This Beautiful Documentary Does Justice to Those with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Lisa Marie Basile avatar

by Lisa Marie Basile |

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When I search for “autoimmune disease” or “immune-mediated disease” on YouTube, I get a lot of results, but very few of them are about ankylosing spondylitis (AS). It’s disappointing that so few videos are made by people with AS. I’m looking for someone to connect with, who understands, and who has a personality. Something real.

Most of the AS videos I’ve found are from a doctor’s point of view, are stretch- or exercise-related, are not appropriate for everyone with the disease, or are from the perspective of someone who has magically “cured” their AS. Some of these cures are straight-up ridiculous, while others are a super-secret protocol that requires you to sign up with a life coach to learn more.

However, a few great video resources are from people who showcase real life with AS. One of these is the beautifully made documentary, “In My Bones,” directed by Sophie Ibbotson, whose father was diagnosed with AS later in life.

The documentary delves into the diagnosis process, including misdiagnoses and reluctance by doctors to provide a rheumatologist’s referral. It reveals the debilitating, sad, and frustrating process of chronic pain, job loss, and grief that comes with a diagnosis. While this was hard to watch, I was deeply appreciative to see the scope of truth and vulnerability.

One of the quotes broke my heart:

“You lose so many of your friends. It’s not that they don’t understand. It’s that you can be OK one day but then not OK the following day. And you have to tell people you can’t go. You’ve made plans, and you’re having to let people down. In the end, they just stop asking you. … It’s a cruel disease, horrible.”

The film’s subjects range in age, background, fitness level, and health, which gives viewers a well-rounded view of how AS affects people’s daily lives. Some can still move and play sports, while for others, little things such as getting up and making coffee can be challenging. The documentary looks at medications and side effects, too.

Instead of AS being reduced to “back pain” (which we know isn’t the case!), the subjects open up about the mental health problems as well the joint, skin, eye, and digestive issues that accompany the disease.

And while the documentary is profoundly deep and dark, it ends on a positive note. It acknowledges the grief process and highlights the importance of not giving up. As one person says:

“You’re grieving for the life that you’ve lost. The process is numbness and shock, then anger, depression, guilt, bargaining, then acceptance. And acceptance isn’t just lying down and being a victim. It’s saying, ‘This is the way the world is but I’m not going to leave the world like that, I’m going to do something about it.'”

It was deeply heartening to hear people talk so intimately and with such great detail about my disease. It’s like I had suddenly heard someone speaking my language — our language. And I appreciate that because it’s easy to feel alone with AS.

I recommend watching the documentary. Let me know your thoughts by tweeting me, following me on Instagram, or leaving a comment below.

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Note: Ankylosing Spondylitis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Ankylosing Spondylitis News, or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to ankylosing spondylitis.

Comments

Tom in South Jersey avatar

Tom in South Jersey

Wow, that was powerful. Been there, done that, twice. I'm 55 and was diagnosed last year, but first experienced back and neck problems in my 20s. Was very active and school athletics, military and then as a fire fighter. Over time arthritis began to attack other areas and my level of activity began to decline. Getting up out of bed is always the hardest. That first long walk to the coffee maker.

However my wife developed Sjogren's and Hashimotos in her 20s and was diagnosed in her 30s. So while I was chalking my problems up to aging and having been rough on my body, we were focused on her as even today the progression of her illness has been far worse than mine. We are blessed to have each other, but we did find that our circle of friends and family slowly shrink and disappear. Very few understand.

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Chris avatar

Chris

Thank you for sharing this! Sometimes I'm not as good at communicating my disease to others as I'd like to be. This should help.

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Gilbert Satchell avatar

Gilbert Satchell

Today, 3-25-19, I got the results of an MRI of my neck and upper body. One result was bone marrow edema. I did a search and found this site. I have many issues with my spine and had a diagnosis of spondylosis before. I understand there is a difference but am unsure what it is. That being said, I have complained of fatigue for many years and the Doc's just shrug their shoulders or when I complain of feeling like I'm be crushed. I am taking opioids and Meloxicam and the Meloxicam has been a big help. One other result of the MRI is that my neck is loosing it's curve. I have been getting injections into my low back with mixed results. I may not have AS but I can relate to so much in this video it shocked me. The fatigue, the pain, the loss of life, people here are telling my story and at 68 years of age it is refreshing because no one else has. Thank you for this video and this site.

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Elizabeth avatar

Elizabeth

I’ve just discovered this video and am going to watch to tonight after my toddler goes to sleep. I’ve been diagnosed and being treated a couple years now with AS along with RA and MCTD where more so lately having stronger symptoms of lupus. I’m a cluster of problems but thankful after the long search for my rheumatologist. I’m 34 years old. Been suffering since 20. Blaming my physical job or my shoulder surgery etc...it’s such a weird disease to figure out especially when partnered by others. My husband has epilepsy and ptsd from it and can barely ride in a car. We are battling these problems together and trying to make the best of it. So good to be able to talk about it with people who ACTUALLY understand. That’s a huge thing for me. Most don’t get it. At all. I’ve had many new experiences because of this, good and bad. And to all of you, I get it. We can only do our best. And that’s good enough.

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Wigi avatar

Wigi

I just wanted to post this. I am exploring areas of neuro science as a lay person. Next month I start a course in neurobiology. I have been seeing a lot of interest in the world of neuroscience in Meditation. Especially from the 50 years studies of Prof Emiratus of medicine at Masschusetts School of Medicine, Dr John Kabat Zinn.
Meditation never hurt anyone. With daily practice it could help with pain relief and a sense of lighter space in life .

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