How I balance work and ankylosing spondylitis management
2 years after switching jobs, a columnist shares what's working — and what isn't
In November 2022, after a tearful Minion-themed goodbye party, I did what I thought was the best model for my seventh graders: I told them I needed to put my health first. I resigned from my position as a full-time special education teacher in a middle school and switched to a hybrid role working as a program manager at an education nonprofit.
A big catalyst for this change was that I’d found it impossible to manage my ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and everything that came with it while working as a teacher. Between frequent doctor appointments, monthly infusions of my medication at the time, daily aches, and vulnerability to getting sick at school, I felt that there were too many variables to contain while being expected to give my all to my students.
The switch to a hybrid position allowed me to take better control of my AS management, which was not only important to being able to carry out my job, but also to living my life.
Now, I work partly from home, which gives me more flexibility to go to the doctor when needed and to respond acutely to the symptoms of my disease. Since switching to my new position, I’ve learned some tips and tricks to help me manage AS on the job.
What works for me
Standing desk: This item is one of the things that’s helped me the most. With sacroiliitis, sitting can get uncomfortable pretty quickly. Using a standing desk allows me to switch positions frequently and stand during meetings for extended periods of time.
Stretching: In between meetings, to keep my joints loose, I roll out my yoga mat and stretch. My favorites include the bridge, downward dog, and child’s pose. Usually I’m the most stiff in the morning and at the end of the day, so I try to incorporate longer sessions after I get up and just before I go to bed.
Afternoon walks: I try to go for a walk every day. When I have time, I like to go for longer walks near the water, which gives my brain a mental break and my spine a physical one. Even if I’m in the middle of a flare, I’ve found that even a 20-minute walk helps to break up stiffness and alleviate some of my pain.
What I’m still working on
For many people, AS is considered an invisible illness, so getting accommodations or taking time off to manage symptoms often requires explaining your disease to others. Talking about your illness with colleagues or bosses can be challenging, especially if you’re new to a job and feel unsure about how they’ll respond.
I’ve recently been tasked with assignments that require me to work late hours and be on the go for extended periods of time. I haven’t been able to go for my daily walks as often, and I haven’t had much time to stretch or do my maintenance exercises. While it’s been OK in the short term, this pattern isn’t a work style I can sustain for a long period.
Just as I explained to my middle school students two years ago, putting my health first is essential for managing this disease. As I look ahead to the upcoming school year, self-advocacy, a manageable work style, and necessary support and accommodations are things I’ll continue to work on and speak up about.
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, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to ankylosing spondylitis.
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