Hi my name is Lisa. I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis when I was 20 years old I am now 37.
I am living in Northumberland in United Kingdom
Showing posts with label Europe: United Kingdom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Europe: United Kingdom. Show all posts
Sunday, June 12, 2022
Thursday, May 26, 2022
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
Thursday, June 20, 2019
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
My name is Ryan, I am from Warrington England. I am 43 years old and was diagnosed with AS in 2009.
England, United Kingdom
Friday, May 24, 2019
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
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
Thursday, May 23, 2019
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.
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.
Sunday, May 12, 2019
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
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
Saturday, May 4, 2019
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
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
Sunday, April 21, 2019
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
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
Friday, April 19, 2019
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
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
Diagnosed with A.S in 2018 after over 20 years of back pain
Suffolk, United Kingdom
Saturday, April 21, 2018
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
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
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
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!
I’m Abby Fox, diagnosed with AS in 2015, barely just getting by, but trying my best!
Friday, March 23, 2018
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,
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,
Thursday, March 22, 2018
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!
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!
Sunday, March 4, 2018
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
A.S. Face 1967: Teri-lee Milligan
A.S. Face 1967: Teri-lee Milligan
My name is Teri-lee Milligan. I’m am 29 years old. I was diagnosed with AS in October 2016 but had symptoms for at least 17 years. Increasingly getting worse and worse every year. I am a registered nurse and had to leave my job in July 2017. This was devastating as you can imagine, AS has a lot to answer for! I had a complete breakdown and I really wanted to hang my boots up and bow out quietly. Although I’m very lucky in a lot of ways because I have the most amazing family.
My name is Teri-lee Milligan. I’m am 29 years old. I was diagnosed with AS in October 2016 but had symptoms for at least 17 years. Increasingly getting worse and worse every year. I am a registered nurse and had to leave my job in July 2017. This was devastating as you can imagine, AS has a lot to answer for! I had a complete breakdown and I really wanted to hang my boots up and bow out quietly. Although I’m very lucky in a lot of ways because I have the most amazing family.
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
A.S. Face 1945: Nikki Rutter
A.S. Face 1945: Nikki Rutter
I’m Nikki Rutter, a fellow AS suffer all the way from England. I was diagnosed approximately just over 2 1/2 years ago after spending 5 weeks in Hospital, with severe pain between the shoulder blades, struggling to walk ,and unable to use my hands properly, it also was affecting my lungs . It took another 3 months after the onset of my illness for anything to show up on MRI Scans and was unable to get a formal diagnosis till then . I was a bit of a mystery till my formal diagnosis’s, I had lots of tests and even a bone scan, bone biopsy but nothing showed up in the beginning .. To this day I still struggle with my health, I’m currently on Humira and use diet to help .. Thank you for listening to my story ..
I’m Nikki Rutter, a fellow AS suffer all the way from England. I was diagnosed approximately just over 2 1/2 years ago after spending 5 weeks in Hospital, with severe pain between the shoulder blades, struggling to walk ,and unable to use my hands properly, it also was affecting my lungs . It took another 3 months after the onset of my illness for anything to show up on MRI Scans and was unable to get a formal diagnosis till then . I was a bit of a mystery till my formal diagnosis’s, I had lots of tests and even a bone scan, bone biopsy but nothing showed up in the beginning .. To this day I still struggle with my health, I’m currently on Humira and use diet to help .. Thank you for listening to my story ..
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