A Wellness Journey — Lisa Marie Basile

After my diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in 2017, my doctor told me to quit drinking and smoking and to start a decent exercise routine. Then, he basically said, “Go on Humira, and good luck.” I was just…

I’ve noticed lately that public health crises, such as the new coronavirus pandemic, make many people anxious. This is especially true for the immunocompromised, disabled, and chronically ill. Of course, there’s a difference between health anxiety and health…

Look, I get it. You can’t blame people for being curious. It’s hard not to be when someone lives with an incurable — and mostly invisible — disease. I’m not hunched over, and I don’t typically have swollen…

A lot can be said for living intentionally. This is a buzzy phrase that people either seem to scoff at or tune into. I’m aware of its sometimes empty, woo-woo uses, but I believe that it is important —…

Dear newly diagnosed friend, You are now inducted into the ankylosing spondylitis (AS) society. Welcome. You didn’t ask for this and likely have no idea what its perks (or dues) might be. Nonetheless, you are here and so…

I’ve had gut problems for a long time. We’re talking years. When I was a kid, my mom, who was a nursing assistant, helped me when I had tummy aches. My father even brought me to see her at…

When I’m in a flare-up, I sometimes journal about what I feel — especially if I’m feeling vulnerable, weak, sad, or frustrated. I do this because writing is second nature to me (duh!), but also because being aware of…

I rarely meet anyone with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and I almost never meet someone who knows what it is or how to pronounce it. So when I do, it feels extra special. I recently spoke in person with someone…

As we begin a new decade and a new year, I’m trying to focus more on ankylosing spondylitis as a strength rather than a limitation. I’ve always been relatively good at finding the silver lining in hard situations, but…

The past year has been good for me in terms of my ankylosing spondylitis. Just saying that out loud makes me wonder if I’m jinxing it. But the fact is that it was a good year. I was very…

I’ve kept this column positive for a while now, not only for you, my readers, but also for myself. If I keep my head up and find the wisdom beneath the trauma, then all will be well. Most of…