Cela va un peu mieux maintenant par rapport au début.
Bonne journée !
Hello ! I am French and I live in Strasbourg. My name is Léane Ferdant, I was diagnosed in 2015. I have been struggling since I was 12, but I was told that it was because of my growth, that I was carrying a school bag that was too heavy or that I was not standing erect. It was hell for years then and my GP did not take me seriously. Finally, when he saw that it did not work out even with physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory sessions he transferred me to a rheumatologist who immediately found me what was wrong after having spent exams! I am affected mainly to the sacro-illiaques but also to the thorax, to the fingers and to a shoulder. I am under cimzia. The anti-inflammatories that I had been prescribed at the beginning did me more harm than good = chronic gastritis. It’s a little better now compared to the beginning. Have a good day ! France, Europe

A.S. Face 2184: J. N.

A.S. Face 2184: J. N.

A.S. Face 2183: Ryan Maxwell

A.S. Face 2183: Ryan Maxwell



My name is Ryan, I am from Warrington England. I am 43 years old and was diagnosed with AS in 2009.

England, United Kingdom

A.S. Face 2161: Steve

A.S. Face 2161: Steve



My names is Steve, I’m 58, and I live on the South Coast of England. I’ve had AS 35 years now. I am a Builder, and I firmly believe because my job is very Physical, that the Physical side has helped with my Mobility. Like all of us, I do have bad days, but “Pop” a med pill, and Solder on. The little girl in the picture is my Surprise daughter when i was 50.
She is my Sun Light..

England, United Kingdom

A.S. Face 2160: Claire Coleman

A.S. Face 2160: Claire Coleman

 
Hi my name is Claire Coleman, I am a 44 year old married mum of 3.
I have just recently been diagnosed with AS after years of back pain, digestive issues and uveitis.
I hadn’t even heard of ankylosing spondylitis before, yet it’s surprising how many people actually have it. More awareness of this condition is definitely needed.

A.S. Face 2156: Alexandre

A.S. Face 2156: Alexandre



Celle-ci a seulement été diagnostiquée en juillet 2017 après de longs mois d’attente.

Aujourd’hui, je suis étudiant analyste programmeur en dernière année. Les études sont très difficiles à associer avec les douleurs, mais j’y arrive comme je peux.

Je fais partie d’une association de patient belge, « Arthrites ». Celle-ci m’aide beaucoup. Les membres sont vraiment très accueillant et à l’écoute des autres membres qui ont besoin.

Mon souhait pour le futur serait de trouver des traitements encore plus efficaces que ceux existants et que les douleurs soient moins intenses pour nous tous.

Avec amitié,

Alexandre

I have an ankylosing spondylitis for july 2017.
I am Alexandre, I am 21 years old and I have ankylosing spondylitis since I was 16 years old. It was only diagnosed in July 2017 after long months of waiting.

Today, I am a student analyst programmer in the last year. Studies are very difficult to associate with pain, but I get there as I can.

I am part of a Belgian patient association, “Arthrites”. This one helps me a lot. The members are really very welcoming and attentive to other members who need.

My wish for the future would be to find treatments that are even more effective than existing ones and that the pain is less intense for all of us.

With friendship,

Alexander

A.S. Face 2153: Lauren

A.S. Face 2153: Lauren



My name’s Lauren and I live in London. I’m 26 and I’m an editor for a global mobility company. I was diagnosed with AS when I was 21, but I’ve had it since I was around 13 (I’m pretty sure). I first noticed something was wrong when I had sciatica, and a lot of pain in my hip and lower back. I thought I’d slipped a disc – how lucky I would’ve been if that had been the case. Two MRIs, a consultation and mobility check later, and I was diagnosed.

I try to be as active as possible, but my soreness and stiffness gets in the way a lot, which is frustrating. I don’t think I’ve fully come to terms with my diagnosis, or what it means for the future, but I’m going to just take each day as it comes.

I’ve recently started a diet and exercise plan, which has been successful so far. I have to modify some of the exercises, but that’s okay. I’ll just keep pushing until I get the results I want.

I would really love to get to know others with AS. It can be very lonely, as it’s not a well known disease. Hopefully I can connect with others in a similar situation, and we can help each other through the hard times, and celebrate the small triumphs.

England, United Kingdom

A.S. Face 2148: Aroona

A.S. Face 2148: Aroona



My name is Aroona and I have AS (diagnosed 2014, aged 44 at the time), I live in Belfast, though was raised in Australia. I volunteer to keep the social media going for our NASS BELFAST BRANCH @BelfastNass which is an official branch of NASS http://www.nass.co.uk

Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

A.S. Face 2138: Terji Beder

A.S. Face 2138: Terji Beder


After being diagnosed with AS in January 2017 it took me 23 months to experience my first moment without pain. It only lasted for about four hours and then the pain took off again.

I think it is very important to spread awareness of AS so that people get a better understanding of what the situation is with us AS sufferers. I am therefore always trying to be as open as possible regarding my condition.

Even though I live with this pain every day I find it impossible to explain to people how I feel. I somehow can’t express what I’m feeling in my own words. So instead I draw and write poetry to express what mere words can’t grasp which also serves as self-therapy channeling my madness.

On April 15th we saw the burning of the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. While watching this tragedy on television these few words hit me which might be relatable of some of you readers. I hope you enjoy the poem.

All the best, Terji Beder, the Faroe Islands

If you are curious about my pretty dark drawings hit me up on Instagram at terjibeder

A.S. Face 2123: Amelia

A.S. Face 2123: Amelia



My name is Amelia and I am 51, I was diagnosed with AS five years ago after a massive flare that lasted from August 2013 to April 2014 though I have had symptoms since I was 15 yrs old
I am very resilient and independent which means I keep smiling and don’t give up even when the exhaustion means I can’t think , speak or put one foot in front of the other. I just think there are other people who are worse off than me so I just keep smiling.
Swansea, South Wales, United Kingdom

A.S. Face 2117: Melissa

A.S. Face 2117: Melissa



I am a 34 year old mum of two and I have AS.

A.S. Face 2114: Samantha

A.S. Face 2114: Samantha



My name is Samantha. I’m 37 years old was recently diagnosed with AS, however I’m pretty sure I’ve had it for about 15 years. I’m positive and happy, and AS has given me the excuse to rest every once in a while, and be okay with pain sometimes. (I hate pain)!

I’m getting married in August to the love of my life

A.S. Face 2111: Catarina Almeida

A.S. Face 2111: Catarina Almeida



My name is Catarina Almeida, I am 37 years old and live in Portugal. I was diagnosed about 6 years ago with AS.

I had my first child 16 months ago and it’s amazing how my body reacted well! I leave here a word of hope to all who wish to achieve the same. Do not be afraid. Go ahead! Yoga, Pilates and an essentially vegetarian, glúten-free and lactose-free diet have helped me to decrease inflammation. Good luck to you all on our journey!

Portugal, Europe

A.S. Face 2110: Kate Brooke

A.S. Face 2110: Kate Brooke


Diagnosed with A.S in 2018 after over 20 years of back pain

Suffolk, United Kingdom

A.S. Face 2086: Jason

A.S. Face 2086: Jason





Hi all, I’m Jason I’m 43 and I come from Huddersfield England. As you can see from my photo’s I am a massive fan of my hometown team Huddersfield Town who play in the premier league and also Manchester United. I was first diagnosed with AS in my late twenties but have had it since birth. The symptoms came to light after a football injury to the eye, I also suffer from Iritis in both eyes. I have been pretty lucky with medication as I have one injection per week which leaves me pain free, I have read stories from other sufferers who say they are in constant pain which makes me angry as medication for this condition should be free and available to all, without it I would be a young man trapped in what would feel like a very old mans body. It’s good to be able to talk to fellow sufferers as you guys know what battles we go through, I have never met anyone with AS so this group is worth its weight in gold.

Many thanks
Jason.

England, United Kingdom

A.S. Face 2071: Abby Fox

A.S. Face 2071: Abby Fox



I’m Abby Fox, diagnosed with AS in 2015, barely just getting by, but trying my best!

A.S. Face 2061: Annette Reid

A.S. Face 2061: Annette Reid



My Story

Hi there, my name is Annette and I to am an AS warrior. My journey began about 10 years ago with what I thought was just the start of the usual little niggles that begin in your 30’s. How wrong was I! I slowly went from being a fun-loving, active mother of two lovely boys to an exhausted, irritable and scared-out-of-my-mind shell of a person. After countless hospitalizations, specialists and ineffective treatments, I was finally diagnosed with AS 4 years ago. Boy was it a relief to finally have a name for my pain… I wasn’t going crazy… it wasn’t all in my head!
It’s been a long road but I’ve found my way back to being me…. a different version but me all the same. I’ve lost a lot along the way…. friends, my job, an inch off my height, but I’ve gained a lot too… new, more understanding friends, a more fulfilling job and a couple of inches on my waist (you have to laugh)! I’ve also picked up a few extra conditions since I started this journey… all AS-related and funnily enough, always starting in September! My Husband and I have a bet every year to see who guesses the next one correctly… so far I’m winning… yay!

What I’ve learned along the way…. Life has a way of working out. It may not always take you in the direction you plan on but that doesn’t mean you are lost. It just means you need to get out your map and find a different road. Just remember to pack your meds and heat pads in the trunk!

Annette Reid
Portarlington
Ireland,

A.S. Face 2059: Tracy Halls

A.S. Face 2059: Tracy Halls



My name is Tracy Halls I’m 34, married to an amazing man who I’ve been with since I was 16 and we three children ages 15, 12 and 9!
I enjoy fishing both sea and lake fishing, photography and arts and crafts! I am a trained car mechanic but can no longer do that due to the AS but still help to keep the family car on the road when I’m able to.
I’ve been diagnosed with AS for about 5 years but have had symptoms for many years before that diagnosis. I was passed through various departments in the hospital and had various wrong diagnosis before I got diagnosed AS along with a few additional issues diagnosed!
I have been treated with etoricoxib and co-codamol since first being diagnosed but these are no longer effective and I’m now awaiting my latest MRI and blood work results and have to make the daunting decision of if I should start biologicals or not.
I try not to let my AS win and make as many memories with my husband and children as I can!

A.S. Face 2047: ΤΑΝΙΑ ΚΑΤΣΑΝΗ “Tania Katsani”

A.S. Face 2047: ΤΑΝΙΑ ΚΑΤΣΑΝΗ “Tania Katsani”






My name is Tania Katsani, I am 35 years old, suffering from AS since my early 20s, diagnosed at 30. I try to stay positive even in the worst days. Being able to smile and helping others, plus searching and looking for every new development in our chronic disease is the key for me for a fulfilling life. Sometimes I feel desperate when I realize that my life seems to be a perpetual trip from a doctor to another, from a medicine to another. It’s very difficult to realize how unrealistic is a trip or a visit to a museum due to reduced mobility. But I have also been blessed with meeting with wonderful people that help me and care about me unconditionally.  I m learning my limits, I am learning how to fight-  I keep fighting every day! That’s a thing, isn’t it?

ΤΑΝΙΑ ΚΑΤΣΑΝΗ
Greece, Europe